Making your point without arguing

Courtesy of the American Counseling Association

We all face problems that crop up again and again. Most of us have probably yelled, "How many times have I told you?" and yet the behavior that drives us crazy continues to occur.

The reason for our frustration may be that we talk when we really ought to be acting. You've heard the expression "Actions speak louder than words," and in our personal relationships that often can be true.

For example, perhaps there's a toddler in your house who thinks dinner time is a perfect time to play with his food rather than eat it, no matter how many times you...