Systematic Training for Effective Parenting (STEP) provides a practical approach to parent-child relations. The handbook is organized into nine sessions that are meant to be taken for a week at a time. Chapter 1 asserts that all behavior occurs for a social purpose. Four goals of misbehavior, and four basic ingredients for building positive relationships are discussed. Chapter 2 considers three topics: emotions, lifestyle, and the "good" parent. Differences between the "good" parent and the responsible parent are outlined. Chapter 3 looks at the role of encouragement in building the child's self-confidence and self-esteem. Chapter 4 covers the parent's ability to listen to their children. Skills for communications such as reflective listening, and responding to nonverbal messages are discussed. Chapter 5 continues topics associated with the communication process. Included here are exploring alternatives, problem ownership and I-messages. Chapter 6 looks at an alternative to reward and punishment called natural and logical consequences. This system holds children responsible for their own behavior. Chapter 7 outlines some of the challenges encountered by most parents, and chapter 8 advocates a regularly scheduled meeting of all family members. Chapter 9 discusses issues related to putting the STEP plan into action. Questions, charts, and a problem situation follow each chapter, and information is provided for joining a STEP support group. (LLL)