There are a cacophony of voices in today's overbearing world telling us how to raise such happy and successful children. "Give them a good education," one voice says, while another suggests "lots of extra-curricular activities," while a third insists they "roam free and independent." Each of those voices likely has some truth to it. But in looking for the latest and greatest child-rearing tactic, we often overlook the basics. I found several of these basic practices hidden in an old children's book, "All-of-a-Kind Family" by Sydney Taylor. Taylor's fictitious account of a family of five girls living in New York City during the Edwardian era draws on her own childhood, giving a glimpse of how "Mama" raised her girls to be successful, happy adults through chores, consistency, and companionship. Chore Creativity