Steadfast Parenting

A practical guide that encourages families to return to the basics of parenting in order to raise happy, respectful, and loving children.
"This character-development book will appeal to not only parents and guardians but educators as well." - Library Journal
"Many will feel grounded by this book." - Booklist The rules and guidelines for raising families in our crisis-oriented, communication overloaded, high-pressure culture are changing by the minute. Yet, the fundamental principles of effective parenting remain. As parents seek to support children who are learning to hold their own in today’s divided society, they need reassuring and consistent information on how to keep their family going in the right direction. In Steadfast Parenting: How to Raise Children of Character, educator, counselor, mother, and grandmother Patricia McGann shares practical advice for parents as they navigate the bumpy, unpredictable road of parenting. With a special focus on building a positive relationship between parents and children, McGann returns to the basics for how to raise happy, healthy, and kind kids. She walks parents through the family, social, and school issues for each stage of development—infants, toddlers, elementary-aged, tweens, and teens—reminding parents throughout that they should trust their instincts and enjoy the small, shiny moments that occur along the way. Steadfast Parenting encourages parents to abandon the desire to follow society’s ridiculous expectations for them and their little ones. Instead, parents and children can and should appreciate the relationship that is uniquely theirs. Referring to this guidetime and again, parents can find reassurance and helpful advice as they raise children of integrity who will contribute in a meaningful way to the world in which we live.

Patricia McGann is an educational consultant at the McGann Group, which she established to provide professional development to schools. She has master's degrees in counseling and educational administration and has been a nurse, counselor, teacher, administrator, and principal. She lives in Bethesda, Maryland.

Preface Introduction Chapter One: Infancy to Young Adult in the Blink of an Eye Chapter Two: Family and Social Life of Infants and Toddlers Chapter Three: Family and Social Life of 3-5 Year Olds Chapter Four: School Life of 3-5 Year Olds Chapter Five: Family Life of 5-9 Year Olds Chapter Six: Social Life of 5-9 Year Olds Chapter Seven: School Life of 5-9 Year Olds Chapter Eight: Family Life of Tweens, Ages 10-14 Chapter Nine: Social Life of Tweens, Ages 10-14 Chapter Ten: School Life of Tweens, Ages 10-14 Chapter Eleven: Family Life of Teenagers Chapter Twelve: Social Life of Teenagers Chapter Thirteen: School Life of Teenagers Chapter Fourteen: When Families Break Chapter Fifteen: Skills, Stress, Anxiety, and Depression Chapter Sixteen: Keeping an Eye Out for the Glitter The Lists Bibliography About the Author