1. How to overcome the major destroyer of families
A closed spirit
Manifestations of a closed spirit
Reopening a child's spirit
Five steps to reopen a child's spirit
Reasons why one might refuse to forgive
Observing voice tone and facial expressions to recognize a closed spirit
How children or adults can reopen their own spirits
How open is your child's spirit?
Ways we can offend our children
2. Parenting for positive results
Four basic types of parenting: the dominant parent, the neglectful parent, the permissive parent, the loving and firm parent
The two most important factors in raising children
3. Expressing loving support-the most important aspect of raising children
Unconditional commitment
Scheduled times
Availability to children
Tender treatment
Frequent eye contact
Listening in an understanding way
Meaningful touching
4. Balancing loving support through contracts
Setting limits through contracts
Enforcing the contract-our experiments
A practical way to implement family contracts
Don't expect, inspect
Contract for dating
Contract for driving
Guidelines for spanking
5. Three powerful ways to motivate children
Use a child's natural bent
Use the salt principle
Use emotional word pictures
6. Nineteen additional ways to motivate children
Help children choose their own goals
Expect children to do things right
Expose your children to people you admire
7. The secret of a close-knit family
Six characteristics of a close-knit family
Sharing life experiences together
Dealing with difficulties in a positive manner
Three practical ways to share life together