Raising a Happy, Unspoiled Child

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY 1 AUG 1994

According to White (The First Three Years of Life), director of the Center for Parent Education in Newton, Mass., disciplinary problems during the ``terrible twos'' are not inevitable. After spending nine years observing young children in their homes, he concludes that many difficulties-testing parental authority, refusal to share toys with playmates, etc.-can virtually be eliminated if parents are not overly permissive with children of more than five months old. Although White is obviously knowledgeable about child development, he does not factor in such environmental influences as divorce. Parents will want to try some of his recommended techniques, many of which are sound and readily implemented, but they would do well not to expect miracles. Illustrations. Psychotherapy Book Club alternate; author tour.