Good Parents, Tough Times focuses on the spiritual well-being of the parent as much as the behavior of the child. The authors draw parallels between the real-life struggles parents face today and those endured by the saints. They believe that the qualities that enabled the saints to face great troubles--charity, knowledge, faith, hope, patience, serenity, truth, and humility--can sustain parents dealing with serious problems in their families. They show how these virtues can strengthen resolve, temper anger, restore energy, and foster open and honest communication between parents and children.

While Good Parents, Tough Times is addressed primarily to Catholics, most of the advice is applicable to people of all faiths.