I raised three happy children, and now they are raising their own happy children. Books like Children, the Challenge and Parent Effectiveness Training were the two books I used 40 years ago. They teach parents how to be understanding, kind, patient, and consistent. Never get into a power struggle with a child. Children will learn to behave with you the way you behave with them. Remember to speak gently.
My own upbringing was not a happy one due to my mother's drug addiction and mental illness, so I had to learn parenting from the ground up. Those two books were sufficient.
My children were raised in large cities where organized lessons were offered. Right now, my 4 1/2-year old granddaughter goes to music school, ballet classes, soccer league, t-ball (like baseball) league, and swimming lessons in the city. (Some of those are seasonal, not all at once.) My 2-year old grandson is being raised in the mountains. His education consists of shadowing his father and doing all the man-stuff with tools, fishing rods, etc. Any activities, formal or informal, are good for children, as long as they are included in something.
Being a good listener and observer helps you tune in to your child's interests. If you pay attention, you will see your child's personality traits and preferences from a very early age.
Above all, remember that children learn by playing. Treat everything like a game - especially proper behavior - and you will be able to handle all sorts of resistance from your child.
