As a respected child psychologist and mom with more than 20 years' experience, Dr. Ruth Peters knows how quickly children -- even those younger than two -- can gain the upper hand in the parent-child relationship. Even in their earliest interactions with their children, parents can inadvertently encourage bad patterns of behavior and set the stage for later problems.

After pointing out several ineffective parenting styles and the manipulative tactics that young children use with great success, Dr. Peters outlines a behavior management system with clear, consistent, and fair rules that are connected to solid consequences and meaningful rewards.

It's Never Too Soon features a smiley-face chart to help kids know what is expected of them, tips for using the system to handle socially inappropriate behavior (such as aggression, bossiness, and tantrums) and developmental issues (such as sleep problems and toilet training), a chapter on Attention Deficit Disorder, and specific advice for single parents and step-families. This parent-friendly, practical guide is the first step toward bringing order to every home.