Book excerpt: This guide teaches practical parenting skills that really work to help you make the most of your child's first five years. Written by one of the nation's foremost parenting experts, Dr. Michael H Popkin, in collaboration with university child development specialists, Active Parenting: First Five Years will help you nurture your child with a "just right" combination of freedom and nonviolent discipline. You'll learn about: - what a baby's cry means - your child's growing brain - preventing tantrums and other problems - building a loving bond - caring for your child at different ages and stages - using mindfulness to keep your cool - 6 ways to prepare your child for school success ...and so much more! Since 1983, Active Parenting has helped over four million parents raise responsible, courageous children who thrive.