Touchpoints-Birth to Three

August 20, 2001
Venerable pediatrician Brazelton (Touchpoints) teams up with child psychologist Joshua D. Sparrow to adapt his theory of "touchpoints" to children ages three to six. In his earlier work, Brazelton explained that infants undergo periods of behavioral regression (touchpoints) before each developmental burst. Here he addresses issues like sibling rivalry, bedwetting, tantrums and lying as normal aspects of development, and suggests ways parents can be emotionally supportive. The first of the book's two major sections follows four imaginary children with varying, composite temperaments (an active boy, a quiet boy, an intense girl and a cheerful girl), exploring everything from adjusting to a new sibling to making friends. Readers may soon find themselves skipping all but the portions directly related to their own child's temperament type (and weeding out the fictional scenes to get to the nitty-gritty of what to do when a child lies, wets the bed, etc.). In the second section, the authors straightforwardly discuss various contemporary parenting concerns, such as the pros and cons of computers and dealing with divorce. Throughout, Brazelton and Sparrow maintain a characteristically comforting tone, reminding parents that it's best to accept a child's temperament while helping her adapt to the world. The authors not only point toward the predictable touchpoints for this age group but note that parents, too, may react to transition in certain ways, such as worrying that one is abandoning their first child when a new baby arrives. As always, Brazelton's poised, encouraging voice guides parents through the developmental maze. Photos.

Starred review from September 15, 2001
Brazelton's latest work sets out to do for preschoolers and early elementary age students what his prior works did for infants and toddlers. The premise of his "Touchpoints" series is that each new stage of development also has a corresponding regression in behavior. Brazelton and child psychologist Sparrow address these "potentially vulnerable periods" by providing parents and caregivers with tools to help children help themselves. The book asserts that adults can help children use frustration as a learning tool by comforting them, then having them take responsibility. In addition to sample situations and suggestions for how parents can help children at each age level from three to six years, the book also provides a "Facing Challenges as a Family" section, which addresses such diverse topics as asthma, adoption, computer usage, and safety. This comprehensive work will expand libraries' resources for caregivers of this age group beyond the works of Lois Ames and should sit alongside Brazelton's earlier works on library shelves. Destined to become required reading for parents and early childhood educators, this is a valuable addition to any public library; also recommended for academic libraries with a focus on child development. Lisa Powell Williams, Moline P.L., IL

Copyright 2001 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 15, 2001
Acclaimed pediatrician Brazelton joins child psychologist Sparrow in a sequel to " Touchpoints "(1992), which mapped child development from infancy to age two. This new book focuses on children from ages three to six, applying the touch-points theory to the developmental stages of that age group. Brazelton and Sparrow profile four "imagined" children who are composites of actual patients, reflecting a range of temperaments. This book follows children from early language development to entry into first grade, charting temperament, learning, moral development, relationships, independence, and separation at each stage. The second part is arranged alphabetically by topics from adoption to parents working and caring for children in a range of family situations and backgrounds. The book is meant to be a guide to help parents "distinguish between normal variations in behavior and problems that require expert help." Sure to be popular among parents and teachers of children ages three to six.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2001, American Library Association.)