There is a feeling of helplessness in the hearts of many parents. The social problems that they formerly only read about in newspapers are becoming manifest in their child's school, in their neighbourhoods and in their own homes. This is the most appropriate time for a book that affirms the importance of good parenting in preventing delinquency, drug abuse, and teen pregnancy and promoting happiness and a desire for achievement. Drawing on two themes, Dr. Barber shows how the relationship between parents and children makes a critical difference in determining which children will be happy and productive and which will be negative and delinquent. Secondly, we now understand many of the components of good parenting well enough to predict changes in crime rates, teen pregnancy and academic failure. This is not a how-to book of good parenting, but rather one that helps people to understand patterns they see in their own lives and communities and gives them the information and moral support needed to make whatever changes they see fit.