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. The news also appears in: U.S. News and World Report, Medical Xpress and The Health Cast.