Things You Can Do

Tips for Parents
• Help your child take on new challenges and responsibilities.
• Support your child’s interest in pretend play. Join in when invited.
• Don’t expect your child to see the world as you do.
• Include your child in everyday projects such as cooking or gardening.
• Respond with understanding and reassurance to your child’s fears— whether they are real or imagined.
• Young children learn by doing. Encourage hands-on learning rather than watching TV or playing computer games.

Prepare Your Child for School
• Nurture your child’s curiosity about the world.
• Answer your child’s questions with simple explanations.
• Make sure your child has time to play with other children.
• Read and discuss stories with your child. Point out the letters, numbers and pictures. Visit www.readcalifornia.org.
• Make regular visits to the library and take your child to interesting places, such as museums, zoos and music performances.
• If you have a low income, ask your local school district about Head Start or state preschools. Call Education.
• Call National Parent Info Network or visit www.npin.org.

Start Good TV Habits When Your Child Is Young
• The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children not watch TV for more than 1 or 2 hours a day. Children under 2 shouldn’t watch TV at all.
• Turn off the TV during meals.
• Use a TV guide and rating system to find shows for family viewing. Ask your cable company how to lock out channels you don’t want your child to watch.
• Don’t use TV to reward or punish your child.
• Keep your child away from programs that show violence and aggression. These programs can scare your child and set a bad example for dealing with anger.
• Watch TV with your child and help him understand what he sees.
• Encourage other activities, like games, sports, hobbies, reading and chores. Set a good example.