Parenting 4 Kids Nationally accredited, 4 Kids Early Learning Network serves children and families throughout the Mon Valley. Through this column, 4 Kids staff members answer reader questions about raising children in the critical early years. E-mail questions for consideration to: questions@4kidsearlyed.org, or mail to: 4 Kids Questions, 445 Fourth St., Braddock, PA 15104.

Q: My little boy is 2 and will start preschool in September. He still uses his pacifier pretty much all the time but I would like him not to need it at preschool. When should he stop using it and how should this happen?

A: Most preschools prefer that children not use pacifiers at school.

In any case, you're wise to be thinking about "banning the binky." At your son's age, it can interfere with language development, and also create dental issues including an increased incidence of decay and the need for future orthodontic care. Each time a child removes a pacifier, lays it somewhere, and then puts it back in the mouth, there's a huge introduction of germs. And research shows that pacifier use can sometimes lead to ear infections.

People differ about the best way to discontinue pacifier use. Some advocate going "cold turkey" -- suddenly getting rid of the pacifier. Others suggest a phasing-out approach.

You'll need to choose whatever method is best for you and your son. We think the phased approach may be the most effective and the least stressful for a child.

You might start by restricting pacifier use to naptimes and bedtimes only, standing firm and not relenting during the rest of the day. You may have a couple of rough days, but they'll pass. After that works, take the next step and restrict pacifier use to bedtimes only. After that phase, eliminate the bink at bedtimes. Within a few weeks, you should be in a "pacifier-free zone."

Whatever method you use, choose a low-stress time -- not a time of change or challenge, such as a move, a divorce, or a new school year. You have plenty of time before your little boy begins preschool, so, unless there's other major change in your family, the timing might be just right. Once he's in preschool, the pacifier will be just a memory.

Final point -- as your son works to discontinue use of his pacifier, praise his efforts. This is a very big deal!