Preparing for Preschool

Before your child starts preschool or kindergarten, be sure he's schooled in these basics.

... an enriching day at home. Everyday activities can prepare him to eventually read, write, do math, and more... (which helps prepare little hands to write later on). Painting, especially, gives children a chance...

It's normal for kids to be clingy at drop-off, but our tips will make for a smoother start.

With a classroom full of students, teachers don't have enough hands to help all of the children get their coat on or open their lunch box. Here are ways to help your child learn skills he needs to be more independent.

...Preschool is getting plenty of play these days. When most of today's parents were tots, school... preschool-appropriate curricula), Head Start programs, private or parochial preschools, even pre-K programs...)? A lot. Here, a snapshot of what you can expect your preschooler to master at ages 2, 3, and 4. You...

... might want to stock up on note cards. Jot down moments and stash artwork in this Preschool Memories...

...Start by reading stories about preschool. Choose books that include typical preschool activities... children process new ideas and work through feelings. Help your child picture what preschool... as it gets: Prep your child about the day's routine. Talk about what preschool will be like, how your...

...It's no secret that attending preschool will prepare your child to succeed in kindergarten... that children who had attended preschool were better prepared socially and academically. Without looking... about preschool now, most parents start researching and planning a year or more in advance. Jenifer Wana...

... that kids who've had several preschool teachers have a harder time adjusting to school than children with a... structure, a good preschool program will include enough time each day for exploration, free play, and peer... to work out their problems, not be isolated from them," says Diane Trister Dodge, coauthor of Preschool...

Toss out the junk food and start making snack time fun again! Check out these 20 kid-friendly ingredients that make great snacks, plus an easy recipe for each one.

Trust us -- we know these top tips work! We tapped the experts -- Parents.com readers, who swear by each and every one.

We asked Jan Harp Domene, national president of the PTA, to explain what stuff your little student really needs to bring on the first day of school.

Helping your child master these simple rules of etiquette will get him noticed -- for all the right reasons.

The smart parent's guide to coping with your kid's fits.

How to make your time away from baby less stressful for both of you.

Watch for these milestones to occur between 18-24 months.

Your toddler is 3 and ready for more independence. Take a look at what this exciting year will bring and how to prepare for what's next.

Don't start the year off by breaking school rules. Check with the teacher to see whether your child can take these items to class.

What your doctor, babysitter, preschool teacher, and all the other pros in your life really wish you knew -- but wouldn't dare say to your face!

If you're not sure whether to sign your child up for kindergarten or wait another year, our experts can help!

Break out these fun and creative ideas when you're cooped up indoors.

Kids grow up in the blink of an eye. Use our quick baby milestone quiz to find out when to expect the biggest milestones along the way.

It's freezing outside and your baby has already completed his usual circuit of activity mat, bouncy seat, and Exersaucer. With hours to go before his next nap, you need tactics to keep your wee one cooing when Old Man Winter traps you indoors. Try these fun indoor activities to pass a gray day. The time will fly!

Just as your baby develops from an unbelievably tiny bundle into a full-fledged little person, hitting many momentous milestones along the way, so it goes for you. The only difference is, you don't find parental milestones in most parenting books.

If your baby starts screaming the minute you leave, check out our separation survival guide.