Research by Nathan Fox and other scientists shows how changes in environmental conditions can help temper the negative effects of a child's predisposition toward fearfulness and anxiety. If certain negative triggers are eliminated or modified, a child's genetic tendency toward inappropriate fearfulness and anxiety may be overcome--or not expressed…

Contrasts the use of behavioral and developmental theories to address a child's aggression. Presents concerns about the use of social reinforcers, activity reinforcers, and tangible reinforcers. Asserts that behavioral techniques that shape children's surface behaviors without placing the behaviors within a developmental context may interfere with…

Presents a model for understanding children's formation of schemas of self, other, and how self and other do and should communicate emotion. Attributes important roles to families' tendencies to display or not display emotion and to their rules regarding desirability and importance of communicating emotion. Notes that child characteristics and…

A systematic examination of the desired outcome of discipline is important before developing a discipline structure. Discipline goals should be based on: (1) appropriate developmental expectation; (2) societal expectations of the individual; and (3) a mechanism for helping youngsters formulate goals for their own behavior management. (JDD)

Schools are one of the culprits responsible for the "Me" Generation's attitudes, through emphasis on the child's individuality, rights, freedoms, and lack of attention to obligations toward society. Schools should try to redress the balance by helping students realize obligations toward society as well as their individual rights.…

Developing positive self-images and self-discipline is a prerequisite for the effective education of African American children. The following factors have had a negative influence on their development: (1) chronic unemployment and underemployment; (2) the changing concept of childhood; (3) elitism; (4) low expectations; (5) lack of commitment to…

Expanding on previous collections, this book compiles 16 essays on pedagogical and child development issues stimulated by interaction with teachers, child caregivers, and early childhood teacher educators during the preceding 20 years. The essays were written in response and reaction to particular educational events or contexts that were…