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This is an excellent resource for new parents or parents of young children. White discusses every developmental phase that a child experiences during the first three years. The author has spent over 30 years observing and doing scientific research with children and parents. Topics covered include: motor and sensory motor skills, socialization, language, visual development, emotions and toys. As young parents, we were amazed at the accuracy of his recommendations — several of which seemed to be counter culture or at least counter to the commonly accepted parenting methods.

For instance, White advocates allowing one-year olds to play with ping pong balls. Safety experts may gasp, but White explains that young children will spend hours playing with the balls, they fit easily in their hands and while some kids may try to put the ball into their mouths they usually won’t be able to accomplish it. If you have a child with a larger head, you may need to test this idea for safety.

We would “read ahead” of our children’s development to be prepared for their next phase.