This text offers a concise, authoritative, and practical introduction to parenting. The focus throughout the book is on parent-child interaction and its application to the guidance and positive growth of children. Special sections of the text discuss the challenges parents face when raising their children in a time of changing social and economic needs. Chapters 10 and 11 discuss the stresses of contemporary life on parents and the supports available for parents and children. Throughout the text, interviews with parents and researchers highlight current research and reinforce the joys and challenges of parenting.