During the period around volume 3 of the Retirement Series, James Madison remained largely at Montpelier, except for occasional visits to neighbors and attendance at ceremonial dinners and semiannual meetings of the Board of Visitors of the University of Virginia. Madison's correspondence in this period was wide-ranging and included replies to requests for advice from President James Monroe. His exchange of letters with Thomas Jefferson dealt primarily with the construction and financing of the university and the search for professors. In addition to responding to the host of individuals who sent him books and pamphlets and requested letters of introduction and recommendation to political office, Madison also engaged with such eminent men as Richard Rush, James Barbour, Henry Clay, Mathew Carey, Edward Livingston, and George Hay. In these letters he offers his opinion on constitutional issues, reiterates his support for strict separation between church and state, and expresses his views on the tariff, political parties, the common law, and public education. Finally, his private letters deal with daily life at Montpelier and the management of the plantation. Access to people, places, and events is facilitated by detailed annotation and a comprehensive index.

As parents and caretakers of our children, there are times when we feel our patience and faith is being tested-and we question, at times, how we should respond. "I hope," says author Marie Parks Pinto, "that, through this series, we can help parents better master parenting skills from the kids' own perspective." In today's difficult times, such appropriate responses can very easily elude us. This series shows situations through the eyes of a child to illustrate how we, as adults, appear to them. That way, it becomes easier to respond appropriately, thereby modeling healthy interpersonal skills for both us and our children. When you're in a difficult moment with your child, ask yourself whether you're applying corresponding skills. Are you teaching your child-or are you willing to be taught? As Pinto puts it, "No matter what side you're on, they are just little children; of that you can be sure."

As parents and caretakers of our children, there are times when we feel our patience and faith is being tested-and we question, at times, how we should respond. "I hope," says author Marie Parks Pinto, "that, through this series, we can help parents better master parenting skills from the kids' own perspective." In today's difficult times, such appropriate responses can very easily elude us. This series shows situations through the eyes of a child to illustrate how we, as adults, appear to them. That way, it becomes easier to respond appropriately, thereby modeling healthy interpersonal skills for both us and our children. When you're in a difficult moment with your child, ask yourself whether you're applying corresponding skills. Are you teaching your child-or are you willing to be taught? As pinto puts it, "no matter what side you're on, they are just little children; of that you can be sure."

As parents and caretakers of our children, there are times when we feel our patience and faith is being tested-and we question, at times, how we should respond. "I hope," says author Marie Parks Pinto, "that, through this series, we can help parents better master parenting skills from the kids' own perspective." In today's difficult times, such appropriate responses can very easily elude us. This series shows situations through the eyes of a child to illustrate how we, as adults, appear to them. That way, it becomes easier to respond appropriately, thereby modeling healthy interpersonal skills for both us and our children. When you're in a difficult moment with your child, ask yourself whether you're applying corresponding skills. Are you teaching your child-or are you willing to be taught? As Pinto puts it, "no matter what side you're on, they are just little children; of that you can be sure."