Based on the idea that childhood professionals, like physicians, should “first, do no harm,” this popular, student-friendly text exemplifies a positive, constructivist approach to guidance that respects, protects, and helps children become self-responsible, competent, independent, cooperative people who like themselves and have strong values. Content is organized around three styles of caregiving: authoritarian, authoritative, and permissive; and based on a solid understanding of child development. The author never mandates a “cookbook” of techniques for guiding children; but, encourages students to use the Decision-Making Model of Child Guidance, a model that evolves from an understanding of a variety of child guidance theories, including those of Piaget, Vygotsky, Rogers, and Adler.