Pages:  207 pages

"For the most part, parenting is something we just do, without really giving it much thought," says Laurence Steinberg, one of the country's most distinguished psychologists. Most of us parent by instinct, he says, but with a better understanding of what works when you parent, and why, your instincts will get better and so will your ability to cope with the unique challenges -- and joys -- of being a parent. Over his three decades of research on children and families, Dr. Steinberg noticed that the scientific evidence linking certain principles of parenting to healthy child development was so clear and consistent that these same principles could be applied universally, regardless of a family's income, race, or single- or two-parent status. He distilled these fundamentals into ten principles, and in The Ten Basic Principles of Good Parenting, he shows how they can help to sustain parents as they raise their children from infancy to adolescence. These principles articulate a philosophy of parenting -- a style of parenting -- and so they work whether parents are faced with a screaming toddler or a rebellious teen.

Dr. Steinberg explains and illustrates each principle with anecdotes and examples, from "What You Do Matters" (parents make an enormous difference; children are not simply the product of their genes) to "Establish Rules and Set Limits" (how to provide structure in your child's life, and how to handle conflicts over rules) and "Help Foster Your Child's Independence" (help your child think through decisions; don't just make them for him or her). The goal, says Dr. Steinberg, is to foster positive development in your child -- to help your child become competent, responsible, secure, and kind. The Ten Basic Principles of Good Parenting is a map for the journey through parenthood, a book parents can read and then return to whenever they start to lose their way. Concise and authoritative, written with warmth and compassion, it is not only an intelligent guide to raising a happy, healthy child; it is also a guide to becoming a happier, more confident parent.

Publishers Weekly

Steinberg, a Temple University psychology professor and author (Beyond the Classroom), presents a powerful argument for the importance of parents in shaping emotionally healthy children. Steinberg's philosophy is based on decades of scientific research in the parenting field, and rests on 10 main beliefs that span childhood from infancy to adolescence. From "What You Do Matters" to "You Cannot Be Too Loving" and "Treat Your Child With Respect," Steinberg outlines the core ingredients of successful parenting, addressing common issues and questions all parents face. Although he recognizes the impact of peers and media in children's lives, Steinberg maintains that parents must take responsibility, pointing out that children's decisions are influenced, above all, by those who raise them. Steinberg maintains a thoughtful but instructive tone throughout, offering practical suggestions on topics like establishing rules and limits. Parenting, Steinberg says, is "like building a boat you will eventually launch. The building process is gratifying, but so is launching the boat and seeing that what you've built can handle the seas." Steinberg calls for parents to be involved and respectful as they create an emotionally healthy environment for their children. His slim volume brims with potent messages about the importance and responsibility of good parenting, providing useful guidelines for new parents and a valuable refresher course for veterans. Ultimately, Steinberg maintains, the scientific facts prove there is nothing more important to healthy development than parents who love, guide and respect their children. Agent, Shana Kelly. (May 3) Forecast: Steinberg's latest will satisfy parents of children in infancy through adolescence, and his solid reputation as a parenting expert should help sales. A first serial will run in Parents magazine. Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

Library Journal

With so many parenting books out there and so little time for parents to read them, the idea of boiling down child rearing to ten basic principles makes perfect sense. By "synthesizing and communicating what the experts have learned," noted adolescent psychologist Steinberg (Temple Univ.) does just that. Modeling, love, involvement, flexibility, limit setting, independence fostering, consistency, discipline, fairness, and respect are each well explained, with many concrete examples for all age groups. Though Steinberg presents his book as being "based on what scientists who study parenting have learned from decades of systematic research," he does not supply a bibliography. However, his advice still stands, coming from a professor with many years of expertise in his field. Haim Ginott's Between Parent and Child offers similar parenting principles but focuses on how to communicate positively with children. Recommended for all public libraries.  Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.