This booklet of National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, based on 30 years of research, presents a no-frills
approach to
parenting. The
guidelines given to parents (named RPM3 Guidelines) are summarized under five heads. The first section of the booklet explains how RPM3 Guidelines can help a parent make daily decisions about parenting, while the remaining sections give examples of how some parents have used the lessons of RPM3 with their children.RESPONDING to your child in an appropriate manner: Many parents only react to their children. That is, they respond with the first word, feeling or acrtion that comes to their minds. When you react, you are not making a decision about what outcome you want. Replace reacting with responding. Responding means to take a moment to think. It takes more time and effort to respond than to react but this makes a vital difference to your relationship with your child and the outcome you desire.The process involves thinking about the options available to you, recalling previous, similar events and using the experince gained in those times, being more consistent in your response, serving as an example and building a bond of trust with the child.PREVENTING risky behaviour or problems before they arise: Preventing involves 1) Spotting possible problems: Getting actively involved in your child's life, setting realistic limits and creating healthy ways for your child to express emotions will help in this task. 2) Knowing how to walk through the problems: Getting suggestions and feedbacks from other parents and seeking expert help, if needed.MONITORING:Paying attention to your child's environment, offering feedback and help, encouraging the chilld to express its feelings and opening the communication channels open will facillitate in child's healthy developmentMENTORING: Acting as a guide, respecting the child's feelings, supporting the child's interests and helping it to develop them are the key elements of mentoring.MODELLING:Practising what you preach, being honest with the child, helping the child to understandithat being angry does not mean "not modelling," are some of the keys to act as a model.This booklet has packed the a vast storehouse of knowledge on parenting. This booklet is concise yet comprehensive, analytical and practical. A valuable guide to all parents.