The Four Rs of Parenting

This book is about “intentional parenting,” a values-based concept. It refers to parents being guided by certain principles or values by which they raise their children. The Four Rs of Parenting documents authentic conversations about parenting beliefs and practices the author had with parents, young adults who are not yet parents, and grandparents, referred to as “elders.” The conversations with all three groups center on the importance of the four Rs—that is, the values of respect, responsibility, reciprocity, and restraint in the process of raising children. Parents and grandparents share their personal stories about raising their children and provide advice to current and future parents about the importance of values-based parenting with a focus on the four Rs. Young adults are by no means shy in sharing their concerns about the behaviors of some of their peers and children in today’s world. Above all, all respondents have made a sincere contribution, however small, to improving the lives of children of the twenty-first century, as well as interpersonal relationships between and among people of all generations.