This book presents a modern approach to parenting. Diane Levy believes children must be taught to experience and handle their emotions and they must learn self-discipline. There are two main tenets to the new approach to parenting developed in the book: Emotional Support and Limit Setting. It takes about twenty years to raise a child. Within that twenty years, the author believes, you will have taught - or led your child towards the teaching of all the skills they will need to function in the world away from home. The first responsibility of parents is to give children emotional support so that they will have the courage to have the experiences and do the learning that they need to become emotionally independent adults. The second responsibility is to set suitable boundaries and expectations so that they can safely tread the path from undisciplined babies to self-disciplined adults. The author discusses her approach to parenting in the context of modern society. There are many families where both parents work, and many parents working and raising children single-handedly. Clear boundaries must exist between parent and child to establish a good family structure. Putting it all together, the author discusses specific issues, such as sibling rivalry, bullying and nasty habits. Readers may dip into the book to find immediate help for problems with sleeping, eating and toilet training. Sex education and strategies for coping with teenagers are covered; with the last part of the book summing up simple parenting strategies.