Focusing on parents' most persistent concerns about their children's growth and development, the 54 brief articles collected in this volume first appeared as monthly columns in "Parents Magazine." Section 1, "The Challenges of Parenthood," includes essays on alternative approaches to discipline, the limits of openness, teaching children to cope with problems, setting limits, solving parental disagreements about childrearing practices, and other topics. Section 2, "As They Grow," discusses, among other topics, vital signs of preschool development, shyness, imaginary companions, and sex-role development. Section 3, "Reaching Out to Others," provides comments about early friendships, encouraging preschoolers' interests, television watching, children and pets, and other subjects. Section 4, "Beyond the Home," explores issues such as selecting a preschool, early academics, and traveling with children. Each of the articles offers suggestions for dealing with issues commonly faced by parents of young children. Throughout the articles, it is suggested that parents ought not to readily accept "expert" opinion but should instead consider the suggestions in light of their own values and goals. (RH)