Where is there a completely acceptable "bible" or manual on baby and child rearing that drives home in simple language the essentials and pitfalls facing parents? While a well-planned program in the schools through the years with films, books, and visits to families with babies could really help implant the essentials, many parents, or parents-to-be need this knowledge sooner.

Here are some crucial fundamentals: They are what have been called the

In other words, a baby needs to be loved and held; needs to be made to feel welcome and wanted, and needs to be ENCOURAGED in his earliest and clumsiest efforts to do tings. These all add up to TLC -- TENDER LOVING CARE. A recent prescription for emotional health is at least four hugs a day, even for adults.

Then there are the

If one wants to be sure of an emotionally troubled child, subject him or her to these three F's: too much punishment, too much criticism, too little praise and encouragement, too little love.

Beyond these as a child gets older, there are what can be labeled as the

By not teaching the FORGOTTEN 3R'S, even a child who has had the benefit of the 3A's of a successful childhood can turn out to be a trouble maker. Both parents and schools need to help implement these ideas and instill them into the personality and character of the children they influence.