Premature infants, known as preemies, come into the world earlier than full-term infants. Prematurity occurs when a pregnancy lasts fewer than 37 weeks; full-term infants are born 38 to 42 weeks after the mother’s last menstrual period (LMP).
There are many causes of preterm delivery. Sometimes it’s caused by the mother’s lifestyle choices during pregnancy: smoking, drinking alcohol, using drugs, eating poorly, not gaining enough weight, exposure to physical stress, and poor prenatal care are all causes of preterm delivery.
Preschoolers have a lot of energy, and they’re able to use it in a more organized way than when they were toddlers. Instead of just running around in the backyard, a preschooler has the physical skills and coordination to ride a tricycle or chase a butterfly.
Preschoolers are also discovering what it means to play with a friend instead of just alongside another child, as toddlers do. By having an opportunity to be around other children, your preschooler will be able to gain important social skills, such as sharing and taking turns. No doubt there will be disputes, but by the time your child is preschool-age, he or she can learn to cooperate and interact during play.
TOILET LEARNING
In days past, to teach children to use the toilet, parents simply undressed them and sat them in a potty chair for extended periods until they eliminated. Then referred to as toilet training, past practices and past terms have been updated. Research has shown that seeing the child as an active player makes the toileting process more enjoyable. Therefore, a more appropriate name for the process is toilet mastery or toilet learning.
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.
If your child is between the ages of 3 and 6 and attends a child care center, preschool, or kindergarten program, the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) suggests you look for these 10 signs to make sure your child is in a good classroom.
Children spend most of their playing and working with materials or other children. They do not wander aimlessly, and they are not expected to sit quietly for long periods of time.
