Examines factors contributing to changes in childhood. Care and supervision of children has declined, with survival skills substituting for protection, early concern with emotional issues, and premature sexual initiation. Parents rationalize abandoning authority as increasing children's independence. They deprive children of childhood,…

Reviews the issues addressed by the eight longitudinal studies in this special section, which considers the continuity of behavior across generations and the processes whereby parental characteristics may place offspring at psychosocial risk. The studies examine predictors of successful adaptation to high-risk environments and emphasize protective…

Reports on experiences of living with ADHD from parents' and young adult's perspectives. Describes the types and characteristics of ADHD. Presents suggestions on ways to live and cope with a hyperactive child. (Author/JDM)

Recounts the author's family's summer reading and how she used it as an opportunity to talk with her children about books and, ultimately, about life. (SR)

Evolution has provided babies with wonderful ways to get the loving attention and care that they need from adults. When a baby is distressed, his cry is the most primitive and powerful tool for bringing help. By the time a baby is 2 or 3 months old, his dazzling smile and crooked grin evokes tenderness, smiles, and nurturance from adults who are…

What is man? How do people differ in terms of their biological and psychological characteristics? What determines their thoughts, desires, and actions? These eternal questions, which have confronted thinkers and scientists since antiquity, relate directly to problems of upbringing. Under current conditions, it is increasingly obvious that to…

Parents are one of the most important influences in positive child and youth development, yet too many caregivers, especially those in higher risk families, fail to receive supports that would improve parenting and family functioning. By strengthening parent/caregivers and their connections to resources, communities can improve child and youth…

In this article, the author responds to a teacher's question on a baby's behavior who keeps banging on his high chair and laughs uncontrollably. The author states that young children pay close attention to adult's emotional responses. Their lives depend on knowing the best ways to get positive or at least neutral responses from grown-ups in charge…

Oppositional defiant disorder is an individual diagnosis given commonly to children and adolescents who exhibit a pattern of noncompliant and defiant behaviors. Some children's temperament, behaviors, and interpersonal style merit this diagnosis. Other children, however, exhibit behaviors consistent with this diagnosis within the context of their…

This paper traces some of the major theories and research findings concerning the development of self-identity during the first two years of life. The discussion begins with some basic assumptions of identity formation, offers an historical perspective with discussion of William James' major aspects of self, and concludes with observations on the…

The issue of whether or not the basic principle guiding the placement of Australian children in need of care is applied in practice is addressed in this expanded seminar paper. It is pointed out that the principle stating that the child's welfare should be of paramount concern has been incorporated into Australian legislation in the Adoption Act…

In an effort to examine the effectiveness of commercially produced parent education programs, a child management and communication class given for Memphis, Tennessee, inner city parents is evaluated in this paper. The program, sponsored by the Mid-South Teacher Corps Project, utilized two models: (1) Becker's 1971 "Parents Are Teachers: A…

This paper discusses effective parenting and how television can be used to stimulate communication between parent and child. Research on viewing habits, and social statistics on teenage pregnancy and drug and alcohol use provide a background for examining parent-child communication and lead into a discussion of Kohlberg's theories of moral…

Family counseling helped parents, who had spent an extraordinary amount of time trying to determine appropriate interventions for their autistic son (amid conflicting recommendations from professionals) to better deal with other family problems, and their nonhandicapped daughter's behavioral problems, feelings of sadness and ineffectiveness in…

A mother recounts her gifted seven-year old daughter's self-initiated summer educational and creative pursuits, focusing on American Indian life. She notes the importance of encouraging self-initiation and self-direction in gifted children by providing new experiences and supporting the child's interests and involvements. (CB)