CAREABOUTKIDS

PARENTS:Encourage your child to discuss daily activities. If your child spent the day with the babysitter, ask what they did and how or why they did it. Always ask questions that require children to use their memories and reflect on their experiences. Talking about experiences helps a child learn about concepts and helps build vocabulary. These abilities help your child to become a good reader. MY WORD: Reading is the first step into the world of communication.

CAREABOUTKIDS

PARENTS: Help your child choose sensible snack-foods that don't promote tooth decay. An improper diet can contribute to tooth decay.When taking an airplane trip with your toddler bring along the following items to make your child more comfortable on the flight: blanklet to sleep on, favorite toy, books, towelettes, juice, plastic bag for throwaways, crayons, paper, trainer cup, favorite snacks.Your child, like most children, will learn how to read. Whether the child will read, and read fluently depends partly on you. Language is one of the most important tools for thinking and communication. By the age of four, a child has learned over one thousand words.Find a wall at home that your children can use to display reproductions or original art that they have created. Or set up an exhbition in an "art corner."MY WORD: As you can see raising a child is no easy task.

CAREABOUTKIDS

PARENTS: Preschoolers tend to think in terms of themselves. Living in their own world, they may not realize that other people think and feel differently. When reading to your child choose books that challenge your child's mind and interests. Children often invent rules which even 3-year-olds understand without being taught by an adult. A sense of openness to the visual arts of diverse cultures, along with a willingness to ask questions about art, are as important for you as for the child.MY WORD: Children will constantly keep you alert to their needs.

CAREABOUTKIDS

PARENTS: Lack of proper nutrition during early childhood has found to retard intellectual functioning. Teaching your child to brush his teeth properly is very important. His teeth were made to last a lifetime. Good dental hygiene starts with your child's first tooth. Attitudes and habits established at an early age are critical in maintaining good health throughout your child's life.MY WORD: Positive thinking in every area will help your child feel secure in all situations.