This book looks at children's early development through what are called "touchpoints": times just before a surge of rapid motor, cognitive, or emotional development when, for a short time, children regress in several areas and become difficult to understand. Part 1, called "Touchpoints of Development," is organized around the areas of behavioral and emotional growth in the first 3 years, showing how these touchpoints affect all areas of a child's existence. Part 2, called "Challenges to Development," discusses issues involved with child rearing in the first 6 years that can interfere with normal development. It is contended that situations such as sibling rivalry, crying, tantrums, waking at night, fears, emotional manipulations, lying, and bedwetting begin when parents attempt to control situations that really belong to the child. Part 3, called "Allies in Development," examines the ways in which children's development is affected by those around them, including their parents, grandparents, friends, caregivers, and physician. A list of useful addresses is appended. Contains 62 references. (MDM)