A brief, supplemental text for teachers, parents, and caregivers who wish to better communicate with children
ages 2-5 about sensitive or difficult topics.
The objective of this book is to inform and educate teachers, parents, and other caregivers on how to interact
with children ages 2 - 5 and respond appropriately to issues of personal concern. The book includes discussions
of common fears in children such as dealing with anger, aggression, siblings, birth, death, and general concerns
about the adult world and growing up. The author contends that once children feel comfortable talking and asking
about any topic, they feel understood and the possibilities for communication are endless.
Appropriate Courses Appropriate as a supplemental text in Guidance/Discipline courses in early childhood departments, as well as
related courses in departments of psychology, counseling, and family studies. Also useful as a practical resource
for inservice teachers, counselors, parents, and other caregivers.
Guidance and Discipline (Early Childhood Education)
Family Interaction (Family Studies and Human Development)
Language Development (Family Studies and Human Development)
Parenting (Family Studies and Human Development)
Early Childhood Education (Family Studies and Human Development)
Child Welfare (Social Work / Family Therapy)
Features :
Actual examples of children asking questions about difficult topics throughout the book allow students and
teachers to imagine challenging situations with children and understand them in a developmental context.
Descriptions of how to respond to children's questions on varying, difficult topics guide the reader to use
appropriate language when talking about sensitive issues.
An overview of child development provides a foundation on which to build discussions and understandings of
children's perspectives.
Table of Contents
1. Listening to Children.
2. Overview of Development.
Attachment and Separation.
Affective Development.
Cognitive Development.
Language Development.
Play and Development.
3. �I'm Afraid the Dark Will Keep Me Night Night.�
Helping Children Cope with Fears.
Children's Fears.
Helping Children Cope with Fears.
4. �I Feel Like Killing My Mommy.�
Dealing with Angry, Aggressive and Rageful Feelings.
Children's Expression of Anger and Aggression.
Developmental Aspects of Aggression.
Helping Children Express Anger.
5. �When You Die, Can I Live in Your House� ?
Children's Reactions to Death, Separation, and Loss.
Children's Curiosity About Death.
Helping Children Talk About Death.
Children and Death.
Factors Which Influence Children's Understanding of Death.
Responding to Children's Questions.
6. �I Think the Law is Right About Whales.�
How to Help Children Express and Extend Their Conceptual.
Knowledge About the World.
Children's Critical Thinking.
Classroom Meetings.
Conclusion.
7. �I'm Going to Hate that Baby for the Rest of My Life.�
Helping Young Children Talk about Siblings and Birth.
Young Children and New Siblings.
Where Do Babies Come From.
Summary.
8. �This is Important. When I Am Four and I Am a Man, I Will Get a Car.�
How to Talk About Self-Esteem While Helping Children.
Express Wishes and Disappointments.
Supporting the Development of Self-Esteem.
Self-Esteem and Young Children.
Helping Children Talk About Conflicts.
