Anzia Yezierska and Agnes Smedley grew up in the United States in poverty-stricken, working-class families. Both women became famous authors and participants in social movements of the early decades of the 20th century. Yezierska's "Bread Givers" and Smedley's "Daughter of Earth", published in the 1920s, were fictionalized…

In his article "The 'Effects' of Infant Day Care Reconsidered," Jay Belsky (see PS 017 108) concludes that maternal employment puts infants at risk for developing emotional insecurity and social maladjustment. After a review of Belsky's and other research, a different conclusion is offered in this paper. It is agreed that infants whose…

Attempts to trace historical changes in the relationship between adults and children from pre-industrial times in Europe to the European present are made in this essay. Topics discussed include: (1) brief childhood in pre-industrial society; (2) the discovery of childhood by the bourgeoisie; (3) the reproduction of the proletariat; (4) the…

Parents who are frequently frustrated and troubled by rivalry among their children may find the following suggestions helpful. If fighting between siblings is bothersome, stop it. Don't lecture, moralize or nag. Once the unpleasant behavior is stopped, look for possible causes and ways of dealing with it. Children's versions of disputes and other…

The traumatic effect of divorce on young children is discussed, noting the typical changes in behavior evidenced by children in such a situation. Suggestions are made on ways parents can cope with the child's emotional reactions and alleviate the stress that is natural when a marriage dissolves. (JD)

Describes the psychology of motherhood during the daughter's adolescence. Describes normal maternal development with an emphasis on the synergistic, maturational tasks of the mother and adolescent offspring; maternal conflicts; and counseling approaches that promote the mother's individuation and appropriate responses to her child. (Author/ABB)

The author describes the concerns and needs of siblings of hearing-impaired children, offering practical suggestions for parents, educators, and mental health and community service workers. Examples of successful programs for siblings that provide emotional support, training and information about their siblings' disability, and effective…

Based on the experiences of hundreds of families who have mainstreamed their hearing-impaired children in the last decade, the effects of P.L. 94-142 are described. Stressed is the parent's role as case manager in providing both broad direction and day-to-day monitoring. Suggestions for preparing for mainstreaming are given. (Author/VW)

Discusses and illustrates the characteristics and significance of the language used by parents to teach writing to their children. Considers the effects of such language on children's writing behaviors. (BB)

A father writes about his six-year-old son born with hydrocephalus. He describes such day-to-day experiences as going to a baseball game and the grocery store, reactions of friends and strangers to his son's social interactions, and a special day at preschool. The boy's medical treatment, including surgeries, are also described. (VW)

The reasoning of caregivers is discussed in the context of preventing childhood accidents. This reasoning process, which uses knowledge about children's behavior in an environment, leads to appropriate preventive actions on the part of the caregiver. Illustrative examples of parents interacting with children are presented. (VM)

Appraises current research, which is linked to the distinctive cognitive, social, and biological features of adolescence. The domain of investigation needs to be expanded to encompass ethnic groups and family structures. (NH)

Describes a model, Mediated Learning Experiences (MLE), for understanding specific criteria within adult-child (usually parent-child) interactions that effect flexiblity of mind in young children. An examination of cause-effect relationship between parental behaviors and measures of developmental outcomes are presented, based on two longitudinal…

Responds to Belsky's critique of the Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale and suggests explanations for the disparity in results when using the Scale as an intervention device with new families. (HOD)

Reviews the literature linking four features of family structure to depression and maladjustment in adolescents and young adults: (a) parent-child overinvolvement, (b) parent-child role reversal, (c) marital instability, and (d) parent-child coalitions. Implications for the assessment and treatment of depressed college students are discussed.…