When Harvey Merriam was a young man, he met two children who inspired him with their exceptional intelligence and radiant happiness. He was able to find out how they were being raised, and he went on to raise an exceptionally wise and happy child of his own.

Since then, Harvey has raised three step-children, explored eastern and western psychotherapies, traveled the world observing parenting practices in a wide variety of cultures, and helped other parents raise happy and resilient children. He has distilled what he learned into this book.