Discipline is different from punishment because it teaches children to learn from their mistakes rather than making them suffer for them. The four R's of consequences actually apply to all discipline techniques, not just natural and logical consequences. Whatever discipline technique you choose, make sure it meets the following four criteria...

It's extremely rare for a preschooler to be clinically depressed, unless something seriously traumatic has happened. It sounds more like your son is just vulnerable to getting bumped into a bad mood, and that it's harder than one would like for him to climb back out of his slump. And he sounds very normal; lots of other kids have similar tendencies. So what to do?

Infants are able to make sense of our complex world long before they can talk. Do you wish your baby could tell you such things as "I'm hungry," "I'm thirsty," "I have an earache" before they can speak? Read "Getting Started Signing with Your Baby" to learn more.

QUESTION

My daughter is 16 months old. My husband's been off work a few months and soon will be starting again. At times he may be away from home for two weeks at a time.

She is VERY attached to him. If she notices he is gone she has a melt down. Today he left for work before she woke up and it was just a rotten day. She pounded on the bedroom door, screamed...

Do you have any suggestions that might make her transition easier on everyone?

If you're reading this, chances are Junior has been begging you to get rid of the Winnie the Pooh characters gracing every square inch of his room. Redecorating can be a daunting -- and expensive -- task but it doesn't have to be! You can enlist your child's help and ideas for creating a personalized space all their own and not break the bank in the process.

The first year of life is an exciting and challenging time in your baby's life. He will go through many changes physically, emotionally and mentally. The skills he will learn in the first year of life will set the stage for his future. Read "Baby Builders' Developmental Milestones" to learn more.

In all my years of teaching parenting classes, one skill has stood out. I call it "Don't say Don't". Have you ever told your child "Don't go in the street!" and they walk out in the street? or "Don't fall!" and two seconds later they skin their knees? Why is it that children seem to do what we tell them not to do?

Last fall thousands of babies in China were hospitalized after drinking formula contaminated with melamine. Another health concern is melamine tableware. Does your toddler have a cute plastic plate, bowl and spoon? Melamine, formaldehyde and other chemicals can leach into food served on this tableware. Read on for recommendations for your child's dishware.