Here are some useful, age-appropriate “cheat sheets” to help parents and caregivers get the most out of their time with their children, boosting reading skills and enjoyment.

Dorothy Rich, founder of the non-profit Home and School Institute, looks at how teachers can help kids succeed by helping parents remain hopeful and excited about their child's learning.

Ever watch a bunch of 6-year-olds playing soccer? It's chaotic fun, win or lose. Fast-forward five years, though, and you'll see intense play and scary sideline behavior by parents. Maybe, suggests Dr. Alvin Rosenfeld, it's time to back off.

Preschool is growing up, and getting political. The focus is on getting young kids ready for school, and the policy struggle over what that means. More phonics and seat work? More formal testing? Where do finger paints and clapping games fit in? Child development expert Sue Bredekamp talked to Jan Richter about the five keys to understanding how young children learn.

Provocative new research shows a link between children's IQ scores and their families' socio-economic status, offering scientific support for the view that reducing poverty will help kids succeed. CFK has compiled a list of more research and links centered on kids and IQ.

Raising a Reader by Jennie Nash and See Johnny Read! by Tracey Wood are two recent books about the critical role parents can play in helping their children build a positive relationship with books and reading. Connect for Kids takes a look between the covers.

Provocative new research showing a link between children's IQ scores and their families' socio-economic status offers scientific support for the view that reducing poverty will help kids succeed. Connect for Kids' Jan Richter interviewed lead researcher Eric Turkheimer to learn more.

A new survey by the National League of Cities shows that child care and early childhood education are high on the agenda for city leaders. That heightened attention to the early years also has some mayors worried about Bush administration efforts to change Head Start.

Promoted as a way to teach young children to find healthy ways to deal with frustration and everyday conflicts, this activity book for parents has concrete tips and real-life examples that are useful in helping parents weather the storms of the terrible twos and other trying times. Cost: $19.95