I would not recommend this book as a great book for parenting. The practices are outdate, the views are sexists, and Dobson has a lack of understanding of the mother-daughter, father-son relationships. His advice is tailored to one model where the mother and daughter are constantly convicting and father’s and sons perfectly get along. He advocates the spare the rod spoil the children old testament ideology. A cranky toddler being spanked will only go into total melt down and cry uncontrollably. It won’t bring control, calm, or peace to the situation. Parenting is never easy, especially when you have a cranky toddler who has difficulty communicating. The title is correct in asserting parenting isn’t for cowards, but the advice is outdated and can lead to abuse. Discipline should be given to children as they need it to learn how to be productive members of society, but teaching them to follow rules through spanks will only create a cycle of violence. The principles he advocates are those found in the bible and other Christian parenting books. For a truly happy and healthy child whose self esteem is in tact and whose will remains strong teach them the ten commandments and focus on love.