Tests Pine & Lieven's (1993) suggestion that a lexically-based positional analysis can account for the structure of a considerable proportion of children's early multiword corpora. Results reveal that the positional analysis accounts for 60% of the children's multiword utterances and that most other utterances are defined as frozen. (33…

Reviews psychological theory and research critical to understanding why parents become involved in their children's education, focusing on parents' role construction; parents' sense of efficacy; and invitations, demands, and opportunities for involvement. The review suggests that these three areas are critical to success in involving parents. (SLD)

Based on experience of having two children with multiple learning disabilities, the author offers strategies for parents to help children experience success and excellence in their education: (1) never limit expectations or predetermine the final outcome; (2) explore all interests and abilities for hidden potential; and (3) include children in…

Evaluates how competing philosophies have shaped American adolescents' time use, focusing on peer interaction--particularly partying, sports, and other organized youth activities. Considers implications of free time use for adolescent well-being and development. Finds that there are few or no data to support the idea that abundant unstructured…

Investigated parents' and staff opinions about parental participation in their child's preschool, including perceived available options for partnership. Found that parental needs for participation were largely satisfied by the opportunities offered in the play group sector but not in local authority and private nurseries. Found three areas in…

Investigated how Latino parents defined their roles in their children's education and their relationships with schools, examining how they perceived their sense of place before and after attending the Parent Institute for Quality Education. Survey, interview, and observation data indicated that after attending the Institute, parents had expanded…

Discusses a study of adolescents with drugs, alcohol, and other behavioral problems who have been sent to therapeutic boarding schools. Topics include the difficulties of being a teenager in today's society; the difficulties of parenting; pressures to fit in; and a lack of understanding that leads to mistrust. (LRW)

Provides three suggestions for music teachers to make practice more effective: (1) include parents in the practice session; (2) develop a practice plan to help students establish a routine; and (3) meet the National Standards for Music Education. Discusses how to meet the national standards. (CMK)

Investigates the expectations and aspirations that Asian Australian and Anglo-Celtic Australian parents have for their children. Predicts that Asian Australian parents would have high aspiration for their children. States that the hypotheses was largely supported by the survey results. Includes references. (CMK)

This overview reflects on the determinants and practice of child rearing in Australia over the past century, examining prevailing theories of children and childhood over this time and outlining key societal shifts affecting family life and the parent role. The article illustrates challenges facing researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and…

Compared parenting attitudes of Asian Indian mothers living in the United States with those of mothers living in India. Found that the Asian Indian mothers in the United States had lower inappropriate expectations and tended not to reverse roles with their children. Asian Indian mothers living in India favored the use of corporal punishment more…

Examines the conversational styles and value preferences of Estonian mothers living in Estonia and Sweden. Adolescents and their mothers were videotaped in their homes during mealtime. States that there are differences in conversational styles, explaining that mothers in Estonia are more concerned with controlling the behavior of adolescents. (CMK)

Describes a pedagogical approach toward fatherhood issues in which 15 graduate students in education formed a research team to develop a questionnaire and collect data on attitudes toward fatherhood in their own rural communities. Findings from 75 rural fathers confirmed the existence of new attitudes toward fatherhood, but showed little change in…

Examines metacommunicational statements within stepfamily reorganization. Finds two relational tasks employed by couples: (1) to create marital solidarity by direct communication between mates and clear statements to the children regarding the priority of the marriage; and (2) to establish the stepparent's credibility as an authority in…

Analyzes legislation and court decisions that affect unwed and/or adolescent African-American fathers. Addresses the following concerns: (1) paternity; (2) child support; and (3) legal rights and responsibilities. Recommends development of programs to help potential fathers understand their rights and responsibilities. (FMW)