Chapter 8

Some children are left-brained, and others are right-brained.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Brain functions are not split up so precisely, as has been popularly believed.

Sedentary parents are more likely to have “couch potatoes” for children.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

There are a number of factors that could account for this fact.

Julius Caesar, Michelangelo, Tom Cruise, and Oprah have something in common. (Hint: They don’t all have book clubs.)

• True

• False

Answer explanation

They are all left-handed.

Some diseases are normal.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Respiratory infections and gastrointestinal upsets are normal – statistically speaking – in that most children come down with them. 

Infections are the most common cause of death among children in the United States.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Respiratory infections are normal, in that most children come down with them. They typically last a few days or less and are not life threatening.

It is dangerous to awaken a sleep-walker.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

. Children may be difficult to awaken, and if awakened, they are more likely to show confusion and disorientation.

Competent parents toilet-train their children by their second birthday.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

 Most American children are toilet trained between the ages of 3 and 4.