Steadfast Parenting: How To Raise Children of Character

Educational consultant McGann has worn many hats: school counselor, administrator, teacher, and principal. In this book, she offers child-rearing tips that apply to infants through teenagers. Her book is divided into several subsections—school, family, and social life—and begins with a discussion about the numerous unmet expectations many parents have of their children. She asserts that focusing on dreams of the past can prevent parents from raising their child to be an individual. For parents of preschoolers, the book provides advice for handling potty training, the addition of a sibling, and learning to get through tantrums. The school-age years section includes guidance on building self-image, navigating social hierarchies, experiencing bullying, and much more. The parts for parents of teenagers focus on identifying and understanding the range of emotions many youths in that age range feel, helping teens find a great support system of friends, and teaching best practices for decision-making. McGann argues that returning to parenting basics leads to raising happy, loving people.