Argues that programs teaching parents to assist children with homework practice the "deficit hypothesis" and are not based on sound research. Proposes a broader definition of family literacy that acknowledges the family's social situation, focuses on the family's strengths, and uses a social-contextual approach to curriculum development. (SK)

Data from 148 identical and 111 fraternal twin pairs in which at least 1 member had a reading disability were statistically analyzed. Results suggest that genetic and shared-environment influences both contribute to the observed covariance between reading and mathematical deficits. (Author/DB)

Reviews recent literature, finding support for hypothesis that power of alcoholic parent within household is related to whether offspring become alcoholic. In considering reasons for this relationship, suggests that children and adolescents are more likely to emulate and identify with powerful alcoholic parent and, thus, learn that alcohol can…

Compares family role dysfunction, college adjustment, chemical dependence, and family functioning among college students (n=245) from three groups: dysfunctional homes with significant substance abuse; dysfunctional homes without significant substance abuse; and nonabusing, nondysfunctional homes. Results suggest that substance abuse or dependence…

Examined the relationships between psychosocial protective factors (such as religious beliefs or parental sanctions) and adolescents' problem behaviors. Found a significant inverse relation between protection and problem-behavior involvement. Found significant interaction between protection and risk in the prediction of problem behavior;…

This study compared childhood parental physical punishment among 80 women with and 40 women without a lifetime history of bulimia nervosa. Although the women with bulimia reported more and harsher physical punishment than the control group, they did not differ in the extent to which they believed the punishment was deserved or whether they were…

Data from the Family Needs Survey, provided by 53 mothers of young children with disabilities, were subject to both classical test theory analyses and factor analysis. Results suggest that the Family Needs Survey yields reasonably valid data regarding family needs. (Author/JDD)

Attention is drawn to the role of the home environment in the language acquisition process, highlighting the problems that arise when minority culture children are assessed in their second language. A theoretical analysis is presented of the problem and a solution aimed at the education of teachers and language professionals is outlined. (37…

A checklist/safety quiz from the National Fire Protection Association examines individual knowledge of how to escape if a home fire breaks out. The organization recommends that every household develop a fire escape plan and practice it at least twice a year. (SM)

Offers a detailed plan for a book swap, which not only helps place new books in the homes of most children but also places books in the homes of children who may have no books at all. (SR)

Analysis of data on 282 Baltimore (Maryland) children placed in kinship care following neglect or abuse revealed that, compared to classroom peers, subjects had poor study habits and attention/concentration skills. Subjects had average or better relationships with teachers and peers. There was poor to moderate concordance in assessments of…

Results show that the ability to identify the odor of alcoholic beverages and know the norms for use of alcoholic beverages exists among preschool children. Findings also show that at least some aspects of that ability are enhanced by living in a family whose drinking pattern indicates heavy consumption of alcoholic beverages. (RH)

Examines the effect of birth order on child development, noting that spacing of children, gender, family size, and family configuration all play a role in determining what effect birth order will have. The article looks at various traits of firstborn, middle, lastborn, and only children. (SM)

Suggests ways parents can prepare their children for becoming literate. (SR)

Describes an ongoing study exploring reading in the families of a sample of Reading Recovery children in Illinois. (RS)