Notes that scientists understand in greater detail the various anatomical and neurological changes that allow children to develop motor and sensory abilities. Explores how the research findings are calling into question the notion of prescribed developmental milestones. (HTH)

Notes infants' capacity for empathy and that the way parents respond to infants' natural selfish preoccupation as well as the behaviors modeled for them as they grow influence their manners and concepts of compassion, shame, and moral reasoning. (HTH)

Explores what is known about the genetic underpinnings of temperament. Examines the role of experience in shaping personality, suggesting that personality is both heritable and influenced by environment. (HTH)

Describes the development of attachment of infant to parent or caregiver during infancy. Explores the impact of attachment, whether good or poor, on later development, and factors contributing secure or insecure/anxious attachment. Notes that obstacles to secure attachment can often be overcome with counseling. (HTH)

Explores the attachment relationship of fathers to their infant children. Highlights the ways fathers parent differently from mothers, and the positive effects on child outcomes of fathers' participation in caregiving. (HTH)

Explains why early interactions are so vital in teaching young children about themselves, their world, and success. Explores the function of internal and external motivation to development, and the importance of positive feedback to development of children's trust and self-confidence. (HTH)

Notes that research is confirming that much of what makes a person unique is the result of experiences in the first three years of life. Notes the long-term effects of inadequate nurturing, the role of extended family, and the challenges for parents, educators, and policymakers posed by these research findings. (HTH)

Suggests that parents underestimate children's capacity for regulating wisely what and how much they eat. Examines issues in nutrition, noting that, although it is important for young children to eat right, it is more important for them to like food, enjoy being at the table, know when they're hungry, and to quit eating when they are full. (HTH)

Explores the more common birth defects, noting their rates, causes, and potential for prevention. Highlights the trend toward leading more normal lives for children with such impairments. (HTH)

Argues that early childhood experiences with processes as diverse as language, mathematics, emotion, and music determine which neurons grow and remain active in the brain. Early exposure to these processes results in receptive programming. Discusses the implications for schools, teachers, and parents. (MJP)

Examines the stages of children's social development, from solitary play, to parallel play to friendship. Offers ways to help children progress toward friendships. (HTH)

Explores how experiences after birth exert a dramatic and precise impact, physically determining how the intricate neural circuits of the brain are wired, in particular, in areas of language and vocabulary. Discusses the brain's acute vulnerability to trauma such as under or over stimulation or abuse. (HTH)

Notes that regardless of the language, children acquire language on the same general schedule and the same cognitive path. Explores the process of child language acquisition, from sounds, through word meanings, to syntax and grammar. (HTH)

Presents a chart detailing developmental milestones for infants through 3-year olds. Includes feeding, sleep, allergic response, immunization, and safety concerns. (HTH)

Explores the benefits of touch and affection to infant development, noting that in addition to psychological benefits, touch is an important stimulus to the central nervous system. (HTH)