Parenting a preschooler is not for the faint of heart but Carol Baicker-McKee, Ph.D., shows parents how to make the most of the magical years of three and four by helping their children successfully negotiate new expectations and situations in the wider world.

The book focuses on the numerous transitions that occur as a child moves from a dependent toddler to a more social, independent preschooler. Each chapter begins with an introduction that highlights specific challenges, discusses relevant developmental issues, and offers ideas, strategies, and resources for how to handle new and often stressful situations. The book also considers the emotional challenges a preschooler can face whether it’s learning to make friends or managing separations through divorce or death.

In this one-of-a-kind parenting book written specifically for parents of preschoolers, Baicker-McKee shows moms and dads that there are few preschool problems that can’t be solved with a little patience, a spark of ingenuity, and lots of humor.

Whether parents are running errands with toddlers in tow or packing up the family for a long vacation, traveling with children can be a challenging experience. Boredom, delayed flights, long car rides, longer waits, and sibling squabbles can easily interrupt any adventure. Here is a one-of-a-kind survival guide for parents filled with practical strategies, activities, and ideas for making family outings successful, safe, and fun!

The first part of the book looks at the special circumstances and unique challenges of everyday outings, including managing trips to the grocery store and visits to the dressing room, keeping children entertained in restaurants and waiting rooms, and negotiating public transportation. The second part focuses on longer trips and vacations and covers topics such as: successful trip planning; entertaining activities to occupy restless kids; managing car, plane, train, bus or boat travel; and keeping kids clean, well fed, and well rested on the road. Sidebars throughout highlight important information and offer helpful suggestions and safety tips.

As a mother and child development specialist, author Carol Baicker-McKee understands well the special rewards and difficulties of traveling with children. Using the ideas in this resourceful guide, parents can end grocery store tantrums and car ride meltdowns, and transform any trip with young children into an enjoyable and memorable outing.

Here is a unique parenting book filled with coping strategies, activities, and ideas for successfully managing day-to-day life with preschoolers. Arranged chronologically over the course of a day, chapters address such topics as waking up, dressing, and managing the morning rush; successful napping without struggles; managing sibling rivalry; making the most out of outdoor play; and, finally, winding down, bath time, and bedtime. Special attention is given to helping preschoolers cope with transitions, meal times, and changes in routines.

Each chapter begins with an introduction that highlights common problems, discusses relevant developmental issues, and offers general suggestions to avoid troublesome moments. Detailed, individual activities with easy-to-follow instructions, rhymes, and games follow. Sidebars include important, relevant information on safety issues, real-life anecdotes, and references to enriching resources, such as book and music suggestions. Using the ideas in the book, parents can transform boring or aggravating at-home tasks into experiences that kids—and adults—may find pleasurable and stimulating.

With an advanced degree in clinical child psychology and years of professional experiences in child and youth services, author Carol Baicker-McKee recognizes the special needs and abilities of toddlers. As a three-time veteran of the delivery room, she brings personal experience, humor, and hard-won insight into the special joys and struggles of day-to-day life with young children.