CARMEL VALLEY, Calif. -- Combine the pressure of raising children these days with stringent parental expectations, put them in a highly competitive setting (like junior golf) and you have the potential for an emotional disaster that could last long after the final putt drops.

But that type of family meltdown is completely avoidable, says Dr. Bee Epstein-Shepherd, respected mental skills coach and author, in her innovation book, "Building Champions: A Guide for Parents of Junior Golfers" (Becoming Press, 2005), released in July.

"Dr. Bee's book "Building Champions" teaches you effective parenting skills that will provide your children with the tools to make the most of their potential as human beings and as golfers," said Johnny Miller, Hall of Fame golfer and renowned television analyst.

Must-reading for all parents of children in competitive settings of any kind - athletic, academic and musical included - "Building Champions" is a simple, yet insightful guide for building healthy, long-lasting relationships, as well as providing good advice on such topics as golf lessons, practice, and tournaments. While designed for parents, "Building Champions" is not only for families; its message applies to all adults who work with children, as well.

To supplement the book, Dr. Bee (as she is known by her clients) also has created a set of four compact discs that comprise a cutting-edge program of mental training just for juniors. It is called, "The Mental Game and Life Skills for Juniors," and like the book, is among the first of its kind to address the unique issues facing the junior golfer of today.

"Parenting has a huge impact on both short-term and long-term success," says Dr. Bee. "As you read this book you will learn what works and what has the potential to backfire-what builds champions and what often produces undesirable results."

Dr. Bee, who has worked successfully with youth golfers as well as some of the world's elite golf professionals, presents parents ideas and projects that will help them make the best choices for their children. Her clients have ranged in age from five to 83. Throughout "Building Champions," Dr. Bee's message revolves around a core philosophy - for parents to love and teach their child with respect, within a nurturing environment.

"Your number one priority as a parent is to build a champion human being," she said. "In this arena, no competition is involved. Every child is born with championship potential."

An excerpt from "Building Champions" -

When I work with junior golfers, I provide guidance to the parents. Some parents need no more than brief contact and updates, while others need extensive direction. It does no good to work on building confidence with a player if he goes home to a father who compares him unfavorably with his older brother, or other players, and continually points out his shortcomings. Many times I see my job as working mainly with the parents — to make sure that in their zeal to create the next Tiger, or Annika, they don't undermine the self-esteem of their vulnerable, sensitive child. Parents need to be clear that children have not matured physically, emotionally, or mentally.

Children do not have "common sense," or understand the consequences of their actions at the adult level. Children must be taught patiently, and learn from making their own mistakes.

I must often remind a parent, "Even though he is six feet tall and can bomb a ball 295 yards, he is only 15 years old. His mind and emotions have not kept up with his physical growth. You can not expect him to think like a touring pro." Guiding children in effective age-appropriate ways will hasten the development of character and championship behavior.

This is Dr. Bee's third book, following the acclaimed, "Mental Management for Great Golf: - How to Control your Thoughts and Play out of Your Mind" (Becoming Press; 1996), and "The Mental Mastery for Great Golf System" (Becoming Press; 2001). She also developed Mind Power Technology™ -- a highly successful mental training system.

Holding a Ph.D. in Psychology and DCH (Doctor of Clinical Hypnotherapy), Dr. Bee is former college business instructor, motivational speaker and performance coach. Both a mother and grandmother, Dr. Bee is listed in numerous Who's Who Publications, including "Who's Who of American Women" and "Who's Who in the World," and is an golfer and tennis player who lives and plays in Carmel Valley, Calif.

For more information about "Building Champions" and Dr. Bee Epstein-Shepherd, visit www.DrBee.com or call (800) 347-6828.

Media Contact:
Ed Vyeda
Hunter Public Relations
(831) 375-1747
evyeda@hunter-pr.com