Any behavior that draws attention of any kind will be repeated. Don't expect more from the child than you expect from yourself. Don't act as if the child did something on purpose when, in fact, it was an accident. Embarrassment and humilation do not encourage fewer accidents. Listen to your child's feelings.
Feelings are more important than the events and circumstances that are responsible for the feelings.
Trust your child to solve his or her own problems and learn from their own mistakes. Such lessons are learned faster and the results last a lifetime. Talking Mistakes Typical parenting language causes problems. Don't ask a child if he did something wrong when in fact you know that he did. This encourages children to lie.