Includes bibliographical references (p. 347-349) and index.

Prologue: by the children -- Why positive discipline? -- Postive discipline and your preschooler -- Understanding developmental appropriateness -- The miraculous brain : learning and development -- "I can do it!" : the joys (and challenges) of initiative-- Accepting the child you have : understanding your preschooler's temperament -- "Don't talk to me in that tone of voice" : emotions and the art of communication -- "Why does my child do that?" : the messages of misbehavior -- Mistaken goals at home -- Mistaken goals in the preschool -- "You can't come to my birthday party!" : social skills for preschoolers -- Ending bedtime battles : preschoolers and sleep -- "I don't like that!" : preschoolers and eating -- Preschoolers and potties : the ongoing saga of toilet training -- Selecting (and living with) child care -- Family and class meetings for preschoolers -- The world "out there" : dealing with the influence of technology and culture -- When your child needs special help -- Growing as a family : finding support, resources, and sanity -- Conclusion.