Examined differences in observers' influence on parents during naturalistic home observations of families. Parents' oldest child was 6-7 years old. Results suggested that observers influenced fathers more than mothers. Apparent differences in influence were related to the child's sex. (LB)

This study examined the relationship between mothers' and fathers' attitudes toward deafness and the communication skills of their preschool hearing-impaired children (n=30). Significant correlations were found between fathers' scores on the Attitude to Deafness Scale and the language comprehension scores of their children. (Author/DB)

Mothers (n=112) with young, middle childhood, or older children with developmental delays completed the Parenting Stress Index. Child Domain scores were high for all age groups, but Parent Domain scores were within normal limits. The middle childhood group was higher in both domains than other groups. Degree of handicap and behavior problems were…

A study that interviewed 200 Latino parents of young children with disabilities found a high degree of awareness of services, but only a moderate degree of satisfaction. Mothers were more aware of and perceived use of more services than fathers. Family characteristics did not influence awareness, use, or satisfaction. (Author/CR)

A study that investigated the coping strategies of 20 females with children (ages birth-4) with speech and language impairments found that most utilized effective coping strategies. Adaptive behaviors included liking the company of other people, feeling liked by others, awareness of the feelings of others, and a sense of happiness. (Author/CR)

Links family income, ethnicity, and child's age to child care characteristics. Finds that children from families with incomes at least twice the poverty threshold were more likely than others to be in nonparental care and spent more hours in care. Ethnicity, not poverty, related to relative-care use. Few income, ethnicity, or age differences…

This qualitative study examined perceptions of 248 parents of young children with special needs concerning the benefits, barriers, and improvements needed in current early intervention services in Illinois. Benefits cited included the technical knowledge and skills of service providers; barriers included a need for more specialized child-oriented…

We evaluated the efficacy of a manualized multimodal treatment program for young externalizing children. Families were assigned randomly to an immediate 12-week parent and child treatment condition (n = 24) or to a delayed-treatment condition (n = 23). Parents had high attendance, high satisfaction with treatment, and increased knowledge of…

An increased emphasis on an early start in group day care and educational settings for young children means that by the time children enter statutory education, they may already have had several transitional experiences: each will have an impact. This book explores early transitions from a variety of international perspectives. Each chapter is…

This study examined Taiwanese-Canadian mothers' conceptions of personal freedom in everyday situations for their children and the influence of acculturation on their beliefs. Forty mothers of six- to eight-year-old children participated in a semistructured interview and sorting task. Interview responses revealed that, regardless of acculturation,…

This study examined the dynamic relationships between child, parenting, and family-related predictor variables and early childhood externalising behaviour problems. A community sample of 395 Australian children was followed longitudinally, and assessed at 4 and 6 years with the Child Behavior Checklist, Teacher Report Form, and standard measures…

Although teacher underestimation of ability can have a detrimental effect on children's achievement and motivation, the accuracy of Australian teachers in identifying intellectual giftedness in young children has not been investigated. This study followed 14 children, identified as potentially gifted while preschoolers, for up to 3 of their early…

Wilder Research, in conjunction with the Invest Early leadership team and staff, is conducting a longitudinal and cost-benefit evaluation, documenting and assessing implementation of Invest Early and outcomes for the service system, families, and children. In the short term, Invest Early aims to improve children's school readiness by improving the…

Background: Family quality of life (FQOL), as a family outcome measure of early intervention and other services, has increasingly drawn attention of researchers, policymakers and service providers. Developing an index of "family" QOL requires a measure suitable for use with multiple family members. The purpose of this study was to test whether…

Parents are young children's greatest resource, and quality parenting helps develop children's self-esteem. Every child needs caring parents to be teachers as well as nurturers. Parents can create learning experiences for their children in everyday activities, such as cooking, cleaning, and grocery shopping. In addition to teaching, parents should…