In some ways raising deaf or hard of hearing children is no different than raising hearing children; expectations must be established and periodically tweaked. Benna Hull Timperlake, who with husband Roger, raised two hearing children in addition to their deaf daughter, Genelle Timperlake Sanders, and Genelle, now a deaf professional, share their…

The bio medical expert literature, although contested, associates the use of dummies, soothers or pacifiers, with illness, dental malformation, impaired speech and language, and working-class mothering. This article suggests this negative perspective has filtered, via experts and the media, into public narratives of "good" mothering. Interviews…

For Kant, education was understood as the "means" to become human--and that is to say, rational. For Rousseau by contrast, and the many child-centred educators that followed him, the adult world, far from representing reason, is essentially corrupt and given over to the superficialities of worldly vanity. On this view, the child, as a product of…

This response focuses on the effects of the current construction of learning disabilities (LD) on families of children from devalued racial/ethnic groups. Agreeing with the arguments of Reid and Valle, we add that parents from such groups are further disenfranchised because they are not participants in the critical discourse surrounding LD and…

Negotiating is important in family living, and children need to learn this valuable skill. Several tips on parent-child negotiating are presented as well as general guidelines for negotiating with preschoolers, elementary school children, and adolescents. (IAH)

The authors of this special edition of "Child Welfare" have shared current shifts in perspective about parenting and parenting education that are raising some interesting challenges. We will first briefly review the shifts identified in the articles presented here. Second, we will raise questions about the implications of these shifts…

Six levels in a child's understanding of adoption are introduced. Communication is essential in adoptive families, and adoptive parents should discuss adoption with children on a regular basis. Two books about adoption are recommended. (SH)

For seven years, the author has been the parent of a wonderfully uniquely gifted little boy, who has taught her all about "exceptional" parenting. Her child, Adrian, is a "twice-exceptional" child who is both intellectually gifted and has special needs that negatively impact his development and learning. Initially, the contradictions of parenting…

Responds to William Sears's article: "Attachment Parenting: A Style That Works" (PS 523 690). Claims that there are alternatives to "attachment parenting" based on the Montessori philosophy, pointing out that Sears's suggestion of sleeping with the baby and carrying the baby in a sling may easily become obstacles in the path of…

To minimize potential problems in a family which is adopting a large sibling group, adoption workers should look for particular skills and resources in the adoptive family. These include administrative skills, community knowledge, the presence of adequate support systems, and the ability to adapt. (Author/BN)

Responds to Worobey and Brazelton's commentary on the author's assessment of a Brazelton-based newborn intervention by addressing two issues: (1) what the literature indicates with respect to this intervention technique, and (2) the significance of the process by which interventions are implemented. (HOD)

Describes personal parenting experiences with environmentally ethical decision making. Lists eight suggestions for dealing with dilemmas presented by the clash between environmental ideals and the reality of our environment. Provides an address for additional information. (MCO)

A special parenting program offered through the Denver Public Schools Adult Education program provides information about acceptable disciplinary methods, nutritious cooking, and home management. Factors contributing to the program's success include location of classes, flexibility, availability of child care, and relevance of the curriculum. (JOW)

Raising self-disciplined children is one challenge among many facing parents in American society today. Parents have little or no training in effective parenting, and they are often removed from extended families that have in the past been available to provide support and relief from the stress of child rearing. Discipline is often viewed as…

Maintains that the priorities parents set for their children are influenced by the parents' own needs and ways in which those needs have been met, and that priorities set by parents may be inadequate for meeting their children's needs. Parents must work towards balancing priorities for children in such a way that both parents' and children's needs…