This second edition has been written to address new areas of concern to caregivers arising in our rapidly changing society. New chapters on self-esteem, positive communication and conflict resolution are featured, as well as the use of encouraging language, and cross-cultuaral implications arising from different child-care techniques.

The author constantly links theory to practical applications, and chapters conclude with activities designed to assist caregivers in changing how they respond to children. Techniques such as encouragement, limit setting, consequences and redirecting behaviour are offered to help build in children a positive self-image and assist them in becoming responsible for their own behaviour.