Kindergarten is the first step in formal education Most kindergartens are part of the local public-school or private school systems

A child will begin to walk typically as soon as he's developmentally able to For some children this will be at nine months; for others, eighteen months

"Do kids really need a daily bath" No

Even children who have been used to being cared for by others may, as they enter school, develop a fear of being apart from their parents Once again, this reaction is not necessarily a sign of regression but can be due to their increased awareness of the world's dangers

When the time is right for your child to begin a nursery or preschool program, you want him to be ready How can you help your child prepare

"How was school today" "Good

Though all of childhood is an exciting learning experience, the beginning of formal education whether a part-time nursery school program or a full day of kindergarten-is a momentous occasion The best preparation is emotional in nature

When you begin to look for a preschool for your child you'll notice that most of the schools look the same There will be teachers and children and small tables and chairs; there will be children's drawings on the walls and toys on the shelves

Children need help to live within the limits you've established Consequences that help your child understand his behavior and learn to control himself work best, beginning in toddler hood

When your child has a temper tantrum or otherwise acts out, you may find that your own equilibrium is threatened Loving your child is no protection against feeling incredible anger toward him at the same time

It's important at this point to remember that defiance generally comes from his feeling powerless over what happens in his world Often, it helps to say calmly that you can't talk to him or do anything for him when he uses certain words or a certain tone of voice

Your child's doctor will probably recommend waiting until your baby is between 4 and 6 months old before introducing solid foods-6 months if your baby is prone to allergies (The earlier solids are introduced, the more likely they are to cause allergies

The best way to stimulate your child's language development is to talk to him or her-as much as you possibly can Talk simply, clearly, slowly, and directly to your child

Teaching your child healthy eating habits now will benefit him or her throughout life In addition to preventing weight gain and obesity, a nutritious, balanced diet may help reduce the future risk for chronic diseases, including some cancers and heart disease

Given the freedom to choose from nutritious foods on their own, toddlers tend to eat a variety of foods and achieve a balanced diet-as long as it is provided to them A balanced diet should include a combination of carbohydrates, protein, fats, vitamins and minerals, and fiber in appropriate proportions