Table of Contents
Chapter 1 You and your preschooler 6
Sharing your life with your preschool child 8
How your child changes during the preschool years 14
What you need to do 17
The importance of routine 20
Likely flashpoints 22
Age profiles
3 years old 24
3½ years old 26
4 years old 28
4½ years old 30
5 years old 32
5½ years old 34
Chapter 2 Daily Care 36
Nutritional needs 38
Managing mealtimes 43
Meal planner 46
Dressing and clothes 52
Keeping your child active 55
Movement games 58
Hygiene matters 60
Care of the hair and nails 63
Care of the teeth 65
Care of the skin 67
Play 71
Special: party time 74
Special: your child at play 80
Sleep and bedtime 83
Chapter 3 Developmental changes 86
Physical abilities 88
Special: taking care of herself 90
Intellectual and mental abilities 93
The emergence of personality and the growth of emotions 101
Social development 119
Special: your child and his friends 122
Chapter 4 Parental Challenges 128
Managing bad behavior 130
Special: disciplining your child 140
Parenting and the internet 144
TV viewing 146
Phone and computer use 150
Encouraging your child's independence 153
Getting your child ready for nursery school and kindergarten 156
She doesn't want to go to school 159
Chapter 5 Family matters 162
When dad is the caregiver 164
Making the most of grandparents 167
Involving your extended family 170
Financial considerations 172
Moving to a new home 175
Special: being helpful around the house 176
A new brother or sister 179
Two children at home 183
Special: your child and his siblings 184
Adopting a preschooler 189
Living with a child with special needs 192
Sickness, separation, and divorce 196
Helping your child cope with bereavement 199
Chapter 6 Your child's well-being 202
Keeping your preschooler safe 204
When you are away from home 211
Preserving your child's health 217
When your child is unwell 221
First aid for minor injuries 230
First aid in an emergency 234
Infectious diseases 246
Respiratory illnesses 252
Skin conditions 257
Gastrointestinal problems 261
Mouth and tooth conditions 264
Ear and eye problems 267
Nervous system problems 270
Genitals and urinary-system problems 273
Bone, muscle, and joint disorders 275
Behavioral problems 277
Index and acknowledgments 282