Investigates how the presence of cable television affects parental mediation of television viewing. Finds that children whose homes have cable are exposed to more R and PG movies than their noncable counterparts. Finds little differences in mediation behaviors across pay, basic, and noncable environments. (RS)

Parents of handicapped children are introduced to the reports and records kept on their child. Parents are encouraged to try to understand the reports, keep a copy of any record or report, know their rights regarding access to reports, correct inaccuracies, and maximize parental control of reports. (DB)

Investigated behavioral intervention to control child distress during invasive cancer treatment. Children (n=23) requiring physical restraint to complete venipuncture were alternately assigned to behavioral intervention or attention control condition. Observed child distress, parent-rated child distress, and parent ratings of own distress were…

The article offers eight questions for parents to consider in evaluating and developing a disabled child's recreation program. (DB)

A study of 58 employers found that many are unaware of the range of practices that can help employees meet work and family responsibilities. These include onsite day care, dependent care accounts, referral to care providers, part-time work, flexible hours, and job sharing. (SK)

In a comparison of cognitive processes and knowledge structures of expert and novice parents, interview data and verbal records were collected during two visits to five expert and seven novice mothers of infants. Results indicate clear differences between experts and novices in goals for the child, parent role, problem solving, and cue recognition…

Examines possible stylistic differences in how mothers structure conversations about the past with their young children and how these differences might influence children's memory development. Finds two styles, elaborative and repetitive. Considers implications of these two styles for children's memory development. (JAD)

Discusses young children's relationship with God and the place of religion in their lives, focusing on the role of adults in proclaiming the essential elements of Christianity to children. Argues that even very young children can understand the essence of religion. (MDM)

Discusses the development of literacy and the influence of parents on a child's literacy; considers the effects of illiteracy on parental involvement in schools; describes the development of the Family Literacy Programs which address parents' and children's educational needs; and explains activities at the National Center for Family Literacy.…

Discusses how to create an effective working partnership between parents and teachers. Discusses parents as part of their children's literacy development, as teaching partners in the classroom, as resource persons in the classroom, and as teachers at home. (SR)

Analyzes 256 letters written by middle-class fathers and mothers to nationally known educator Angelo Patri to illustrate the degree to which perceptions of father involvement in the 1920s-30s varied according to gender. Suggests the difference in father involvement during the 20th century is not as sharp as some suppose. (Author/JPS)

Sampled 699 adolescents and their families to examine effects of parenting practices on development of adolescent drinking, delinquency, and problem behaviors. Findings confirmed that parental support and monitoring were important predictors of adolescent outcomes even after taking into account critical demographic/family factors. Peer orientation…

This article offers suggestions for how parents of children with disabilities can increase opportunities for the child to practice communication skills in the course of daily activities. Five basic principles (such as not anticipating the child's needs) are explained. (DB)

Describes investigation of effects of mothers' dating behaviors on adolescents' sexuality using reports from a sample of adolescents and their divorced mothers. Suggests mothers' dating behaviors directly influenced sexual behavior of males and indirectly influenced sexuality of females. Mothers' sexual permissiveness influenced daughters' sexual…

In a large Australian preschool, perceptions of parents (n=41) regarding their role in their children's education were studied and classified into four groups, based in part on parent ideas about the relative contributions and responsibilities of parents and teachers. Parent participation in preschool activities was found to be related to role…