Early Motherhood

Here are our picks for some of the best child development books on the market.

Complete Guide to Your Children’s Health, by the American Medical Association
This straightforward, comprehensive reference comes from the American Medical Association, so you know it’s good material. The book features helpful pictures, charts, and diagrams on everything from childproofing to teething, as well as easy-to-read symptom charts and an A to Z health encyclopedia. The developmental information, including lists of physical and cognitive milestones and warning signs of potential problems, is divided by age group and includes simple activities and games designed to help your baby learn.

When children anticipate “going to the doctor,” many become worried and apprehensive about the visit. Whether they’re going to see their primary care doctor or a specialist — and whether for a routine exam, illness, or special problem — kids are likely to have fears, and some may even feel guilty.

Some fears and guilty feelings surface easily, so that children can talk about them. Others are harbored secretly and remain unspoken. In preparation for a physician’s examination, you can help your child express these fears and overcome them.

We all remember the mixture of emotions that going back to school often brings. You’re anxious and excited, but disappointed that summer’s over all at the same time. Whether the sunny season was jam-packed with activities from start to finish, or filled with complaints that they were bored to tears with nothing to do, many kids of all ages have a hard time making the transition from pool to school.

Learning to use the toilet is a big step for toddlers and it can be difficult for some. Some children just seem to train themselves when they are ready, but many need some help from their parents.

Parents see toilet training as an important milestone for their children and often become very concerned if it doesn’t all go smoothly.

Muscular dystrophy (MD) is a genetic disorder that gradually weakens the body’s muscles. It’s caused by incorrect or missing genetic information that prevents the body from making the proteins it needs to build and maintain healthy muscles.

A child who is diagnosed with MD gradually loses the ability to do things like walk, sit upright, breathe easily, and move the arms and hands. This increasing weakness can lead to other health problems.

There are several major forms of muscular dystrophy, which can affect a child’s muscles in different levels of severity. In some cases, MD starts causing muscle problems in infancy, while in others, symptoms don’t appear until adulthood.