Discovers that having cable television in the house may result in more viewing sanctions as well as more unsanctioned viewing for children, although younger children receive more parental attention to their television viewing whether or not they have access to cable. (PRA)

The results from four early intervention evaluation studies are described in relationship to their impact on parent-child interaction. Intervention effects on child development were unlikely to occur unless mothers modified their style of interacting. Only their level of responsiveness was associated with positive developmental outcomes.…

This study surveyed the effects of cable television on Israeli parents' mediation of their childrens' viewing. Results indicate the introduction of cable television changed strategies of parental control and mediation and parents' assessment of television's influence on children. Active parental mediation was closely related to the attribution of…

Examines an often-overlooked issues of gender equity--the importance of fathers in the development of their children. Highlights include: the lack of male presence in many children's lives; benefit of involvement for children and fathers; timeliness for supporting fathering; and a partnership between libraries, literature, and fathering. (AEF)

Describes how parents can instill habits of safety in very young children to help their future teenagers be safe and responsible drivers. Discusses the importance of developing safety habits while automobile and bicycle riding, instilling in toddlers a sense of responsibility through practice, being aware of the power of parental modeling, and…

Explores mothers' perceptions of how homelessness and shelter life affect their family relationships. Participants report increased closeness and interaction with their children, but disruption in disciplinary and provider/caretaker roles. Shelter conditions, mother's emotional state, child's emotional state, temperament, and behavior affect…

A survey of 46 parents of precocious children found they practiced authoritative parenting, fostered creativity, showed low levels of frustration, exerted an appropriate amount of flexible control, viewed play as a highly valuable activity, showed confidence in their ability as teachers, and acted as facilitators of the teaching/learning process.…

Reports on data collected from 900 families concerning the process involved in deciding on a secondary school. A cluster analysis based on the adolescents' self- and parental influence resulted in three clusters: democratic, coalitions, and where one person is the most influential. Family context in terms of decision-making style is more important…

Examines how much fathers participate in child care and factors related to it. Findings indicate that hours on the job keep some men from active fathering, but if they begin taking care of young children, a continuing pattern is established. Mothers' child-care hours are positively related to fathers' child care, and fathers do more with sons.…

Interviews mothers of 16-year olds to examine the style, content, and frequency of their communications with their adolescents about sex and sexuality. Qualitative analysis reveals five communication styles: avoidance, reactive, opportunistic, child-initiated, and mutually interactive. Styles differ in who initiates and maintains sexual…

Explored the perceptions of 13 Taiwanese mothers of 12-month-olds regarding the benefits of parent-infant interaction for development of social competence and parents' role in achieving these benefits. Found that mothers thought parent-infant interactive play contributed to both emotional and social components of social competence. Themes within…

Explores the relationship between gender and the ability of parents to manage work and family responsibilities using single fathers (n=346) and single mothers (n=364) in military communities. No gender differences were found among single parents who perceived they were successful at managing family and work responsibilities. There were gender…

Presents specific strategic and organizational advice to parents on helping children with nightly homework. (WRM)

Stresses the importance of early musical experiences for children to assist in their musical development. Addresses how a child's home environment affects their musical development, the similarities between language acquisition and musical development, and the role parents and teachers have in developing young children's musical abilities. (CMK)

Investigates two links in the quasi-market for English secondary schools: (1) the link between attracting students to a school and financial rewards; and (2) the link between changes in student roll and the educational performance and social background of the students already at the school. Addresses the findings in detail. (CMK)