Follows earlier research that hypothesized and substantiated that, in a society with strong son preference, its effect on fertility would be conditional on the level of contraceptive use. Finds that, if a preference for smaller family size increases, then sex preference will have minimal effect on fertility. (LZ)

Explored premature, low-birth-weight infants' experience with early intervention at home and at day-care centers, and intervention effects on child and parental outcomes in the Infant Health and Development Program (IHDP). Number of contacts, number of activities per visit, and parental interest in activities influenced scores for IQ and Home…

Investigated birth-order differences in children's early vocabulary development. Compared the composition and age of acquisition of the first 50 and 100 words of 9 firstborns and their younger siblings, using a longitudinal maternal diary methodology. A small but significant birth-order effect was found for the age at which the 50-word milestone…

This article describes the reflective process component of a multisite study of the effectiveness of family-focused, developmentally supportive care with low birthweight infants. Reflection is felt to be of particular value to developmental care because of the nature of the developmental approach itself, which is theory-guided, relationship-based,…

A generation after women regularly began combining motherhood with careers, female academics find that balancing the demands of the tenure system and the timing of motherhood is difficult. Some are delaying childbearing, some are asking for delay of tenure decisions, and others are job-sharing to accommodate family and career. (MSE)

Four questionnaires examined the association of demographic factors with recollection for 768 adults. Found that the age of earliest memory increased across birth order, was slightly earlier for females than for males, and was earlier for Caucasians than for Asians. (Author/BC)

Ina May Gaskin, a traditional midwife and founder of The Farm Midwifery Center in Summertown, Tennessee, discusses how she first became involved in midwifery, where she learned her skills, the status of midwifery, and her future plans. Ms. Gaskin has been instrumental in the revolution of birth practices worldwide. (LP)

Analysis of public-use samples of 1910 and 1940 censuses of the rural South revealed significant variation in fertility by social class for blacks in both years and for whites in 1940. Farm laborers of both races reported the lowest fertility and steepest declines over the period. A woman's education was negatively related to fertility in all…

Reviews literature that illustrates concerns about childhood chronic illness and its effects on families. Includes an example of research on preterm infants with low birthweight and complex medical needs. Preliminary analyses of infants' intervention needs during their first 18 months are discussed in relation to the reduction of family stress.…

Problems encountered by some students, particularly in job searches, when date of birth is indicated on academic records are discussed, and record-keeping and identification strategies to alleviate them are outlined, including not printing birthdates on transcripts, using a different identifying number, or using another method for matching…

Data from Taiwanese cohorts show that parental investment in children is affected by credit constraints; early-born children do poorly, especially females; in poorer families and older cohorts, older sisters increase younger siblings' education; and in younger cohorts and richer families, effects of family size and gender composition are weaker.…

Provides early-intervention professionals with a basic familiarity and understanding of some of the newest technologies employed in the neonatal intensive care units for neonates with respiratory distress syndrome, persistent fetal circulation, retinopathy of prematurity, intraventricular hemorrhage, and periventricular leukomalacia. Early…

Notes that successful child placement depends on engaging birth or previously adopted children during the adoption process, yet other children are often overlooked when parents are adopting a special-needs child. Presents a model which recognizes dynamics of strength and vulnerability and applies that model to preparing and supporting the adoptive…

Focuses on environmental issues that affect learning disabilities and provides a rationale for learning disabilities as a public health and economic-risk issue. The link between learning disabilities and poverty and the impact of low birth weight and lead poisoning are discussed. Action steps are provided. (CR)

Examines the range of forces affecting the supply and demand side of adoption. Maintains that demographic trends and social, technological, and economic factors bearing on adoption seeking and relinquishment will be critical factors, with important implications for adoption policy and practice. (Author/KB)