William Gladden Foundation

Welcome to the William Gladden Foundation library of educational materials about Early Childhood Development. These publications are FREE to read on-line or download to hardcopy and reproduce.

Babies are beautiful. They represent new beginnings and limitless potential. Their innocent smiles warm our hearts, filling family members with pride. Babies are the future, and we all want our children to "reach for the stars."

Research tells us that the first three years are critical to a child's long-term development, that the period from infancy through toddlerhood is the foundation upon which a child's future is built. What parents do during these early, formative years greatly determines a child's later life. Sadly, though, babies do not come with an "owner's manual," nor do they have a "warranty" that promises to fix them when something goes awry. Parents are responsible for the care and maintenance of their offspring, and armed with loving dedication and an understanding of child development, they can safeguard the health, happiness and potential of their children.

A Parents' Guide To Avoiding The Super Baby Syndrome, by Michael K. Meyerhoff, Ed.D., 4,764 words, 16 pages. Most parents share the same basic goals for their offspring. First, 'I want my baby to be happy and healthy;" and second, 'I want my baby to make the best of her potential' The composition of health and happiness is not an issue for extensive argument. On the other hand, what constitutes making the most of a little person's potential is an endless source of discussion and disagreement. A major problem is that many parents have a tendency to be too particular as they pursue this topic. By focusing so closely on the content of their child's achievements, they miss what early education is all about. Whether it is basic capacities like reciting the alphabet, counting to 100 and categorizing shapes and colors, or amazing precocities like playing the piano, reading and writing poetry and operating a personal computer, paying too much attention to specific skills often means ignoring (or at least interfering with) what is really essential. As infants and toddlers indulge their innate inclinations to explore, investigate and experiment, they are developing a variety of general learning skills that will enable them to adapt to the ever-changing environment for the rest of their lives. It is clear that children who are encouraged to develop these fundamental abilities fully and freely will be far better off than those whose initial educational experiences have been directed into relatively restricted channels ' no matter how well-intentioned their instructors and no matter how impressive their early academic or artistic accomplishments.

A Parents' Guide To Dealing With A Child's Anger During Infancy, Toddlerhood And The Preschool Years, by Michael K. Meyerhoff, Ed.D., 4,911 words, 16 pages. 'I hate you!' No other words uttered by a young child can cause as much damage to the morale of her mother and father. After nurturing, worrying and encouraging, parents are prepared for an 'I love you!' and a hug, but they rarely are ready for ' and thus are extremely vulnerable to ' any kind of venomous attack from their infant, toddler or preschooler. Dealing appropriately with a young child's anger is one of the more difficult tasks of parenting, and one of the more important tasks, as well. Proper coping involves diverse considerations and calls for different strategies at different stages of development. Unfortunately, mothers and fathers often have no clue as to where their child's anger is coming from, and no idea what to do about it. As a result, they routinely react in a harsh and excessive manner that makes matters worse. However, with information and advice, most parents can more accurately assess such situations and then pursue sensible practices that will improve the outcomes for all.

A Parents' Guide To Enhancing Early Language Development, by Michael K. Meyerhoff, Ed.D., 4,414 words, 16 pages. Perhaps no other event of the early years has received as much attention and acclaim as the onset of speech. Mothers and fathers throughout history have anxiously awaited the utterance of their child's first words. Yet, nobody has ever figured out how to teach a baby to talk. That does not men, however, that we know nothing about enhancing language development during infancy and toddlerhood. While the process of inducing the initial production of speech remains something of a mystery, researchers have learned that it is relatively non-critical. Some children who eventually exhibit superb language skills start speaking a word or two at seven or eight months of age; but some remain relatively silent until they are almost two-years-old (at which time they often start speaking in complete sentences). On the other hand, it is clear that all such children begin to UNDERSTAND some words sometime between the sixth and seventh month; and parents who focus on this early 'receptive' capacity along with the later 'expressive' components can do a lot to insure that their children will experience optimal linguistic progress. Researchers also have discovered that what children require in this regard is remarkably easy to provide. By maintaining adequate awareness and following a few basic strategies, most mothers and fathers can see to it that their children will emerge from the early years with first-rate language skills.

A Parents' Guide To Encouraging Imagination And Creativity During Early Childhood, by Michael K. Meyerhoff, Ed.D., 5,270 words, 16 pages. It is evident that imagination and creativity first blossom during early childhood. On the other hand, it is not clear exactly where they come from. Genetics could be a major factor - it is possible that some children are simply born more imaginative and creative than are others. The environment may be more critical. Perhaps certain types of early experience produce great amounts of imagination and creativity in children. The fact is that no one has been able to predict accurately the level of imagination and creativity a child will eventually exhibit. Nor has anyone put together a program that will reliably increase a child's imagination and creativity. In other words, there is no known method of bestowing or teaching imagination and creativity. However, research has demonstrated that these qualities certainly can be encouraged and enhanced during early childhood. Furthermore, psychologists and educators have discovered how important it is to do so. Without adequate and appropriate nurturing, imagination and creativity will not only fail to blossom fully, indeed, they actually may be severely diminished or destroyed. Therefore, it is a lucky child whose mother and father recognize the value of these qualities and then take the time and make the effort to nurture them during the early years. Fortunately, doing what needs doing in this regard is not very difficult. Moreover, the results can be extremely rewarding, and the entire process can be a great deal of fun.

A Parents' Guide To Ensuring A Successful Day Care Experience For An Infant Or Toddler, Michael K. Meyerhoff, Ed.D., 5,475 words, 16 pages. Once parents make the difficult decision to place their infant or toddler in day care, they must face the equally formidable task of deciding which day care center will best serve their baby's needs. Unfortunately, some mother and fathers fail to realize that no matter where their child spends her day, a large portion of the responsibility for fulfilling her most important requirements will remain with them; and to the extent that they do not factor in their on-going involvement in every aspect of their child's care, whatever arrangements are made will be inadequate. This presents problems, both for mothers and fathers who must be away from their babies between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM, or longer, as well as for day care personnel who are obligated to make the welfare of an entire group of children their top priority. In this light, satisfying an infant's or toddler's special stipulations is not something that can be done solely by the parents during a few hours in the evening, nor can it be done completely in the course of the day by even the most competent center acting alone. The only answer is a cooperative arrangement whereby everyone ensures that the child is attended appropriately around the clock.

A Parents' Guide To Making A Home Safe And Suitable For An Infant Or Toddler, by Michael K. Meyerhoff, Ed.D., 5,065 words, 16 pages. Curiosity is the driving force behind education, and, unfortunately, children are born with an overwhelming abundance of it. During the first six months or so, they sharpen their sensory skills, and they gradually gain greater control over the different parts of their tiny bodies. They absorb everything with their eyes and ears, and whatever they can reach, they actively study with their hands, fingers and mouths. As they enter the second half of the first year, they are very much aware of everything in the world around them, and they are incredibly interested in all of it. However, they do not yet have the capacity to get to much of it on their own. How parents respond to the combination of curiosity, mobility and naivete will determine how well their baby survives physically and thrives educationally during the early years. Preventing her from getting into trouble is not necessarily a major problem, nor is providing her ample learning opportunities, but performing these two important functions simultaneously can be a formible and difficult task. Nonetheless, armed with some essential insights and a few simple suggestions, most parents can easily see to it that their home is both a safe and suitable environment for their infant or toddler.

A Parents' Guide To Making Sense Of Developmental Milestones During Infancy And Toddlerhood, by Michael K. Meyerhoff, Ed.D., 5,065 words, 16 pages. The first smiles, the first words, the first steps; for most parents, the 'as expected' appearance of major developmental milestones during infancy and toddlerhood is a relief, happiness and pride. Unfortunately, for some mothers and fathers, the 'off-schedule'emergence of these achievements produces considerable anxiety, alarm and confusion. However, while a child 'missing the mark' may, indeed, be cause for concern on occasion, in many cases the real problem is simply misunderstanding of what developmental milestones represent. All children ' even genetically identical twins, have their own unique rate and pattern of development during the early years. Like snowflakes, sunsets and other miracles of nature, no two babies are exactly alike. What is important to remember is that the established milestones can provide a general picture of development during infancy and toddlerhood, but they cannot provide a precise blueprint for the progress of any particular child. Although lists and charts tend to describe it in a concise and organized manner, the fact is that early development is never a neat and orderly affair. While parents may want to compare the progress of their progeny to that of other children and standard norms, they should never forget to appreciate and enjoy the special individuality demonstrated by their own child.

A Parents' Guide To Nurturing The Roots Of Emotional Security And Self-Esteem, by Michael K. Meyerhoff, Ed.D., 4,933 words, 16 pages. Emotional security and self-esteem are two of the more important components of personality. Without the former, it is impossible to love, trust, respect and appreciate other people, and without the latter, it is impossible to love, trust, respect and appreciate oneself. Serious social and behavioral problems associated with emotional insecurity and lack of self-esteem may not become obvious until the teen years or beyond. However, it is during early childhood that the fundamental tendencies form. These key elements of personality will continue to be influenced, for better or worse, by the winds of fortune throughout the life span; but an individual with strong foundations is likely to weather even the severest storms, whereas someone with weak foundations may succumb to the slightest breeze. In other words, the major portions of a child's personality begin to develop before the moment of birth. They progress through a series of stages, with each new step resting upon the former one. If the lower stages are built wide and firm, they will provide a solid base for whatever comes along later. If, on the other hand, the lower stages are shaky, the entire structure will become increasingly unstable as time goes by. Fortunately, doing what needs to be done is relatively easy. In fact, much of what is involved may come naturally to many mothers and fathers; and armed with a little insight and a few simple suggestions, most parents will have no trouble pursuing appropriate policies and practices that will promote the optimal development of their child's personality.

A Parents' Guide To Promoting Social Skill Development During Infancy And Toddlerhood, by Michael K. Meyerhoff, Ed.D., 5,475 words, 16 pages. In order to be truly successful in life, being personally secure and intellectually adept is not enough. Because every individual must operate as part of a larger society, it is necessary to be socially skillful as well. Unfortunately, many parents fail to realize that it is during infancy and toddlerhood that their child must start to learn how to interact with her fellow human beings. Sometimes they assume that social skills assimilate casually during the preschool and elementary years, but for whatever reason, their child does not receive a sufficient supply of relevant lessons. Fortunately, helping a child along the path toward life-long interpersonal proficiency is not difficult. Although 'fundamental' in nature, social skill development during the early years is not particularly complicated, and with a little awareness and information, parents can easily pursue policies and practices that will ensure optimal progress in this area.

A Parents' Guide To Raising An Only-Child, by Michael K. Meyerhoff, Ed.D., 5,104 words, 16 pages. Raising an 'only-child' is a special experience shared by an increasing number of parents. Whereas biological conditions have always dictated that some couples would have just one child, various other, more conscious, factors have now entered the picture as well. Raising even one child in today's world can be quite expensive. In addition, many mothers and fathers are waiting until later in life to begin their families, and many are unable or unwilling to take on rigors and responsibilities beyond those required for a single offspring. However, while raising an only-child is no longer such an unusual experience, it does remain a relatively stressful one. There are no set expectations concerning what circumstances might be encountered, and there are no rigid rules for raising an only-child. Every child is unique, and every family has its own distinct dynamics. On the other hand, child development professionals and experienced parents do have some relevant insights and suggestions. Armed with this information and advice, along with some solid knowledge regarding standard childrearing policies and practices, mothers and father can ensure that the experience of raising their only-child will be as enriching and enjoyable as possible for everyone involved.

A Parents' Guide To Raising Twins, by Michael K. Meyerhoff, Ed.D., 4,760 words, 15 pages. Being a multiple is, in itself, neither beneficial nor detrimental. Depending upon the degree of physical resemblance and the attitudes and expectations of the people around them, twins may or may not enjoy advantages and may or may not suffer hardships. Their parents will have the greatest impact when it comes to tilting circumstances and events toward either side. Unfortunately, there are no simple, universal rules for coping with multiples, as the configuration of each family is different and the personalities of family members are unique. However, experts on child development and experienced parents do propose some general guidelines and specific suggestions. These, along with fundamental childrearing tenets, can help mothers and father formulate strategies that will make raising multiples more pleasant and less stressful for everyone involved. The essential ingredient for success seems to be to strike a balance between fostering a sense of individuality in each child and encouraging the mutually supportive relationship the children are naturally inclined to establish with each other. As the years go by, the particular problems that confront parents and their multiples change in form and content, and the level of difficulty often depends upon genetic makeup (for instance, whether the children are identical twins or different-sex fraternal twins), but the importance of promoting both individuality and a special bond remains constant.

A Parents' Guide To The Roots Of Sibling Rivalry, by Michael K. Meyerhoff, Ed.D., 4,902 words, 16 pages. One of the greatest sources of stress for families with closely spaced children is also one of society's best-kept secrets. Harsh feelings and aggressive actions among brothers and sisters born a few years apart routinely torment their parents, but the topic is rarely talked about openly. As a result, while thousands of mothers and fathers suffer from the scourge of severe sibling rivalry, each one tends to do so in isolation ' and sometimes even in shame. Fortunately, if you observe very closely and examine what is going on from the perspective of the key players, you also will learn that severe sibling rivalry under such circumstances is perfectly natural. It may even be interpreted as a healthy sign to a certain extent. Moreover, you can achieve an understanding of the individual and interpersonal dynamics involved. While that understanding may not enable you to eliminate the unpleasantness, it will allow you to take effective steps toward alleviating it as much as possible.

A Parents' Guide To "The Terrible Twos", by Michael K. Meyerhoff, Ed.D., 5,098 words, 16 pages. Few aspects of early childhood development are more distressing to parents than the onset of 'the terrible twos.' Mothers and fathers who had a wonderful time raising a delightful infant for 24 months or so now find themselves saddled with an annoying, willful, totally unmanageable toddler who is prone to throwing temper tantrums and engaging in a variety of intolerable activities. Contrary to popular beliefs, 'the terrible twos' are NOT natural, inevitable or temporary. Such unpleasant personality traits in a two-year-old are largely the result of faulty and preventable childrearing practices; and once these traits are firmly established, they are extremely difficult to eliminate. Therefore, the adage that 'an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure' is never truer than when applied to the subject at hand. Civilizing an infant (introducing her to the rules required for living cooperatively and congenially with other people) is among the most important parental tasks, and it is never an especially easy or enjoyable one. However, with adequate awareness of the dynamics involved, and sufficient resolve to follow through on effective strategies right from the start, mothers and father can save themselves a lot of unnecessary grief in the long-run and reap the rewards of a bright, independent, happy and well-behaved child.

A Parents' Guide To The World Of The Newborn, by Michael K. Meyerhoff, Ed.D., 5,250 words, 16 pages. When asked where he was born, Groucho Marx once replied, 'New York City' I wanted to be near my mother.' While that remark has received guffaws over the years, it is rapidly becoming less of a laughing matter. Due to a number of books, newspaper and magazine articles, films and television programs about the amazing mental and emotional capacities of unborn and newborn infants, many modern parents are being sent into a tizzy regarding what their soon-to-arrive offspring can see, hear, feel, understand, think and do. Quite often, the joy and wonder of mothers and fathers getting to know their babies as their babies get to know them is degenerating into anxiety and guilt concerning what the babies may already know and what the parents should have known. The fact is that despite the impression modern parents may be receiving, the interests and abilities of a newborn baby are uncomplicated, and the early developmental process is forgiving. Furthermore, at least for the first several weeks, simply by doing what comes naturally, most mothers and fathers will satisfy their baby's important needs, helping him achieve a superb start in life.

A Parents' Guide To Toilet Training, by Michael K. Meyerhoff, Ed.D., 4,388 words, 16 pages. Perhaps no other subject in early childhood is surrounded by as many practical and psychological concerns as the topic of toilet training. Certainly, during the period when toilet training is contemplated and carried out, nothing else seems to have a higher priority or greater importance. Nevertheless, the entire process can be surprisingly smooth and simple as long as readiness is respected and relaxation is the rule. The reasons why parents may want to have their child trained immediately are numerous and noteworthy. Pressures from relatives and friends, enrollment requirements for preschool and simply getting tired of dealing with diapers are just a few considerations. However, no matter how eager parents may be, their efforts are likely to result in frustration and failure unless they hold off until the child is mature enough to handle the situation. Furthermore, although 'training' is the term typically used, what really takes place is 'education;' and the easiest and most effective way to educate children is to teach them what they want to learn when they want to learn it. No matter how determined and methodical parents may be in pursuing their plans, their efforts are likely to cause difficulties and even be counterproductive unless they wait until the child becomes an equally enthusiastic partner in the process.

A Parents' Guide To Selecting Toys For Infants And Toddlers, by Michael K. Meyerhoff, Ed.D., 5,092 words, 15 pages. Play is the business of babies, and toys are the tools of their trade. Every year, billions of dollars are spent purchasing playthings for infants and toddlers. Unfortunately, the infants and toddlers themselves have very little input concerning how those dollars are spent. Consequently, they are totally at the mercy of their parents when it comes to the selection as well as the purchase of their playthings. As a result, mothers and fathers can make many of mistakes, and there is a high probability that whenever an infant or toddler is presented with a toy, she actually will spend less time playing with the item itself than the box, paper and ribbon in which it was wrapped. Of course, every baby exhibits slightly different inclinations and capabilities, and there is no such thing as a 'foolproof' pick. However, by following a few basic guidelines, parents can see to it that their hard-earned money is wisely invested, rather than wasted, and with some reliable knowledge about what infants and toddlers are like at different stages of development, they can ensure that their baby will have an ample supply of appropriate and enjoyable playthings.

Building Preschool Language Skills and Getting Ready for Kindergarten, by Frances P. Glascoe, Ph.D., 902 words, 3 pages. The most important preschool skill is language. This publication encourages parents to talk, listen, explore, sing, do, and read with their children to get them ready for kindergarten.

Building Speech And Language Skills In Early Childhood, by Frances P. Glascoe, Ph.D., 754 words, 3 pages. Skills in speech (sound pronunciation) and language (listening, understanding and using words) develop in an orderly way, although the pace may differ for different children. This article provides general guidelines for the emergence of expressive vocabulary and expressive language milestones.

Building Your Baby's Self-Esteem, by Waln K. Brown, Ph.D., 804 words, 3 pages. As babies grow, they slowly but steadily develop a sense of who they are. Self-esteem is how they 'feel' about their emerging self-identity. This feeling is rooted in a sense of being loved and cared for. Trust in their parents is the foundation upon which a baby's developing self-esteem is built. Trust building is an ongoing activity. Parents who regularly practice the following activities are building their baby's trust. A baby's emotional growth is rooted in the relationships she forms with her parents. Attachment to her parents as the loving center of her world is essential. Babies need a safe base from which to explore the world. They typically crawl off to explore, and then return to the safety of a lap or leg. Without a safe base, they may not want to do the exploring necessary for the development of positive self-esteem. As infants grow into toddlers, they develop a need to assert their independence, their separateness, their uniqueness. This search for autonomy is why toddlers say 'NO' increasingly more often. By saying 'NO,' they are defining themselves, practicing what it is like to stand on their own. This is another important time in the self-esteem building process.

Choosing Daycare, by Waln K. Brown, Ph.D., 751 words, 3 pages. There are four types of daycare available for young children. Sitters usually care for children in their home. They tend to be young and do not have parenting experience or childcare training. Sitters are often the most convenient and least expensive choice. Nannies usually live in the home where they provide care. They tend to be adults specially trained in caring for children. Nannies are especially convenient, but they also are quite expensive. People who run daycare homes usually have been parents. Some are certified to care for a small number of children. Less formal situations also exist where someone regularly 'baby sits' more than one child in their home. The purpose of daycare centers is to care for groups of children. Although some daycare centers take babies, most focus on preschoolers. One or more of the daycare staff usually holds a certificate in childcare. Choose a childcare provider carefully. Your child's health and safety rest with the childcare provider while you are absent.

Communicate With Your Baby Now, by SignBabies, 626 words, 2 pages. Have you ever wondered what your baby is thinking or what interests her? Would you like to ask her what she likes to eat? Do you want to know if the cause of her crying is because she is hungry, needs a diaper change or is hurt? How would you like to stop her tantrums? By using sign language, you can take advantage of your baby's natural abilities to communicate sooner and reduce the stress for the whole family! The level of frustration that children feel diminishes significantly when they can tell you what they want. Tantrums often result from a toddler's inability to communicate needs or wants. Using sign language, you can communicate with your baby as early as 4 - 6 months and reduce the number of tantrums you encounter; and fewer tantrums mean a better relationship!

Crying Babies, by Waln K. Brown, Ph.D., 855 words, 3 pages. Crying is a baby's way of communicating. Hunger is the most common reason why babies cry. Crying may also be a way for babies to relieve tension. Most parents can pick out their baby's cry from that of other babies by the third day. In less than a month, they usually can tell one type of cry from another. For example, a cry of pain is a piercing cry that does not stop when the baby is picked up. Through trial and error, parents learn how to respond to their baby, and as babies grow, they become better at communicating.

Developing Your Baby's Learning Skills, by Waln K. Brown, Ph.D., 997 words, 3 pages. The first 3 years of life are critical to the development of the human brain, and the first 6 months are the most important. These early months and years have a powerful influence on their life-long mental development and the ability to learn. The more the minds of infants and toddlers are stimulated, the greater the number of pathways for information processing in their brains. Infants and toddlers whose brains are not stimulated begin to lose the capacity to use their brains at full potential. Excess and unused brain cells are eliminated. Pathways for information processing do not open and are lost forever.

Developmentally Delayed Children, by Sandra Grove Dykes, M.Ed., and Waln K. Brown, Ph.D., 4,238 words, 17 pages. Some experts believe that as many as 30% of American children show signs of developmental delay. Delays in walking, talking and eating skills can be overcome as a child continues to grow and mature. However, some delays may mark the presence of mild or serious developmental disabilities. In turn, these delays can limit a child's ability to develop the skills needed to function in society. Children whose delays go undetected and untreated are 'at risk' to experience a variety of problems that may persist a lifetime. Conversely, children whose delays are identified and treated early have an increased chance to master or gain more control over their disabilities. Therefore, early identification and treatment are very important factors in determining the long-term potential for developmental delayed children. It is important, however, to sound a note of caution. Some professionals rightfully warn that it may be detrimental to place too much pressure on preschool children to perform in certain ways at certain ages. After all, children develop at different rates and have differing levels of ability. Because a child is not functioning at an expected level of performance does not necessarily mean that he or she is developmentally delayed. There may be other reasons for the lag in development. Nonetheless, parents, educators, health and childcare professionals need some parameters by which to identify the potential for a developmental delay. It is sometimes wiser to err on the side of caution than to ignore or deny the possibility that a child's functioning may be handicapped.

Helping Young Children Learn Motor And Self-Help Skills, by Frances P. Glascoe, Ph.D., 1,161 words, 3 pages. How do we get good at something? We practice, practice, and practice some more. The same is true for children's ability to use their hands and fingers (fine motor skills) and arms and legs (gross motor skills). If we want them to run smoothly, write well, and eat neatly, children need a chance to learn and practice. Here are some ideas for things that help build motor skills. All require allowing extra time for children to explore dressing and undressing, cooking, eating, and so forth. Some activities are messy so you will need to spend time watching and encouraging your child, especially when very young, when they play with crayons, paints, play dough, and other materials; but, all these activities are fun for children, help them learn, and can be fun for parents as well. While you do these together, be sure to talk with your child about what he or she is doing. This will help teach names for actions and objects.

Reading To Your Baby, by Waln K. Brown, Ph.D., 929 words, 3 pages. Even before they can talk, babies are learning about language. A baby's ability to speak grows out of a desire to communicate with loved ones. The sooner you begin reading to your baby, the sooner she will connect the reader's voice with loving attention. Reading aloud to your baby is the most important thing you can do to prepare her to read when she goes to school. The speech centers of the brain go through a period of rapid growth when babies are between six and 10 months old and again when they are between 12 and 18 months old. The more you read to your baby during these critical periods of brain growth, the greater your baby's growth in language skills.

Sleep Disturbances In Early Childhood, by Carle F. O'Neil, M.A., M.S.W., and Waln K. Brown, Ph.D., 3,827 words, 15 pages. Some children are difficult to get to sleep or keep asleep throughout the night. Such difficulties range from mild and occasional to severe and prolonged, and are referred to as 'sleep disturbances,' 'sleep problems' or 'sleep disorders.' Childhood sleep disturbances are seldom life threatening, but they can be draining for parents concerned about their child's well-being as well as disrupt their own sleep to the point of exhaustion and frustration. At such times, what began as the child's sleep problem hinders the parents' sleeping patterns and produces parental feelings of anger, self-doubt and guilt ' even conflict. Recently, early childhood patterns of sleep have become a subject of scientific study. This has resulted in welcome, but incomplete, knowledge about the need for sleep and the disturbances caused by the lack of it. Although there is more to learn, clearly identifiable patterns of sleep disturbances and their causes have been confirmed ' along with an understanding of the threats they pose to health.

Sleeping Babies, by Waln K. Brown, Ph.D., 954 words, 3 pages. Most pediatricians agree that an infant should sleep on her back. This is because infants who sleep on their tummies are at greater risk for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The common term for SIDS is 'crib death.' SIDS is usually the reason given when a healthy baby dies suddenly and unexpectedly. About nine of ten SIDS victims are between two months and six months old. Deaths occur more in the winter and spring. Some doctors say that SIDS is the result of an imbalance in the heart and respiratory system, which does not allow the baby to breathe properly. Most six-week-old babies sleep through the night. Some doctors believe that hunger wakes younger babies. Other doctors believe that babies must weight ten pounds or more before they can sleep all night. When a baby can eat solid foods, the chances improve for a full night of rest. By six months, over 80% of babies sleep through the night.

Substance-Exposed Babies, Waln K. Brown, Ph.D., 786 words, 3 pages. Substance-exposed babies are babies subjected to drugs while still in the womb of a pregnant mother. Pregnant women who use cigarettes, alcohol or other drugs endanger the development of their unborn babies and put them at risk for physical, emotional and social problems. Pregnant mothers who use drugs pass them on to the fetus. The unborn baby's body cannot process the drugs, so they stay in the system a long time. Mothers who use drugs throughout their pregnancy continuously expose their unborn babies to the harmful effects of drugs. Even mothers who use drugs while breast-feeding are exposing their babies to the dangers of these substances.

Teaching Young Children About Discipline And Proper Behavior, by Frances P. Glascoe, Ph.D., 1,143 words, 3 pages. Discipline is not mostly punishment. Discipline is teaching new behaviors--in yourself and your children. Children often do the same troubling things repeatedly because they do not know another way to act or because they do not know how to ask for what they really want or talk about what is bothering them. So, one of the main goals of discipline is to teach them a better way to behave and communicate. Discipline is also preventing misbehavior.

Terrible Twos, by Waln K. Brown, Ph.D., 862 words, 3 pages. Although all children go through predictable stages, they respond to each stage in their own way. Starting as early as age 18 months, most toddlers go through a difficult time. Negative periods can come and go until age three. This stage of rapid physical and mental growth is when toddlers test their personal power. Most two-year-olds struggle with various aspects of their behavior. Some of the negative traits of toddlers in this stage of development include being aggressive, demanding, impulsive, indecisive and self-centered. They also experience wide emotional swings, find change difficult, have trouble sharing and a short attention-span.

The Effects Of Marital Discord And Divorce on Young Children, by Frances P. Glascoe, Ph.D., 296 words, 2 pages. A child's sense of well-being relates to her parents' well-being. The single best predictor of children's behavioral and emotional difficulties is parental discord. Therefore, parents should consider the effects of their marital discord or divorce on theirs children's emotions and behaviors.

The Effects Of Parental Careers On Young Children, by Frances P. Glascoe, Ph.D., 291 words, 1 page. It is important for parents to keep a good balance between work and family. Your job can help your child learn and grow in new ways. Sometimes, however, your job can get in the way of raising your child carefully. The article explains some of the good points and not so good points of parents working and pursuing careers.

Toilet Training, by Waln K. Brown, Ph.D., 1,064 words, 3 pages. There is no age for ALL children to become toilet trained. Daytime dryness comes first. Nighttime dryness follows. Natural periods of body awareness occur around 12 to 18 months for bowel control and about 24 to 30 months for bladder control. Some children achieve these controls by the end of the second year, while others may take until the end of the fourth year. Having an older brother or sister who models the correct toileting behavior can speed up the process. Children who stay dry during their nap and can stray dry from four to six hours during the day have reached a point where they may begin to stay dry throughout the night. This is usually not until after age three and for most kids not until age four or five.