The Pocket Parent

It's instant relief for when your 2-year-old is on the floor of the toy store, pitching a fit. Or when brother and sister discover that they can't stand each other. Or when your son can't say no to video games.

The Pocket Parent is, literally, a pocket-size book of tried-and-true advice, common sense, parental wisdom, and sanity. Written by two professionals who've reared six children between them and made a career out of helping others with parenting issues, this handy book will be a lifesaver for every parent of a 2-to-5-year-old. It begins with an overall view of the Pocket Parent approach to discipline. Based on unconditional love but firm limits, and aimed at keeping the child's dignity and self-esteem intact, here are strategies that include "I" statements, modeling, family meetings, and "one word" requests. Once the ground rules are set, the guide moves to an A-to-Z compendium of common problems. Just look it up-Anger, Bad Words, Biting, Chores, Doctor Visits, Fears at Night, Lying, Separation Anxiety-and find the "Sanity Savers" list of suggestions, easy-to-follow bullets, anecdotes, and more.

For the bag, glove compartment, backpack, or shelf in the kitchen, it's there for you whenever you need it.

• Jo Frost's Toddler Rules: Your 5-Step Guide to Shaping Proper Behavior
• Stop Arguing with Your Kids: How to Win the Battle of Wills by Making Your Children Feel Heard
• Research Methods for Social Workers: An Introduction
• The Toddler's Busy Book: 365 Creative Games and Activities to Keep Your 1 1/2- to 3-Year-Old Busy
• Human Behavior in the Social Environment: Perspectives on Development and the Life Course
• 1-2-3 Magic: 3-Step Discipline for Calm, Effective, and Happy Parenting
• How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk
• Siblings Without Rivalry: How to Help Your Children Live Together So You Can Live Too
• How to Talk so Little Kids Will Listen: A Survival Guide to Life with Children Ages 2-7
• The Happiest Toddler on the Block: How to Eliminate Tantrums and Raise a Patient, Respectful, and Cooperative One- to Four-Year-Old: Revised Edition