U.S. children entering kindergarten do worse on tests when they're from poorer families with lower expectations and less focus on reading, computer use and preschool attendance, according to a new study study online and in the February print issue of Pediatrics. The findings point to the importance of doing more to prepare children for kindergarten. Karen Smith, a pediatric psychologist with UTMB, praised the study and said it points to the importance of helping poorer parents develop parenting skills and start believing they can really support their children.