When I prepared this book, I had three groups of readers in mind:

• First, young people who are seriously preparing for marriage and parenthood. The principle "prevention is the best cure" also applies to the problems of family life.
• Second, ordinary parents who are doing quite well, without encountering too serious problems. Many parents who claim that things are going well are later disappointed with the results of their upbringing. I tried to help ordinary parents broaden their horizons in their families, to see the possibilities of this relationship, possibilities unknown until now. There are already too many mediocre families with mediocre children.
• Third, I have in mind parents who are upset and discouraged because their dreams of a happy home have not come true. I hope this book will help hopeless parents overcome their problems.

(Nancy Van Pelt)