Based on the view that insights from psychology, sociology, and medicine can enhance our understanding of the history of the family, this two-volume encyclopedia focuses on psychological aspects of the parent-child relationship, parenthood, and child development. Cultural, social, and historical matters and biological concepts are discussed when relevant. The encyclopedia is designed for use by general readers. Entries are illustrated and accompanied by suggestions for further reading. Sample topics covered in the encyclopedia are: abandonment, adoption, bilingualism, bullies and victims, circumcision, custody conflicts, dual-career families, stay-at-home fathers, foster parents, gay parents, gifted children, home schooling, incarcerated parents, literacy, night terrors, parenting styles, Jean Piaget, Sesame Street, shyness, spacing of children, Benjamin Spock, step families, television and children, twins and multiples, and domestic violence. (KB)