Smith, Laura L.: Child Psychology and Development For Dummies

Grasp a child's cognitivedevelopment, detectabnormalities, and learnwhat to do next

An essential guide for parents, teachers, and caregivers, Child Psychology & Development For Dummies provides an informational guide to cognitive development at every stage of a child's life, as well as expert tips and guidance on how to diagnose, treat, and overcome the cognitive barriers that impede learning and development.

• The nuts and bolts ? delve into the soup of kids' development, including biology, psychology, learning, environment, and culture

• What makes kids tick? ? discover how heredity, environment, experience, and culture interact to determine a child's physical and emotional development

• Watch them grow ? get an understanding of what a "normal" childhood should look like from conception through adolescence, and the types of behaviors to anticipate throughout

• Learn to spot trouble ? find out what can go wrong during a child's development, from physical problems like chronic illness to psychological problems like autism

• Ask for help ? get expert guidance on the therapies and interventions that work, and how you can collaborate with professionals for an even better outcome

Open the book and find:

• Physical, mental, and social development from conception through adolescence

• Treatments and interventions that work

• Physical and psychological problems that interfere with normal development

• Common behavior disorders

• The aftermath of abuse, trauma, and neglect

• What to expect from therapy and medication

• How to help kids cope at school

Learn to:

• Understand the difference between "bad behavior" and behavior disorders

• Know whether a child is ready for school

• Help a child control impulses, develop self-esteem, and have good relationships