The suicide of a young person not only creates crisis response challenges for school personnel but also sparks a multitude of reactions and questions from parents who may be anxious about contagion and the increased risk of another suicide occurring. Providing leadership in the aftermath of a student death by suicide is an essential role of the…

Few alcohol prevention programs focus on elementary school-aged youth, yet children develop expectancies and norms about alcohol use during the elementary school years, and many elementary school children are allowed to have sips or tastes of alcohol at home. Research on consequences of early alcohol use indicates that it can put children at…

This research, comprised of 2 studies, extends current knowledge of parent-child communication about drugs. The first study developed a typology of parental strategies used to deter children's substance use. The second study examined relationships among the parental strategies identified in the first study, which included family communication…

This study examined the relationship of racial and ethnic socialization and academic achievement in a sample of 218 African American adolescents (grades 9-12; 52% girls) attending a public high school in the northeastern United States. Researchers were particularly interested in whether adolescent gender moderated the relationship between racial…

Children respond to trauma in many different ways. Some may have reactions very soon after the event; others may do fine for weeks or months, and then begin to show troubling behavior. Knowing the signs that are common at different ages can help parents and teachers recognize problems and respond appropriately. This guide lists common symptoms of…

Negotiating is important in family living, and children need to learn this valuable skill. Several tips on parent-child negotiating are presented as well as general guidelines for negotiating with preschoolers, elementary school children, and adolescents. (IAH)

Adolescents who live in urban settings regularly encounter a complex array of people and circumstances that require sophisticated decision-making skills. Using their personal standards, adolescents coordinate moral thoughts and emotions when deciding how to act. After defining what the author refers to as moral engagement, several empirical…

The earlier a parent can detect and respond to a child's involvement with alcohol and other drugs (AOD), the better. Just as early detection heightens the cure rate for cancer, so too does early intervention increase the chances of ending AOD use. This booklet outlines warning signs of AOD use and lists the hazards of adolescent drug use.…

This booklet discusses the importance of family rituals as a way of staying connected to children as they move through adolescence. Family rituals give teens a sense of being part of a family that values its time together. Even something as simple as a family meal together can have great impact on maintaining a bond between parents and children.…

This guide contains suggestions for building a solid foundation of discipline and responsibility to contribute to positive relationships between parents and children. Three important steps are to: (1) model appropriate behavior; (2) provide age-appropriate choices to help children build decision-making skills and self-esteem; and (3) set…

This article presents practical guidelines for parents dealing with the issue of sex education for hearing-impaired children. Promoting positive parental attitudes, these guidelines provide information on children's sexual growth and development, suggest ways to initiate and respond to sexual issues, and identify sex education resources.…

A disabled woman reviews the ways in which parents can communicate positive and realistic expectations about their disabled children's future. The importance of direct communication regarding sexuality and prejudice is emphasized. (CL)

Parents should let children know that sexual abuse does occur and that children have some power to act if they are being exploited. This article describes common myths about child sexual abuse, what parents can do to help protect their children, and indicators of sexual abuse. (IAH)

This leader manual and participant workbook present a 15 session program on parent-adolescent relationships. Three main topic areas are covered: perceiving each other (social perception); communicating effectively; and recognizing behavior as a function of its consequence. The leader manual presents an overview of the program which discusses its…

This pamphlet, targeted to girls' parents, discusses issues surrounding puberty. The introduction discusses cultural images of menstruation and girls' attitudes towards it. Suggestions are offered for discussing menstruation with one's daughter. Suggestions focus on timing of introducing the topic; which parent takes responsibility for menstrual…