Helicopter parenting and child-centred parenting , two of the latest parenting fads, have resulted in a new generation of highly dependent, overly sensitive children who demonstrate few qualities of resilience and confidence. Perhaps as a response to the strict parenting of yesteryear, we have now seen the pendulum shift to an overly permissive style, where crying and punishment must be avoided at all costs. But having high expectations of kids and teaching them to be self-sufficient does not mean a return to the Bad Old Days of parenting.

This book presents a mix of tried-and-true and new parenting strategies. It offers a counterbalance to some of today’s prevailing parenting theories, teaching parents how to reclaim their authority while remaining caring and nurturing. It is perfect for parents who find themselves thinking, Didn’t my own parents do this better?