Responds to previous article by Popenoe on American family decline from 1960 through 1990. Contends that, if Popenoe is correct in his assessment of the American family, feminists need to try to reverse the negative family changes while still preserving the gains women have made. Sees this as a realistic goal. (NB)

Single, never-married late adolescents (n=977) completed measures regarding trait anxiety, family dynamics in family of origin, and communication patterns in romantic relationships. Found that dynamics of fusion and control were associated with higher anxiety and were related to communication in romantic relationships. Triangulation in family of…

To improve the viability of family-and-consumer-sciences programs, they should be contemporary and future oriented; teachers should let others know what they are accomplishing and enlist school administrators, parents, and community leaders as allies. Teachers should ensure that school boards have information about local programs. (SK)

Case studies of three couples who modified their careers to accommodate family life illustrate the barriers and necessary trade-offs as well as significant increases in career and life happiness that can result. Counseling suggestions include revision of the concept of career and assessment of the costs and benefits. (SK)

Reports that separation and divorce are associated with increases in behavior problems in children, regardless of the level of conflict between parents. Explains that in marriages that do not break up, high levels of marital conflict are associated with even greater increases in children's behavior problems. (Author/JDM)

Profiles two African-American women deans of family and consumer sciences who worked to obtain accreditation for their programs at historically black colleges: Flossie Byrd at Prairie View A&M and Eula Masingale at Southern University and Alcorn State. (SK)

The risk of separation or divorce late in the marital career is examined from a family development perspective. A hazards framework is used to estimate the effects of women's economic independence, couples' economic status, and family life course factors on the risk of middle-age separation or divorce. (Author/EMK)

Addresses the sharing of traditions, beliefs, and customs between grandparents and grandchildren. Results indicate that extent of shared activities, attitudes toward grandparents, and perceptions of cultural sharing are significantly related. Highlights the importance of cultural sharing to perceptions of grandchild-grandparent relationships.…

Differences and similarities between 245 brothers and sisters of adults with mental retardation in the sibling relationship were examined. Sisters scored higher in the caregiving, companionship, and positive affect aspects of the sibling relationship. Sibling involvement increased over time, but was dependent upon changes in maternal health.…

Argues that increasing longevity suggests the value of a life course focus in family policy. Gerontologists can make a contribution by documenting and describing the gaps between needs and resources of families at all life stages, developing family indicators of social change, and sensitizing the public to the unintended consequences of current…

Presents a short story about a young girl living with her mother and her new step father, a rude, domineering construction worker whom she does not care for. (TB)

Replicating a 1984 study, a survey of home economics/family studies coordinators in the 10 Canadian provinces found the following: home economics has expanded into grades lower than 8; required courses have increased; core curriculum has not changed radically; there is increased focus on family well-being; and there is a need to address curriculum…

This article discusses the impact of childhood deafness on family dynamics, with particular attention given to the influence and role of grandparents. Results from a survey of 10 parents of young deaf children (ages 1-4) found the majority felt their parents were supportive at the time of diagnosis and presently. (Contains references.) (CR)

In this article, the mother of 5-year-old son with autism shares two essays that highlight her son's uniqueness and gifts. She discusses her feelings of coping with the diagnosis, her fear that he will be rejected by his peers, and her trepidation about taking her son to visit his grandparents. (CR)

Asserts that family dinners deserve attention as a positive contributor to children's well-being. Maintains that family dinners give stability to a potentially confusing day, present a place for children to express themselves, and provide children's first community. Includes ideas for helping families identify their own dinner patterns and…