The author contends that families are uniquely constituted to bestow the gifts of caring, courage, and problem solving ability upon children. Clinical and epistemological insights as well as research evidence concerning child development and family relationships are presented as sources of information which will aid families to bestow these gifts. Among theories considered pertinent to child rearing are: Bettleheim's analysis of the effects of fairy tales on children, Rousseau's and Gesell's notions of naturally unfolding child development, Freud's psychoanalytic view of child development, Watson's behavioristic view of child rearing, Erikson's psychosocial view of personality development, Piaget's view of cognitive development, and the social learning theorists' views of socialization. Research and clinical evidence which are considered germane to parenting include studies which have correlated parental nurturing and parent-child attachment, secure infant attachment and toddler compliance and cooperation with parents, secure infant attachment and infant ego resiliency and social competency. Research on parenting styles conducive to later school achievement, altruistic behavior, and nurturing behavior are discussed. Salient parenting ideas which emerge from research and theory are given. Some suggestions are also given regarding what society can do to promote the development of caring, courage, and problem solving in children. (Author/DB)