family and relationships

When my youngest, Olivia, was 4, I was gone for a several days for work. Wonderful "aunt" Paula, a dear friend of my mother's and known to my kids to be a loving pushover, came to stay with the children. After the older kids had all left for school one morning, Olivia excitedly informed aunt Paula that that very day was her birthday. Naturally, Paula flew into action.

EAST BRADY, Pa. -- Few things in life are more stressful than a seriously ill child. Just ask Scott and Jessica Day, whose 2-year-old son, Scott Jr., was diagnosed in utero with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a rare congenital defect in which the left side of the heart never fully develops.

Down syndrome facts-- Down syndrome was named after Dr. John Langdon Down, a British physician who described the disorder in 1866.-- It occurs in all ethnic groups and among all economic classes.-- The chance of having a baby with Down syndrome increases as a woman ages, from about 1 in 1,250 for a 25-year-old woman to about 1 in 100 for a 40-year-old woman.

Dominique Hines has been following media coverage of 17-year-old Bristol Palin's pregnancy with great interest. Dominique, 16, is the single mother of a 3-month-old son, Da'Marion. She's also a high-school student with big dreams.

Tips for talking to youths about sex:-- Encourage communication by reassuring your children they can talk to you about anything.-- Take advantage of teachable moments. A friend's pregnancy, a news article or a TV show can help start a conversation.-- Listen more than you talk. Think about what you're being asked.

Patty Thompson's 14-year-old daughter arrived home from school last week and said with disbelief, "Did you know that Sarah Palin has a 17-year-old daughter who is pregnant?"Thompson looked at Meghan and said, "Yes, that can happen."

DEAR DR. FOURNIER: My daughter just finished the seventh grade at a public school, and her teachers say she has failed reading. How could this happen?

On this Father's Day, many people enjoy being able to celebrate the love and the lessons our fathers gave us. Even if, like myself, you were adopted or mentored by a gentleman who was not your biological father, the blood coursing through your veins was influenced by this man who raised you.

Father's Day 2008 might be the day of the gas and/or grocery gift card.No bad ties, no grilling tools.Just a full tank and a loaf of bread.According to the National Retail Federation, consumers plan to spend an average of $94.54 on Father's Day gifts. Total spending is expected to reach $9.6 billion.

DEAR DR. FOURNIER: I have two children in school, and I am concerned that they might not be receiving a well-rounded education. In past columns, you discuss the importance of preparing our children for a new global work force, and you emphasize how quickly our world is changing. While this may be true, I am not sure that our schools are adapting at the same pace.