This book traces the process of children's mental development from birth to adolescence. It also contains some important topics such as Having Favourites, some "how-to's" in separated families, and Reactive Parenting. The book contains stories that illustrate good and bad outcomes from parenting that are drawn from Dr Nisbet's clinical experience and her and others' parenting experiences. The stories are analysed and presented with reference to literature, clinical knowledge, and research by Dr Nisbet and others. Key points are highlighted at the end of each chapter for easy reference. The book is an easy one to read; not a book for reading in one sitting, but for "dipping into" and selecting those parts that are of interest or relevance to the reader at the time.