Great Book: "The Key to your Child's Heart" by Gary Smalley

Each chapter in this book is helpful, encouraging and insightful. I would recommend it to anyone. I will include just one small bit of info. here in my blog.
"Six Characteristics of a close-knit family" First, family members expressed a high degree of appreciation for each other. Second, these families spent a great deal of time together. Third, they had good communication patterns. Fourth, these families had a strong sense of commitment. Fifth, is a high degree of religious orientation, and committed to a spiritual lifesyle. Sixth, was that these families had an ability to deal with crisis in a positive manner."

Also, talks about learning your child's "natural bent" (or personality) (similar to what I blogged about a few months ago, about the LION, OTTER, GOLDEN RETRIEVER, and BEAVER.) In this book he talks about 5 "natural bends"
1. The Strong-Willed
2. The Peace-Maker
3. The Cheerleader
4. The Pusher
5. The Helper

Also, talks about the four basic types of parenting:
1. The Dominant Parent
2. The Neglectful Parent
3. The Permissive Parent
4. The Loving and Firm Parent

I could go on and on about all the great insights from this book, but I will let you discover those on your own if you get a copy. I am on the last chapter and then I will start again at the beginning.