This workbook is designed to help parents develop a "common sense" approach to child rearing and become more effective parents. Each of the 15 chapters suggests a parenting skill and gives examples for using the skill in a variety of situations. Each chapter also includes exercises designed to help parents put these skills into practice with their children. Chapters focus on: (1) discipline as a teaching instead of a punishment experience; (2) sending clear messages to children; (3) the role of consequences in changing behavior; (4) positive consequences; (5) negative consequences; (6) effective praise to encourage positive behavior; (7) preventive teaching; (8) the development of family rules; (9) staying calm when responding to problems; (10) corrective teaching; (11) teaching self-control; (12) family decision-making; (13) reaching goals with charts and contracts; (14) family meetings; and (15) the importance of time with children, family traditions, consistency, and parenting with love. Four appendices list positive consequences that cost no money, time-out guidelines for parents, chores for children, and important skills for children and adolescents to learn. (MDM)