In Brief

By Alain L. Sanders

SANDMAN WOES A survey of nearly 500 Rhode Island kids, their parents and teachers in the Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics shows that 37% of children ages 4 to 11 have sleep problems. And parents often don't know it. Teachers said at least 10% of their students struggle to stay awake. The kids reported more difficulties, like trouble falling asleep or waking at night, than their parents had noticed. Parents should keep alert and talk to their kids, teachers and doctors.

FAMILY SHORTFALL A new World Health Organization survey of Europe, Canada and the U.S. reveals that less than two-thirds of American adolescent students live with both parents--placing the U.S. next to last, above only Greenland, among the countries studied. U.S. youths are less likely than their foreign peers to eat well and exercise frequently. But the good news is that by age 15, U.S. youngsters rank in the middle on drinking and are less likely to smoke or watch television four hours or more a day.

Adolescent Students Living with Both Parents

Greece 91% Austria 82% Finland 73% U.S. 64%

REVEILLE Prompted by reports of earlier than usual summer-camp bookings, a survey by the New England section of the American Camping Association has confirmed the trend: 30% of camps in the area are already filled, while 60% are more than three-quarters full. Reasons: a booming economy and more working parents who need a spot for their kids. Matters are less tight in the mid-Atlantic, the Southeast and especially the West. But the advice to parents is clear: Get going.

--By Alain L. Sanders