Being a parent means using psychological skills that are not at all obvious and simple. Raising children, in fact, requires a major effort in terms of cognitive and emotional energy, as well as time and material resources. This volume provides readers with tools to develop parent-training projects aiming to facilitate the acquisition of parenting skills for optimal child-rearing. After an introduction outlining the concepts of parenting and parenting skills, the volume addresses three thematic areas: physical development, discipline, and children’s relationships with the outside world. The book also explores a set of important topics relevant for several evolutionary phases, such as the arrival of a new sibling and parents’ separation. Each topic is accompanied by specific training practices.

Anna Di Norcia teaches at the Sapienza University in Rome, where she manages research projects at the Department of Psychology of Developmental and Socialization Processes.

Laura Di Giunta is a psychologist and psychotherapist, who also works in the Department of Psychology of Developmental and Socialization Processes at the Sapienza University in Rome.