They are the build an awesome sand castle, coin behind the ear magic trick, diffuse the toddler tantrum, spontaneous soccer game, signature "wink and a smile" moms or dads whose children run to embrace them in the elementary school yard.

They seem to connect with their children on a different level. Their infants laugh and play, their toddlers eat and listen, their young children do their homework without complaining, and most of all, they just always seem to have it together.

So what's up with the rest of us?

Why does it feel so hard to cope with the pressure? It is no wonder that we are we tired all the time, what, with the yelling, nagging, whining, we never get a moment's peace! (Somebody might even admit to staying at work a little longer, just to avoid kid duty.)

Sporting the coolest baby gear, the latest children's fashions, the latest game console (not to mention the games), shuttling children between activities, and pushing children to accelerate their educations are commonplace, and on some level, even valuable activities.

We spend most of our time, money and energy doing these things, so they must be important, right?

The truth is, these are simply not the core, essential parts of being a good parent. These special mothers and fathers (and their lucky children) know that. Now you can too.

Never fear, expert parenting advice is here!

You are about to discover secrets that very few know. These secrets have been working for ages, but don't always come naturally. Some never truly understand these secrets, and once their children are grown, look back with regret, mourning what could have been.

But not you! Now that you've found us, you will be able to learn and apply these secrets, quickly and easily to

• Boost your confidence
• Gain the respect and adoration of your family, and
• Experience incredible fun, laughter and joy every day

Best of all, you never have to reveal your secret (ahem, secret identity) to anyone else.

Being the parents of three boys, ages seven, five and three means that we've been through this enough times to realize how hard it is, what works and what doesn't. We hope that our experiences and enthusiasm for being the best parents we can be comes through on these pages, and helps you in some little way.

All the best,

Tania & Will Mulry