Noting that the physical and mental growth of children are influenced by many environmental and familial factors, this paper explores improving the well being of children. The first part of the paper discusses child rearing, emphasizing three fundamental themes: creating an environment where children are born healthy and wanted; helping children…

This study examined the effects of past and concurrent family conflict on adolescents' attitudes toward marriage and behavior in dating relationships. Participants were 75 adolescents who were part of a 7-year project that began when they were in fifth grade. Over 95 percent of their families were of European-American origin, with diversity in…

Suggesting that U.S. society is an adversarial one that makes sure that certain groups of people fail, this paper explores the ascription of failure in the adversarial contexts of the family, the school, and the workplace. The paper argues that if Americans continue to ascribe pariah status to large segments of the society, then the United States…

The reason for studying the characteristics of a healthy family is to encourage and strengthen the family and to move toward an enriched family life by using the characteristics as bench marks. Six characteristics are discussed as the essence of a healthy family: (1) commitment; (2) togetherness; (3) appreciation; (4) good communication; (5)…

The convergence of the telecommunications, computer, and cable television industries is beginning to take place. Each of the seven articles in this volume provides a perspective on either the forces that are influencing the convergence of media or on the impact that this convergence is having on the rest of the world. They address the issues of…

The purpose of this research project was to investigate the utility of the genogram and eco-map as family assessment tools for working with American Indian vocational rehabilitation (VR) clients who are referred for rehabilitation services, and to describe changes in the family system after VR services have been delivered by evaluating information…

This study compared the concept of print knowledge in kindergarten children with and without preschool education. Subjects were 12 kindergarten students: 6 had received preschool education, and 6 had not. Subjects completed a series of tasks on Maria Clay's Concepts of Print test, and parents completed a questionnaire examining the frequency with…

To identify remedial and preventive interventions that target dysfunctional processes in the family, this study compared the structure and processes of neglectful and non-neglectful families. A sample of 102 neglectful families was identified and recruited from the caseloads of protective service workers in Georgia. A comparison group of 103…

A study was undertaken to determine the effects of tobacco smoke in the home on children's cognitive development. The study focused on 280 children, representing equal numbers of boys and girls and of Whites, Blacks, and Hispanics. When the participating children were 2 years old, their mothers were surveyed, interviewed, and tested to gather…

Designed for use by parents to further the emotional, social, and intellectual development of their 2- to 6-year old children, this book describes the Montessori method of early childhood education and provides sample activities and games to develop children's skills in the home, the neighborhood, and the world. Following introductory sections…

A study explored preservice teachers' attitudes toward reading through detailed case study analysis of their reading autobiographies. Subjects, 45 students in a required content area reading class in Hawaii, completed a reading autobiography assignment in which they considered their reading experiences from their earliest memory of being read to…

In this address, Richard W. Riley contends that parents' most important activity is to raise their children. Parents, educators and policymakers can work together to create a healthy and nurturing environment for all children in America. Young children absorb and later imitate adult activities they see, and they observe their parents more than…

This paper discusses the results of a study that explored the influence of two major external factors on children's potential giftedness before the identification process is initiated. The study involved 13 children (ages 4-6) and investigated parental perceptions of the influence of internal and/or external factors on their child's cognitive…

This study examined the relation between family variables and the mental health outcomes of adolescents. Family members' feelings about one another were assessed when the children were in grades 6 and 8. Family members' closeness to one another was assessed when children were in grades 8 and 12, and in a 4-year follow-up study. Adolescents' mental…

A study examined the effectiveness of an emergent literacy program designed to encourage low-income parents to read to their children. Pre-school teachers in four low-income areas in Australia read to children in their class regularly. Three books were sent home with each child twice a week and the parents were asked to read to their children. A…