SMART LOVE

The two authors make the classic points that stable self-esteem (primary happiness) is essential for children to experience success in their activities and relationships (secondary happiness). Parents can help them in both areas by communicating expectations in a way that doesn't stir up power struggles. The objective is for children to stay connected with us while they are learning, so that they won't feel forced to do battle with everyone and everything. Though the advice here is good, the program is too long and makes too many references to the authors' "extensive clinical experience." This erudite quality is exaggerated by the Shakespearean voices of the narrators, excellent though they may be in every other respect. T.W. (c) AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC/JAN 02]