A new generation of children, those born between 1977 and 1993, are sometimes called the "echo boom." These children and teenagers differ from each other in race, religion, living arrangements, and socioeconomic class. Understanding the demographics of these students can help school boards meet the challenges of preparing this generation for the…

In this article, a man with autism and a woman dating him (who has two children with autism) describe their struggles and the wisdom that they have gained trying to maintain a relationship. Symptoms of autism, the love and commitment they share, and their hope for the future are discussed. (CR)

Discusses theoretical and conceptual issues pertaining to race, ethnicity, and culture as they affect family functioning and children's development. Also introduces a collection of papers that address family functioning and child development among families who are diverse ethnically; racially; socioeconomically; and by geographical location and…

This article provides an overview of the historical development of career counseling in the Philippines from an economic-political perspective. It also raises current challenges and concerns, highlighting the need for a career counseling model that would address, among other things, Filipinos' valued characteristics of close family ties and desire…

Recounts the life of Leah Widtsoe, who lobbied for women's and family life programs in extension and for passage of the Smoot Bill, eventually folded into the Parnell Act, which supported home economics education. (SK)

Examines stories written by adolescent boys on the theme, "My Future Family." Stories reflected how boys explored male identity through the main character. Boys completed the assignment differently, connecting to various styles and genres (not found in girls' stories) and portraying widely varying main characters. Stories combined…

This study examines how American children (13-years-old and under) spent their time and association with achievement and behavior. Findings suggest that parents' characteristics and decisions regarding marriage, family size, and employment affect the time children spent in educational, structured, and family activities. The results support common…

This article draws from an ethnographic research project looking at the communicative practices of children and parents in a multilingual area of London. One focus in the study was on participants' use of narrative to convey cultural identities. Narratives in the families were evoked through shared discussions of artifacts and objects displayed…

Abstinence-only programs for preventing teen pregnancy are the only options in some states but are the programs of choice in others. Effectiveness data, however, are lacking. The SOS Adolescent Family Life Program (SOS), an abstinence-only teen pregnancy prevention program, was implemented in south central Louisiana. Peer mentoring with an…

Being a Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) professional in today's multiple environments is a challenge, mainly because the environments are always changing. The familial, social, economic, political, cultural, legal, ecological, and technological environments are continually in flux. The feature that is shaping all of these environs--both from…

Realistic fiction has changed dramatically over the years. Formerly a sentimental, family-oriented story, today's realism focuses on today's problems and the protagonist's struggle to overcome them. Parents, once portrayed as protectors of the children, now often are cast as failures, needing help themselves. Yesterday's taboo subjects--drugs,…

Relationship and marriage education has been primarily developed for and offered to middle-class committed couples. Increasing government funding of these programs raises questions about the extent to which these curricula and programs need to be adapted for low-income populations. We review the limited body of relevant research and program…

Background: Informed by Ecocultural theory, this study explores the challenges that families caring for an adolescent with disability face and strategies they apply to sustain a meaningful family routine during the adolescent years. Methods: In-depth Ecocultural interviews were conducted with 20 families caring for an adolescent (aged 10-21 years)…

Work-family research frequently focuses on the conflict experienced by working mothers. Using data from the National Study of the Changing Workforce (N = 1,314), this study also examined work-family facilitation and working fathers. Ecological systems, family stress, family resilience, and sex role theories were used to organize the data and…

The authors report the outcomes of introducing undergraduate research to family science majors at Zayed University, United Arab Emirates. The program has enriched students' educational experiences and has had tangible benefits. In addition to acquiring research skills, students improved in critical analysis, originality, independent learning,…