Appropriate age group(s):
10 and up

Description of technique:
You should understand what is embarrassing to your kid. When kids are 5, they don't care if you call them 'sweetie pie' but, like 5 or 6 years later, they might not like being called that, especially in front of friends. You should understand when your kid is growing up. If they don't want to play with Barbies anymore, they are too old. Also, I think parents should not be too ridiculous about what their kids watch. If they are not allowed to watch PG-13 movies when they are in 7th grade, you should know it's not going to corrupt their soul, and they are old enough. I'm NOT saying let your kids watch R rated movies at 3, or drink beer, but treat them their age.