Discussed are adults' egocentric attitudes about children, particularly toddlers, and ways in which such attitudes can creat unnecessary stress in the caregiver and toddler. Emphasis is given to: (1) hostile myths about toddlers that obscure reality and muddy relationships; (2) misunderstandings about ways in which toddlers think; (3) young children's need to develop embryonic feelings of competence or self-esteem; and (4) toddler behaviors that adults view as undesirable. The section on hostile myths about toddlers discusses power, discipline, and ways of coping with anxiety. The section on toddlers' thinking explores physical activity as the basis of mental development, perspective taking, concepts, pretending, fantasizing, and language. The section on toddlers' development of self-awareness deals with toddlers' limited objectivity, growing self-image, sensuality, gender development, will and competence, use of possessions to promote the sense of individuality, negativism, aggression, and need for clear-cut guidelines. The concluding section explores aspects of toddlers' play, social relations, sibling rivalry, toilet training, and parents' mental health. (RH)