This fact sheet presents numerous ways that parents can interact with their deaf-blind children. The challenges facing children with deaf-blindness are explained and compared to children without disabilities. Ways to recognize and then respond to children's actions are suggested and tips for developing good communication are presented, including…

Makes suggestions to help families create summer activities for children that lend themselves to learning but still allow for leisure and spontaneity. The article presents activities that involve organizing collections, developing a sense of responsibility, bolstering the three Rs, teaching good citizenship, understanding history, and getting…

Summer outings can be fun if parents let children make the plans. Children can plan outings and learn valuable skills if parents let them gather the information, map and direct the route, plan a picnic, make an agenda, list necessary items, pack the car, plan activities, and learn by doing. (SM)

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…

Describes how to plan enjoyable family times for parents and children. Activities can be based on the child's special interests, the parent's work or hobby, or a sense of adventure. The article suggests places to visit such as national wildlife preserves, aquariums, farms, newspapers, factories, candy stores, and greenhouses. (SM)

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)

Describes the benefits of infant massage, particularly for babies with deafness who have hearing parents. Steps for giving baby massages are provided, including placing a hand on the baby's stomach and making eye contact, starting with the legs, looking for cues, and communicating with the baby. (CR)

Parents must help their children understand the meaning of good decision making. Children who are accustomed to making all the decisions grow up with no understanding of legitimate authority. Understanding appropriate ways to handle issues of empowerment, authority, and age-appropriate decision making are relevant to children of all ages. A…

Suggestions for parents about talking to a child with a learning disability about the World Trade Center tragedy stress assuring the child of his/her safety and helping the child formulate questions and concerns. (DB)

Home life can be challenging but rewarding for individuals living with both their children and their parents. To make the experience successful, it is important to have open communication, an elder-proofed house, quality time for the children, and coping strategies for emergencies. Many free services are available to offer activities, advice, and…

Explores the benefits of touch and affection to infant development, noting that in addition to psychological benefits, touch is an important stimulus to the central nervous system. (HTH)

Describes the development of attachment of infant to parent or caregiver during infancy. Explores the impact of attachment, whether good or poor, on later development, and factors contributing secure or insecure/anxious attachment. Notes that obstacles to secure attachment can often be overcome with counseling. (HTH)

Using mixed effects models, the authors examined the effects of chronic stress, adverse parent-child relationships, and family history on the 7.5-year course of dysthymic disorder. Participants included 97 outpatients with early-onset dysthymia who were assessed with semistructured interviews at baseline and 3 additional times at 30-month…

"Straight A's: Public Education Policy and Progress" is a biweekly newsletter that focuses on education news and events both in Washington, DC and around the country. The following articles are included in this issue: (1) "A Tipping Point in Education": Report Finds Educational Attainment of Younger Generations Has Not Increased; (2) Building a…

This guide for parents and caregivers of young children with visual impairments is intended to help them to teach competent feeding skills. After an introduction, a section on stages in learning to eat discusses eating behaviors of infants and young children with visual impairments at various ages. Examples of some specific problems and solutions…