When used properly and healthily, practicing tough love is good. If, however, its being used to manipulate, control, or for non-serious or non-harmful things like wanting your child to dress differently, tough love is bad. It serves to harm rather than help relationships.

Does tough love actually work?

While tough love may appear to be effective in the short-term, it can actually worsen the condition and lead to dangerous relapses later on. Tough love can refer to a positive approach to parenting in which the child learns valuable lessons in a way that is supportive and preserves the dignity of the child.