Children learn to be caring individuals when they are raised in a considerate and sensitive environment. Suggestions for helping children be more aware of the needs of others are discussed. (DF)

Educational enabling occurs when school staff, social agencies, parents, or peers do things for the students they should do themselves to fully develop a work ethic and academic and coping skills. Parents and teachers must keep their roles in perspective. The article advises parents on how to minimize educational enabling. (SM)

Twelve books about the process of growing up are reviewed. (MT)

Parents must help their children distinguish between wants and needs and put them in a balanced perspective. Children need to learn to respect differences in people rather than base their judgments on socioeconomic status. The article suggests ways parents can grab teachable moments to reinforce their values and decisions. (SM)

Tips on helping children achieve independence are offered. (MT)

The Center for Early Adolescence at the University of North Carolina polled 20,000 professionals, agencies, and organizations that serve youths. The types of services offered by the most effective programs for 10-15 year olds are described. A step-by-step process for setting up after school programs is presented. (MT)

Watching television is not necessarily a bad habit, and when parents monitor their children's viewing habits, it can prove educational. Ways parents might teach their children to view television programs and commercials critically are suggested. (JL)

A program to help a child develop a powerful vocabulary and become a better reader is described. A starter kit containing specific kinds of books and a notebook is used. Kit suggestions for students in junior high school, grades three or four, and grades five or six are offered. (MT)

Steps for developing an effective school-business relationship include: meeting with the school principal; determining what kind of support is wanted; appointing a volunteer coordinator; understanding business operations; and setting up an evaluation process. Ideas for school-business partnerships include sponsoring an awards program, work…

Presents actions that parents can take to help children prepare to return to school after summer vacation. Ideas highlight reading, writing, vocabulary, computers, family night, television, video games, communicating, music, study habits, encouragement, decision making, behavior, setting limits, modeling, grooming, nagging, toys, equality, school…

Discusses breast cancer and teenagers, focusing on how parents can introduce the subject and encourage breast self-examination. The article provides information on breast cancer statistics, mammography, and American Cancer Society services. (SM)

Ten articles considering ways in which to help in the development of the whole child address play, childhood fears, making children feel loved, how parents can help children learn, decision making, peer pressure, competition, sports, and reading materials for adolescents. (CB)

Resources, suggestions, and examples are listed to guide parent-teacher associations who wish to hold interesting health meetings, focusing on teaching parents about their children's health and development issues, involving students, and facilitating parent-child communication. (CB)

Summer is the perfect time for a child to develop the resourcefulness, responsibility, and reliability necessary for independence. Suggestions are made for organizing the household, establishing routines, encouraging interests, doing chores, and enhancing reading during the summer. (MT)

Lead poisoning is the number one environmental threat to children. At low levels it harms development, damages blood cells, and lowers IQ. At higher levels, it damages the nervous system, kidneys, reproductive system, and mental development. The article examines risk factors and discusses contamination, testing for lead, and prevention. (SM)