The letter is intended to help parents of young blind children understand the effects of their expectations on their child's development. The importance of believing in the essential normality and ability of the blind child is underlined, and parents are told basic information about developmental patterns, educational programs (including…

This document consists of a compilation of three separate 4-page brochures by the same authors: (1) understanding babies and toddlers; (2) understanding three to six-year olds; (3) disciplining preschoolers. The first brochure covers bonding and attachment, infant temperament, patterns of growth, and the characteristics of children during the…

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)

This question and answer booklet is designed to help parents and their children understand the importance of successful school entry and what happens in school. Questions include: How do I get my child into school? What is kindergarten like? How can I encourage school adjustment? What if my child is not eager to start school? How do I deal with my…

Educational enabling occurs when school staff, social agencies, parents, or peers do things for the students they should do themselves to fully develop a work ethic and academic and coping skills. Parents and teachers must keep their roles in perspective. The article advises parents on how to minimize educational enabling. (SM)

Recently, a young faculty member commented that e-mail and inexpensive long distance rates were hampering her first-year students' development by making it too easy for them to stay in touch with their parents. Similarly, Judith Shapiro, president of Barnard College, argued in her August 22, 2002, New York Times op-ed piece, "Keeping Parents Off…

This brochure for parents, in English- and Spanish-language versions, provides facts about infants' brains and offers suggestions for parents to help their baby's development by providing experiences to stimulate neural development. The facts are: (1) a baby's brain needs many different experiences to be nourished, such as being talked or sung to…

One of a series, this guide was produced for parents who want to become involved in their children's education and is designed to help them understand and encourage adolescents' growth and development. Section I offers an overview of adolescence. Section II discusses aspects of self-esteem, qualities of relationships affecting self-esteem, and…

Noting that new research shows that a baby's earliest years shape how he or she grows later in life, this brochure, in English- and Spanish-language versions, provides brief answers to some important questions parents may have about their baby's brain. The questions answered are: (1) "Why is brain development a popular subject lately?; (2)…

Presented are selected techniques for nurturing the development of self-reliance in children from birth to 3 years. Literature focused on self-reliance, growth rates, encouragement of self-reliant growth, and the influences of parents and teachers is reviewed, and 22 nurturing techniques of caregivers, teachers, parents, and others are described.…

Written from both a personal and a professional perspective, this book discusses how parents can help their children learn by learning along with them. Part One, "The Learning-Teaching Parent," encourages parents to participate in the learning process with their child. Chapters in this section are: (1) "The Learning Child"; (2) "The Roots of…

Intended for parents, school personnel, and leisure staff, this booklet outlines ways a community can overcome obstacles that keep youth with disabilities from enjoying their leisure. First the nature of leisure is considered and a self-evaluation questionnaire is presented. Consideration of leisure in the lives of teenagers with disabilities…

This publication provides parenting information concerning infants, toddlers, and children in the preschool, elementary school, early adolescence, and high school years. The section on infants includes material on child care, safety, and the process of learning language. Toddlers are discussed in terms of discipline, rewards, reading aloud, and…

Noting that children are virtually born to learn, this videotape provides parents with insight into children's early learning capacity and ways that parents can facilitate that brain development. The first part of this videotape discusses the parents' role as a child's first teachers. General ways by which young children can learn are explored,…

Presented in this document are nine brief study guides which offer advice and information about parenting to parents of infants and toddlers and which collectively make up the "Off to a Good Start" home study program. An information sheet on how to enroll in the program and receive these materials, which are sent to registrants approximately every…