The manual, an outcome of Project IINTACT, a model demonstration project, is designed to help prepare retarded mothers for parenthood. Introductory material addresses specific child-rearing problems for this population and discusses techniques for successful communication with the retarded mother. Solutions are offered to 22 problems, including failure to follow through on suggested activities, limited mother-child interactions, long- and short-term memory problems, difficulties following directions, lack of generalization, misinterpretation of the baby's cries or vocalizations, inability to read, rough handling, and lack of understanding of the child's emerging independence. Problems in daily living (i.e., instability, isolation, poor home and money management) are also considered. (CL)