Your Child this February.

The Name Game

You might have spent months picking out just the right name for your child. And now he's mighty proud of it. Young children come to feel very possessive about their name — and the letters that make it up. One of the first words a child tries to spell, in fact, is his own name. This often happens months before he has much interest in spelling other words, and you can help make it happen. 

Independence Day

Your child's becoming more self-reliant each day. But sometimes, letting go is a little tough — for both of you:

• See how independent most kids are at this age

• If you volunteer in your child's classroom,will she get clingy again?

• From tooth brushing to feeding: What your child can and cannot do to take care of herself.

Advice Personally- research,

• How to tell if your child has a nighttime sleep disorder

• Ways to care for your child if he gets a concussion

• Does my child have a learning disability?Spot the signs

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Parent Tip Our son has to "buy" TV time with poker chips he earns with good behavior. He gets one chip for a smooth morning routine, one for a good report from the teacher, one for nice dinner manners. When he cashes them in to watch a show, he's thrilled to have earned it himself!  — Heather K.G.M.