Here are seven ways to transform the parent-child relationship:

1. Attachment: Developing positive connections that transcend competing forces.
2. Development: Promoting healthy maturation of children and self.
3. Empathy: Ability to connect with feelings and needs being expressed.
4. Patience: Capacity to stay with what is happening in the present moment without reacting.
5. Adulthood: Taking 100 percent responsibility for the state of ones life and ones relationships.
6. Restoration: Willingness and the skillful means to repair the harm.
7. Relationship: Prioritize relationships over all else.

As parents, we often find that despite our best efforts to maintain healthy, nurturing relationships with our children, damage to parent-child bonds can be a fact of life. We seek restoration.

The techniques set out in this book will draw out your inspiration as a parent and connect you with the parent you truly are. The qualities and capacities you need to be a great parent are already present.

About the author: John Ehrhart holds a master's degree in Transpersonal Psychology from Naropa University, and a bachelor of arts degrees in psychology and philosophy from Creighton University.

He is the co-founder of the Colorado Center for Restorative Practices, which offers alternative dispute resolution and relationship-coaching services.

John lives in Erie, Colorado with his wife, Peggy, and their four children. He enjoys writing songs, camping with his kids, playing in the mountains, and writing.