It's instant relief for when your 2-year-old is on the floor of the toy store, pitching a fit. Or when brother and sister discover that they can't stand each other. Or when your son can't say no to video games.

The Pocket Parentis, literally, a pocket-size book of tried-and-true advice, common sense, parental wisdom, and sanity. Written by two professionals who've reared six children between them and made a career out of helping others with parenting issues, this handy book will be a lifesaver for every parent of a 2-to-5-year-old. It begins with an overall view of the Pocket Parent approach to discipline. Based on unconditional love but firm limits, and aimed at keeping the child's dignity and self-esteem intact, here are strategies that include "I" statements, modeling, family meetings, and "one word" requests. Once the ground rules are set, the guide moves to an A-to-Z compendium of common problems. Just look it up-Anger, Bad Words, Biting, Chores, Doctor Visits, Fears at Night, Lying, Separation Anxiety-and find the "Sanity Savers" list of suggestions, easy-to-follow bullets, anecdotes, and more.

For the bag, glove compartment, backpack, or shelf in the kitchen, it's there for you whenever you need it.

The Pocket Parent is a lifesaver of tried-and-true advice, common sense, parental wisdom, and sanity. Its philosophy of discipline marries unconditional love with firm limits; its strategies bring both immediate relief and long-term understanding to children's behavior problems.

"At last, a how-to book "on parenting" that has depth as well as offering excellent, practical advice." (Stanley Turecki, M.D., Author of The Difficult Child and Normal Kids Have Problems Too

"A superb handbook for parents: humane, reassuring, practical. Thirty years ago when I was a young mother, Dr. Spock was on my bedside table. If I were that mother today, The Pocket Parent would be there, as well as in my purse, my car, and anywhere else I could consult it at a moment's notice." (Carolyn Newberger, Ed, D., (Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychology, Harvard Medical School)

"Written in a positive compassionate tone and sprinkled with personal anecdotes, this invaluable compendium offers expert wisdom for positively shaping children's behavior while strengthening family bonds." (Marianne Neifert, M.D., "Dr Mom," Contributing Editor to Parenting Magazine)

For the bag, glove compartment, backpack, or shelf in the kitchen, it's there for you whenever you need it.

The Pocket Parentis a lifesaver of tried-and-true advice, common sense, parental wisdom, and sanity. Its philosophy of discipline marries unconditional love with firm limits; its strategies bring both immediate relief and long-term understanding to children's behavior problems.

"At last, a how-to book on parentingthat has depth as well as offering excellent, practical advice." (Stanley Turecki, M.D., Author of The Difficult Child and Normal Kids Have Problems Too

"A superb handbook for parents: humane, reassuring, practical. Thirty years ago when I was a young mother, Dr. Spock was on my bedside table. If I were that mother today, The Pocket Parent would be there, as well as in my purse, my car, and anywhere else I could consult it at a moment's notice." (Carolyn Newberger, Ed,D., (Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychology, Harvard Medical School)

"Written in a positive compassionate tone and sprinkled with personal anecdotes, this invaluable compendium offers expert wisdom for positively shaping children's behavior while strengthening family bonds." (Marianne Neifert, M.D., "Dr Mom", Contributing Editor to ParentingMagazine)

Gail Reichlin , a preschool teacher for 30 years, is founder and executive director of the Parents Resource Network. She cohosted a cable television program on parenting in Chicago with Caroline Winkler and is the mother of three children. Caroline Winkler is a writer who, with Gail Reichlin, cohosted a cable television program on parenting in Chicago. She is the mother of three children.