AAP Publishes New Childhood Development Book

The first five years of a child's life are filled with a wide range of psychological, emotional, and physical changes that can be exciting but overwhelming. But this doesn't have to be a time of confusion or uncertainty. In its new book, "The Wonder Years" , The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) offers the information parents need to help their children flourish during these formative years.

"The Wonder Years" features more than 500 full-color photographs, diagrams, illustrations, and timelines. The book is uniquely arranged by developmental milestones and the related skills that children learn in each area—instead of just chronologically by child's age—to give caregivers the bigger picture of what to expect, how to foster their child's progress, and how to make the most of this amazing time. It includes the most up-to-date findings on child development in the following chapters:

- Movement - Everything from the early stages of head movement to sitting, crawling and eventually, walking are covered, complete with activities to foster your child's athletic abilities.

- Fine motor skills - When will you know if your child is right or left handed? When do they first start to reach for objects? These and other topics—as well as how to encourage the artist in your child are explained in-depth.

- Sensory development - The five senses and the development at all stages—responding to one's own name, developing taste preferences, and distinguishing between colors to name a few—are discussed.

- Mental growth - Here's a "behind the scenes look" at your child's brain and how this important organ affects everything.

- Social and emotional growth - From bonding and colic, to playing make-believe and developing attachments with other children, caregivers are given a comprehensive overview of their child's emotional health.

- Bowel and bladder development - Parents are given the answers to tell when their child is ready to toilet train and how to help them in this physical—and emotional—milestone.

"The Wonder Years" also includes fun parent-child activities to boost emotional and mental growth—such as how to foster the artist in your child and games beyond peek-a-boo. The book indicates to caregivers when help may be needed in a certain area of development, along with advice on how to consult a specialist when concerns do arise. From heredity, gender, and environmental surroundings, "The Wonder Years" details the multitude of factors that can affect all aspects of a child's development.

The book is edited by Tanya Remer Altmann, MD, FAAP, a pediatrician in private practice and clinical instructor at the University of California, Los Angeles. It is available on http://www.aap.org and in bookstores.