Books of advice for parents on the perils of ''latchkey'' children were published before researchers began to investigate the topic. We argue that the early ''how to'' books for parents created some overgeneralizations that require rethinking. Four popular assumptions about children in self-care are examined against current theory and research evidence and are shown to be either incomplete or inaccurate. A restatement of each assumption is suggested, and specific implications for family life education are presented. Three workshop exercises are described to help parents, teachers, and others debunk the four stereotypes and learn key ideas to guide preparation of children for self-care.

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This study examined characteristics of young adult children's vocal communication with parents and grandparents. Seven young adult women telephoned their parents and grandparents, had a brief conversation with them, and described a collage to them. Voice samples of the conversations were rated by groups of 12-15 male and female judges on scales reflecting vocal qualities and interpersonal attitudes. Judges also guessed with whom the speakers were talking. Finally, collage descriptions were coded for message complexity. The major findings were that although speakers did not manifest differences in the use of complex linguistic forms, their voices were generally higher in pitch and sounded more babyish, feminine, and unpleasant when conversing with grandparents versus parents. Moreover, speakers were judged to be more deferential and congenial when speaking to grandparents. Variations in the nature of young adult grandchildren's vocal behavior were interpreted more as reactions to familial obligations than to the perceived cognitive capacities of elderly grandparents.

or more than a decade, educators and policymakers have been concerned with the issue of children being left at home, unsupervised, after school. When that lack of supervision combines with other family, social or community risk factors, it increases the likelihood of poor developmental outcomes for children. As part of its "Youth-at-Risk initiative, the national Cooperative Extension System (US.

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