Today's parents are constantly pressured to be perfect. But in striving to do everything right, we risk missing what children really need for lifelong emotional security. Now the simple, powerful "Circle of Security" parenting strategies that Kent Hoffman, Glen Cooper, and Bert Powell have taught thousands of families are available in self-help form for the first time. You will learn: How to balance nurturing and protectiveness with promoting your child's independence. What emotional needs a toddler or older child may be expressing through difficult behavior. How your own upbringing affects your parenting style--and what you can do about it. Filled with vivid stories and unique practical tools, this book puts the keys to healthy attachment within everyone's reach--self-understanding, flexibility, and the willingness to make and learn from mistakes. Self-assessment checklists can be downloaded and printed for ease of use. Mental health professionals, see also The Circle of Security Intervention, written for practitioners working with parents and young children.