In the introductory section, the authors reflect on their journey from initial hesitation to embracing the idea of writing a practical guide for parents. They acknowledge the deeply personal nature of the parent-child relationship and their initial discomfort with offering a “how-to” book on such a sensitive topic. They structured their first book, Liberated Parents/Liberated Children, as more of a narrative, sharing their transformative experiences with the communication techniques they learned from Dr. Haim Ginott. While this approach resonated with many parents, the authors received numerous requests for a more structured, hands-on guide—complete with exercises, practical tips, and examples.

Initially resistant, Faber and Mazlish reconsidered as they continued to engage with parents through workshops and lectures across various countries. The consistent feedback and the heartfelt plea from a parent in New Delhi, struggling to apply new communication skills, ultimately convinced them of the need for a more instructional book. They envisioned a resource that would allow parents to learn at their own pace through practical exercises, relatable examples, and visual aids like cartoons to illustrate key concepts. Their goal was to provide a tool that was not only informative but also empowering, enabling parents to adapt the skills to their unique situations while maintaining the dignity and respect of both parent and child.