In a relevant departure from our usual early-childhood topics, we expand on the concept of "behavior as communication" in a conversation with Dr. Dan Ratner, author of Crushing Doubt (www.crushingdoubt.com), about the important role of the mind in managing chronic pain and discomfort.

Rique Sollisch, an early childhood consultant with Hanna Perkins Center, shares her noteworthy approach to talking with young children in a way that helps them undertand, discuss and gain mastery of their feelings.

Ideas for developmentally mindful ways to talk with young children. Compilation of "Let's Rephrase That" segments from the Hidden Language of Children podcast.

Laura Cyrocki, director of healthy meals and garden programs at Hanna Perkins School, discusses why gardening is such a fertile activity for developmental growth, and offers suggestions for getting young children started in the garden.

We talk with Training Director Pam Millar about the importance of a trusting and empathetic relationship between early learning teachers and parents. The discussion addresses why the relationship is so important, and what teachers and parents alike can do to make sure it's working.

We talk with child psychoanalyst Margaret Zerba, Ph.D. about the challenges for children and parents alike during each of the developmental stages that all children experience: infancy, toddlerhood, school age and adolescence.

A conversation with social worker and therapist Anita M. Eddie, MA, ATR, MSSA, LISW-S about the meaning of behaviors that can arise as a child's conscience begins to develop.

Taryn Ponsky, M.A., LPCC, a psychotherapist and child development specialist, discusses separation anxiety in young children - where it comes from, how to deal with it, and how it differs from ordinary separation feelings.