610 Glossary
stepfamily. A family that includes a married
couple and the children one or both of
them brings from a previous relationship
to the new family. (2)
stereotypes. Widely held beliefs that all
members of a group are alike and share
the same characteristics. (6)
stillbirth. Natural ending of pregnancy after
the fi fth month. (8)
stranger anxiety. A fear of strangers that
relates to attachment. (13)
stress. The tension caused by a condition
or situation that demands a mental or
physical adjustment. (1)
stressors. Anything that causes stress. (12)
structure. Behavioral limits (home rules)
that teach children how to get along
in the world. Personal boundaries that
do not infringe on the needs and rights
of others, experiences that promote
self-worth, and experiences that offer a
sense of safety and security are part of
structure. (1)
stuttering. An involuntary disruption in
speech in which words are prolonged,
repeated, or tough to get out. (15)
substance abuse. The use of any substance
that can cause addiction. (19)
sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). A
syndrome in which a seemingly healthy
infant dies without warning. (9)
support group. A group of people who share
a similar problem or concern. (4)
support system. People, institutions, and
organizations parents turn to in times of
need. (4)
T
teachable moments. Spontaneous learning
experiences that parents can use to
introduce new ideas to their toddlers. (14)
teacher. An adult whose primary responsibility
is for a group of children. (22)
teamwork. Working with other people to
achieve common goals. (22)
temperaments. Tendencies to react
emotionally in certain ways to events. (4)
testes. Male reproductive glands that
produce sperm. (7)
time-out. Period of time used by parents to
withdraw their misbehaving children from
an activity or the presence of others. (5)
toddler. A child between 13 and 35 months of
age. (14)
toilet learning. The process of children
gaining control of bladder and bowel
functions and successfully using the
toilet. (14)
toilet talk. Talking about bodily functions in
playful ways by preschoolers. (15)
traditional childbirth. Childbirth method
in which attention focuses on health of
mother and baby and on the woman’s
comfort; anesthetics are given as needed,
and the baby’s health is monitored. (11)
trimester. Period of three months. (8)
U
ultrasound test. Prenatal test that uses
sound waves to create a “map” of
the fetus, showing fetal position and
development. (9)
umbilical cord. Flexible cord that contains
blood vessels and connects the baby to
the placenta. (8)
unconditional love. Love that sets no
conditions or boundaries. (1)
unintentional injuries. Accidental and often
preventable injuries. (21)
uterus. Hollow, muscular organ that holds
the baby during pregnancy. (7)
V
values. The ideals and beliefs about what is
important and how to act on them. (2)