| An extensive literature review was conducted on the different models and practices of childrearing, including Psychodynamic, Adlerian, Behavioral, Cognitive Behavioral, and Social Learning perspectives. Baumrind's parenting styles and literature on the affective components of parenting were also examined. Despite strong support for these theoretical and practical applications of parenting, each model is lacking in some dimensions. Where components of each model are necessary in order to provide adaptive childrearing skills, none is sufficient in and of itself to promote effective childrearing. A holistic parenting education program was designed incorporating the most important aspects of the various theoretical and practical implications in the literature. Holistic Parenting uses an integration of the above-mentioned principles in order to provide a comprehensive approach to parenting education. It also includes findings from social psychology and research on motivation, obedience, and frustration to maximize parental skills. Empirical research on parenting education programs is limited to structured program designs because of difficulty operationalizing effective parenting, especially when considering multicultural issues. Programs that are structured in session format and time limitations, such as Adlerian based programs, have been the target of most studies due to greater controls for confounding variables. However, findings are mixed in terms of program efficacy and long term results. Other programs are needed in order to allow for comparative studies, as well as to compensate for fundamental theoretical and practical implications not included in these programs. Holistic Parenting is a structured, yet versatile program that can be used in a multitude of settings, with a diverse target population, lending itself to future research. |