Using the premise that skills for living successfully are learned, not inherited, this book details for parents and teachers specific skills that parents can teach that will make a difference in children's lives. The skills have been consistently named by researchers, parents, experts, and educators as critical to success, and pilot-tested at three schools. The eight skills are: (1) positive self-esteem; (2) cultivating strengths; (3) communicating; (4) problem solving; (5) getting along; (6) goal setting; (7) not giving up; and (8) caring. For each of these skills, the relevant chapter presents vignettes contrasting a child in need of the skill with one exhibiting the skill, step-by-step instructions for fostering the skill in a child, success tips placed throughout the chapter, and a list of additional resources. Contains 120 references. (HTH)