Chances are that, as a parent, you and Barbara Coloroso already have something in common: you both think "kids are worth it." This book offers you solid advice and preactical parenting techniques based on years of practice. That's the reason why kids are worth it! has become a best-selling classic: Barbara Coloroso's parenting suggestions really work. Besides believing that "kids are worth it," the author feels that any method of discipline should preserve the dignity of both parent and child. IN keeping with this philosopy, she examines the differencebetween encouragement and rewards, discipline and punishment. Parents will learn how to empower and influence their children instead of controlling them and trying to "make them mind" - teaching them how to think, not just what to think. Throughout the book, Barbara examines the approaches and methods of three typical family types - the brick wall, the jellyfish, and the backbone. Through meaningful examples and humorous anecdotes, the author demonstrates which of these approaches work - and which don't - in raising self-assured, responsible, and loving children. In this revised edition of kids are worth it!, Barbara has included even more advice for today's parent. New material has been added throughout, including two new chapters: one dealing with the triangle of influence (encouragement, feedback, and discipline) and another that talks about the impact of threats, punishments, bribes, and rewards on the parent-child relationship. These additions enhance her timeless advice on such topics as toilet-training, mealtime, bedtime, chores, allowances, sibling rivalry, dealing with the "three cons" most frequently used by kids, and buffering children from sexual promiscuity, drug abuse, and suicide.