Based on the assumption that a belief in one's worth and competence will encourage children's achievement and protect against failure, this book for parents presents guidelines and activities for helping to guide children to a strong, enduring sense of self-esteem and competence. Section 1 describes the building blocks of self-esteem, focusing on ways to encourage young children's positive view of themselves. Section 2 highlights children as individuals, discussing the role of temperament and the importance of observation for understanding children. Section 3 presents information on growth and development, including developmental milestones, competence, answering children's questions about pregnancy and related topics, and gender considerations and parental expectations. Section 4 deals with balancing activities and relaxation for young children. Section 5 concerns feelings and presents activities for identifying emotions and for helping children experience happiness, joy, and hope. Section 6 lists activities for encouraging young children's positive views of family through family rituals and traditions, pride in heritage, harmonious family relationships, and caring for pets. Section 7 presents activities for encouraging positive views of friends and incorporates activities for building social skills and cooperation. Section 8 deals with caring and consideration for others and contains activities for teaching civility and manners. Each section lists resources for adults and for children. (KB)