Appropriate Issues For Parents:

Naptime

If only babies arrived with a personal napping manual. Then you'd know whether you have a child who will happily take daily naps until preschool or the type who will abandon them altogether by age 3. You would be able to count on having free time every afternoon instead of wondering whether you'll be able to squeeze in a shower. Unfortunately, there's no way of knowing how well your little one will nap-or until what age. But there are some things you can do to encourage healthy napping. Here, we answer all your questions about daytime sleep.

Aside from the obvious fact that you need time to check your e-mail, make a phone call, or clean up the house, naps are critical to growing children. "Research suggests that physical and mental development takes place when kids sleep-both at night and during the day.

What's more, studies find that kids who nap have longer attention spans and are less fussy than those who don't. And perhaps the best reason of all: When kids rest during the day, they tend to sleep longer and more peacefully at night.

Potty Training

Potty-training success hinges on physical and emotional readiness, not a specific age. Many kids show interest in potty training by age 2, but others might not be ready until age 2 1/2 or even older — and there's no rush. If you start potty training too early, it might take longer to train your child.

Is your child ready? Ask yourself these questions:

·         Does your child seem interested in the potty chair or toilet, or in wearing underwear?

·         Can your child understand and follow basic directions?

·         Does your child tell you through words, facial expressions or posture when he or she needs to go?

·         Does your child stay dry for periods of two hours or longer during the day?

·         Does your child complain about wet or dirty diapers?

·         Can your child pull down his or her pants and pull them up again?

·         Can your child sit on and rise from a potty chair?

·         If you answered mostly yes, your child might be ready for potty training. If you answered mostly no, you might want to wait awhile — especially if your child has recently faced or is about to face a major change, such as a move or the arrival of a new sibling. A toddler who opposes potty training today might be open to the idea in a few months.

There's no need to postpone potty training if your child has a chronic medical condition but is able to use the toilet normally. Be aware that the process might take longer, however.

Bedtime

You're past middle-of-the-night feedings and diaper changes, but a good night's sleep is still elusive. Maybe bedtime has turned into a battle of wills, or you're struggling to get your preschooler to stay in his or her bed all night. Worse yet, these bedtime battles might be leaving your child tired and cranky during the day. Consider these simple strategies to put the most common bedtime problems to rest — starting tonight!

What's in the bedtime routine is up to you. You might give your child a warm bath, brush his or her teeth, read a few stories and say bedtime prayers. Each night, you might praise your child for a specific accomplishment or describe something that makes you proud of your child. If you play bedtime music, play the same songs every night — and select other tunes for daytime music. Then tuck your child snugly into bed and say good night. Experiment to find what works best for you — but once you settle on a routine, follow the same sequence of events at the same time and in the same order every night.