When gentle persuasion [of children] falls on deaf ears, we resort to ridicule and rebuke. Then we return to threats and punishment. This is the modus operandi of a mutual frustration society.

Treat a child as though he already is the person he's capable of becoming.

When a child hits a child, we call it aggression. When a child hits an adult, we call it hostility. When an adult hits an adult, we call it assault. When an adult hits a child, we call it discipline.

To be himself, one neeeds to be free from the pressure of evaluative praise

I have great faith in 'ordinary parents.' Who has a child's welfare more at heart than his ordinary parent? It's been my experience that when parents are given the skills to be more helpful, not only are they able to use these skills, but they infuse them with a warmth and a style that is uniquely their own.

Responsibility is fostered by allowing children a voice and wherever indicated a choice in matters that affect them.

Teenagers crave independence. The more self-suf-ficient we make them feel, the less hostile they are toward us.