The information provided by Dr. Hedberg in this book is excellent for parents as their children's "first" teacher. The book also provides helpful guidelines for educators offering parenting education to their families. Al Sanchez, Retired Principal, Educational Consultant, parent of three mature children. Dr. Hedberg presents a thoughtful recipe for healthy family living. He begins with a candid assessment of desirable ingredients; adds generous portions of practical training for parents in managing issues that "happen" in most families; in developing leader qualities in children; and even practical guidelines for the wise use of the internet. Let it simmer in your mind and heart, and enjoy the feast. Dean M. Johnson, D. Min. Retired, Former Minister and International Family Care Consultant, Trails, British Colombia, Canada, parent of five mature children. Parenting is like being on a journey and not knowing where the next corner will be, how high the next hill will be and how deep the next valley will be. Dr. Hedberg helps equip parents with goals that are practical and lessons that effectively give direction. He addresses behavior patterns that cause negative influences and helps identify personality problems. You will learn to equip your children to eventually leave home with a healthy emotional and spiritual confidence while building their self-esteem. Ron Hendricks, CGPP, Director of Planned Giving, Trinity Western University, Langley, British Colombia, Canada, parent of three mature children. Dr. Hedberg provides understandable parenting advice in an easy to read book. The "Ask the Teacher" section in each chapter provides practical questions to integrate a child's home and school life. Joaquin Partida, Clovis, CA, Teacher of the Year, 2008, parent of two mature children.

Over the past 25 years of psychological research, emotional intelligence has been shown to play a crucial role in our relationships, productivity, performance, job satisfaction, and a lifestyle based on faith. Essentially, emotional intelligence is the basis of positive productivity, educational achievement, interpersonally engagement and focused faith. Emotional intelligence is associated with confidence, diligence, and self-respect. It is the foundation to calmness, flexibility, hope, and sustained attention when work place and family life crises hit and panic threatens to set in. Faith is the belief in a person much greater than oneself that is influencing the events of history and the life experiences of each individual. Personal faith is the decisive act of placing one's confidence and very life in the hands of a personal God who cares and lives within those who have placed their trust in him. He is the essence of what one would hope for and the essence of things unseen. Faith is living beyond the here and now and with a view of life's purpose and meaning into the future...eternity. Emotional intelligence and faith intersect when a person acts in faith and trusts the living God for wisdom when confronting a real life event, problem, or situation. Such events are faced with an expectation of positive resolve because God is in it and cares about the outcome and those involved in it. It is ultimately taking on a significant event that would fail if God were not in it. Quite simply, emotional intelligence is a set of competencies that enhance a person's ability to relate positively to others in a wide variety of settings. It is being interpersonally smart and effective.