Dr. Thompson warns parents about meddling in their children's social lives. Instead, he encourages them to be involved, to listen to their children and to have compassion for their social issues. And parents should recognize that their own past social experiences can impact their children's social success.

• Don't assume your children are having the same problems that you had as a child.
• Realize that your own fears for your children are not necessarily their fears.
• Don't "interview" for pain by asking questions like, "Who was mean to you today?" Instead, ask, "Who did you talk to today?"
• Check with other parents who see your child in action to get a sense of how he or she behaves outside of the home.
• If your child is popular, educate him or her on how to be a good leader.