FOREWORD<br >Each child s growth and development， from conception through<br >adolescence is obviously complex. The purpose of CHILD S<br >BODY is to clarify these complexities and help every parent to<br >understand and appreciate more fully the variety of changes their<br >child will inevitably experience.<br >The editors of CHILD S BODY have brought together a wealth<br >of information covering almost every aspect of child development<br >and care. Medical jargon has been eliminated and all the facts are<br >presented clearly and concisely with lively and informative<br >illustrations to make every topic easy to comprehend. Carefully<br >planned chapters， numbered subject panels， a full index， and<br >cross-references where appropriate， enable each reader<br >effectively to explore every subject area.<br >All the material included in CHILD S BODY has been presented<br >to a team of practicing pediatricians and child care experts for<br >advice and approval. Because opinions and theories often vary<br >and sometimes contradict each other， the editors have attempted<br >to present as many points of view as possible.<br >Throughout the book we have referred to the child as "he" or<br >"him"-- obviously we do so only for convenience. Similarly we<br >often refer to the "parent"-- by which we mean either the mother<br >or father， or any other person who may be acting， either<br >temporarily or permanently， in a parental role.<br >There can be no fixed rules for bringing up and caring for<br >children. Each one of us-- parent or child-- has individual<br >strengths and weaknesses， talents and needs. In CHILD S BODY<br >we offer a great deal of practical advice， but considerable<br >flexibility is called for on the part of every parent.<br >A prime aim of the editors has been to increase the reader s<br >understanding of the fascinating processes of development that<br >occur throughout the childhood years. By doing so， it is hoped<br >that we may also help each parent to give and to gain as much as<br >possible during the challenging and rewarding adventure of<br >parenthood.<br >