As parents, we enter the wilderness of child-rearing, and search for the perfect path. We fear making any misstep. We look for some sort of clear trail to follow guaranteeing our children's success. We fear being growled at by parents and professionals who believe they have every answer. Unfortunately, there are no sure paths or absolute outcomes, only essential patterns that assure us we are headed in the right direction. These essential patterns are evident in the most powerful parental example of the wild kingdom: the bear. This relational approach to child rearing helps a parent to see the elements of their home which they have the power to create. "Bear Essentials for Parents" frees parents from the guilt often imposed on parents for children's behaviors which are beyond their locus of control and gives them power over the things they can control. The Bear Essentials seeks to help parents create joy in their homes again, through simple priniciples seen in the nature's innate processes.