preschool

Research from Children's Hospital & Regional Medical Center - in Seattle - is confirming that watching violent television programs between the ages of 2 and 5 years of age is linked to aggressive and anti-social behaviors in boys when they reach age 7 to 9.

The journal article titled Violent Television Viewing During Preschool is Associated with Anti-social Behavior During School Age reviews data from a 40-year study of 8,000 U.S. families.

This was Chloe's first week of preschool. We were both anxious - but tried not to show it.

I sat with her during her first day. I attempted to be inconspicuous - in a quiet corner. But I must say, the little girls in her class loved me. I was definitely the most popular boy in class that first day. One little girl even wiped her booger on my face. Oh yes, she went "there". But I remained calm - furiously searching my pockets for a Wet One - and smiling sweetly at her.

Toymaker Mattel announced two large voluntary recalls amounting to over 10 million toys, including some of its most popular characters. Fisher-Price, a division of Mattel, recalled over 80 types of toys for preschoolers over fears of lead paint poisoning.

Mattel announced another recall a few days later involving various magnetic toy figures, including about 7.3 million Polly Pocket play sets sold from May 2003 through November 2006.

The start of preschool is exciting - but sometimes scary - for you and your child. Whether she attends school for a few hours a week or several hours a day, there's a lot to do and consider.

Scholastic offers a list of considerations to help you and the little student prepare for life-long learning. What kind of program is best? How can you tell when your child is ready? What will she learn? What's the best way to prepare? Learn how you can make this transition as easy as A, B, C!

It's time for your child to start preschool or elementary school and you're worried about how the moment of separation will go. Will your child cry or fuss, not wanting to let go? What about you? What's the best way to handle the conflicting emotions connected to this important day?

There are things you can do to make this important transition easier for you and your kid.