Drawing on years of research and experience, this innovative guide explains how to develop desirable personal qualities—such as self-motivation, self-esteem, and compassion—in children of all ages. By developing these traits early in life, children are much more likely to grow into self-sufficient, responsible adults. More than 50 enjoyable activities are provided that allow parents, grandparents, and caregivers to foster such advantageous attributes in children with ease. Specific chapters cover how to work with gifted children and children with learning or behavioral handicaps, and special attention is given to the needs of foster parents in facilitating the personal development of foster children.

Robert W. Reasoner was voted National Educator of the Year in 1992 and is the current president of the International Council for Self-Esteem. He is the author of Self-Esteem and Youth and Student Self-Esteem Inventory and the coauthor of Enhancing Personal Quality and Enhancing Self-Esteem. Marilyn L. Lane is an associate professor at the University of Santa Clara and the president of the California Association for the Gifted.