Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Long Beach, CA

When my daughter was a newborn, worry came in with the milk. The first night she slept at home, I kept checking to make sure she was breathing. Now I worry about finding the right kindergarten and helping her overcome her shyness. It's always something. That said, I think sometimes parents are a little too anxious about things that aren't terribly important. Here is my (very subjective) list of five things that don't matter, and five that do:

It doesn't matter. . .

Whether your child learns to read before kindergarten. It's easy to get caught up in comparing kids' milestones, but early reading doesn't necessarily predict success in school. It's more important for kids to love books. Read to them, go to storytime, and let them see you reading for pleasure.

If you enroll your kid in a zillion activities. Call me a slacker, but I never sign my daughter up more than one thing at a time. In fact, there was a whole six months when she was not in preschool or any classes, and we loved it. Instead of spending your days shuttling your child from one activity to the next, choose just one or two classes that fit your child's interests.

If your child goes to the preschool. Look for a school that's a good fit for your child, even if it's not the one with a mile-long waiting list. (Check out Savvy Source's preschool resources for more guidance on choosing the right school.)

Whether you have the latest electronic toys. The mini-laptop might teach your child the ABCs, but it won't help her develop cognitive skills or encourage imaginative play. Gadgets are fine, but open-ended toys like blocks or dolls are even better.

If you work or stay home with your kids. It is important that your child has a loving caregiver, and you find the balance that works for your family.