As a result of the growth in out-of-wedlock childbearing and union instability, adults contemplating forming a new union are often already parents. This article examines the role of children in stepfamily formation, both coresident and not, using the 2,594 respondents in the National Survey of Families and Households who were not living with a…

This article describes the findings from a qualitative study that explored the views of a small group of Australian children about their involvement in decision-making processes following their parents' separation. Sixteen children, aged between seven and 17 years, participated in in-depth interviews that focused on their understandings of the…

Summarizes several leading theories regarding the disappearance of childhood in modern society. Examines this pattern of eroding childhood in two young adult novels, Robert Cormier's AFTER THE FIRST DEATH and Cynthia Voight's A SOLITARY BLUE. (MM)

This overview reflects on the determinants and practice of child rearing in Australia over the past century, examining prevailing theories of children and childhood over this time and outlining key societal shifts affecting family life and the parent role. The article illustrates challenges facing researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and…

Describes an international program CHILD-to-child, which is designed to teach and encourage older children of developing nations to take a role in caring for and improving the health and development of their younger brothers and sisters. (Author/BB)

Three factors central to the development of modern attitudes toward childhood are awareness that children and adults differ, the definition of women's primary role as maternal, and the increasingly complex demands made on adults. The combined pressures of feminism and the accessibility of broadcast media are changing these factors significantly.…

Analyzes how parents and children perceive and experience commercial playground environments, how such environments are marketed to them, and how they make use of them. Considers the marginal role children play in the production and visitation of these environments, and that the playgrounds provide primarily for the needs of adults. (JPB)

Reviews concerns that college students expressed about sibling relationships in open-ended questions submitted for class discussions. Some questions suggested the relevance of quasi-parental role performance, and others suggested the effect of subgroup and gang formation on family power distribution in the family. (JAC)

Describes articles in special issue as claiming that in learning language children acquire resources to enact culturally sanctioned ways of being and that language-based interactions provide resources for co-constructing reality. Identifies three themes: sensitivity to how participation in social interaction is organized, use of nontraditional…

Results suggest that the nature of parent-child communication and effects of that interaction depend not only on messages stressed by the parent but also on the child's own cognitive abilities and goals. (JD)

Discusses ways in which kindergarten and primary teachers can maximize their role in meeting the special needs of young gifted children. A case study illustrates the situation. (BB)

This study of 16 pairs of older nonhandicapped siblings and same-sex younger mentally retarded siblings found that the amount of sibling interaction was related to the contexts of toy play, snacking, or television-viewing. Compared to nonhandicapped sibling pairs, older siblings of mentally retarded children more frequently assumed teacher,…

Draws on research on families of seasonal migrant laborers in Mexico to consider the role of work in socializing children growing up in extreme poverty. Argues migrant work represents an effective form of socialization that prepares children for their future. Discusses whether minimum employment age should be raised from 8 to 14 years and the…

Discusses the five shortcomings of environmental education: (1) uses top-down and center-to-periphery teaching model; (2) does not lead to action competence; (3) lacks authenticity; (4) the record of success in changing children's attitudes and values is questionable; and (5) the context must facilitate participation and change. Offers four models…

This case study examined the effects of a Maori language and culture immersion preschool program on a preschooler's English and Maori language usage at home. School and home observations revealed the importance of the child's role in acquiring bilingual expertise, the presence of complementary activities at home, and shared cultural commitments.…