Discusses what it is like for children to grow up with an awareness that they live in a world in which unrestrained technological prowess has created vulnerabilities on a global scale. The article examines how parents and teachers can help their children cope with and respond to world issues. (SM)

The National PTA president introduces this issue of "PTA Today" which is devoted to the theme "Our Planet, Ourselves." The issue was the result of numerous requests by PTA members to provide them with useful environmental information. (SM)

Homes in wooded areas or in the wildland/urban interface are at special risk for wildfire. The article provides a checklist of what to keep on hand to make homes safer from wildfire, focusing on vegetation around the home and maintenance of the yard and home. (SM)

Children can be taught to write clearly and thoughtfully. Ways in which parents can encourage writing at home are suggested. (MT)

Childrens' psychological well-being is threatened by many of today's social ills. It is important to protect childrens' minds and let them consider schools a safe haven where they are supported, nurtured, and welcomed. Because many parents cannot foster self-esteem, teachers and schools must help students feel important. (SM)

Provides suggestions to help parents select safe toys for children under five years, including assess breakability; investigate flammability; avoid electrical toys; avoid toys with sharp edges; watch for toys that might pinch; avoid small pieces; consider sound and vision; and think about appropriate themes. (SM)

Suggestions for creating a home environment favorable for building positive reading habits are presented. (MT)

Ways in which parent teacher associations can help teachers create a favorable learning environment and improve teachers' working and living conditions include: fostering parent involvement; integrating in-school and out-of-school activities; supporting efforts to upgrade teachers' salaries; and welcoming teachers into the community.

A checklist/safety quiz from the National Fire Protection Association examines individual knowledge of how to escape if a home fire breaks out. The organization recommends that every household develop a fire escape plan and practice it at least twice a year. (SM)

Examines the effect of birth order on child development, noting that spacing of children, gender, family size, and family configuration all play a role in determining what effect birth order will have. The article looks at various traits of firstborn, middle, lastborn, and only children. (SM)

Television can be a source of knowledge and information or it can cause negative behavior. Parents can help their children understand the difference between fantasy and reality on television and help make television viewing a positive event. (DF)

Describes the environmental activities of two PTA members, noting the responsibility and power of the PTA to join their environmental efforts. The article discusses the PTA's leadership role and provides a sample of ideas for ways children and PTAs can help save the environment. (SM)

Today's children must be educated about solid waste management and recycling to reduce the amount of waste that goes into landfills. The article describes what can be recycled (newspapers, corrugated cardboard, paper, glass, aluminum, textiles, motor oil, organic wastes, appliances, steel cans, and plastics). It also lists student environment…

Parents and teachers who are informed about epilepsy can avoid unpleasant classroom situations. A brief explanation of epilepsy is followed by information on what to do in case a seizure occurs at school. The best policy is for parents to forewarn the school and create an appropriate plan. (SM)

Suggestions to help parents keep their children safe from injury include learn first aid; child-proof the home; use carseats and safety belts; lock up medications, toxic materials, sharp instruments, and guns; block off stairways; install smoke alarms; insist on bike helmets; and put safety plugs in electric sockets. (SM)