The world has changed since the first edition of this pioneering text was published in 1979, and with it the context of parenting has changed.#xA0; Parents today must not just help their children learn socialization, but also teach them the skills and abilities they need to cope with the rapidly changing society of their future.#xA0; Using the family systems model, the author explains how families function, how they strive to maintain stability over time, and how they change and adapt as children grow up. #xA0; The book offers the following pedagogical tools to help students prepare for their roles as professionals working with parents and families as well as becoming parents themselves: #xA0; Frequently Asked Questions#x13;allow students to see parenting concerns and issues not only through the eyes of a parent, but also those of a therapist who consults with the parent. Focus On#x13;highlights information discussed in the chapter. Parenting Reflections#x13;provide opportunities for readers to check their understanding of the content they#x19;ve just read about.#xA0; Also promotes critical thinking and encourages empathetic involvement with the parenting topics being discussed. Family Snapshots#x13;These case studies throughout the book provide students with a broader understanding of how the various theories found in human development and family studies are applied to parent-child relations.#xA0; New To This Edition: #xA0; NEW: Includes expanded coverage of attachment between parents and children#x13;Explains how it affects development of both adults and children. Increases student understanding of the importance of nurturance at all levels of development . #xA0; NEW!#xA0; Gives a much greater emphasis on the cultural context of parenting throughout and especially in Chapters 1 and 2#x13;Describes how parenting is shaped by family ecological and cultural factors. Provides for increased development of empathy and understanding of the global human development issues affecting parenting topics.