Dr. Spock's the School Years: The Emotional and Social Development of Children

The sequel, Dr. Spock's The School Years, addresses the preschool years through adolescence, tackling issues like sibling rivalry, education, popularity, discipline, drugs and alcohol, peer pressure, stress, interfering grandparents, calling parents by first names, TV violence and real violence. Spock's tactful wording, measured opinions and respect for family and cultural diversity are apparent throughout the book. Still, some of these essays register conscientious objection to the current, frenetic, middle-class parenting impulses; in the last paragraph of this book, Spock writes, ""I don't believe in tying up children's whole week with classes and activities. They should have free time for unorganized visiting with friends, for reading books not required by the school.... They should even have time for dreaming."" ( Aug. 14)