Here are a few other ways that heart connections can be made:

1.  Set guidelines.  Let them know what you expect and what the consequences are when they disobey.  Then be consistent.  It helps the child and it helps you when you want to blow-up in anger.  This should also eliminate some of the shouting, yelling, and sarcasm on your part that can break down the connection between your heart and your child's heart.

2.  Spend time with them.  In order to develop heart connections, time must be spent getting to know each other.

3.  Maximize the potential of your words.  Our words have the power of life or death according to Proverbs 18:21 so use them wisely.  Be encouraging instead of critical.  Focus on the positive instead of the negative.