This introduction to the volume examines the evolution of contemporary family mealtime practices and how they have changed, and it synthesizes theory and research from across disciplines regarding the opportunities that mealtimes provide for child and adolescent development.

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Family life practitioners are increasingly being called upon to help families meet work-life challenges. This article describes the grassroots beginnings, program development, and formative evaluation findings for 1 module of a Cooperative Extension work-life management program. Although the curriculum module is based on theory and research, it emphasizes practical strategies. A total of 101 employed parents participated. An intervention group received the curriculum and materials, whereas a comparison group did not. Pretest and posttest comparisons provide initial support for the success of the curriculum in encouraging effective work-life management practices among employed parents. Directions for further program revision and evaluation are discussed.

This study compared parents' and teachers' feeding practices with young children. Parents and teachers of children aged 0-3 years were recruited at 24 child care centers to complete surveys regarding their demographic characteristics, parenting styles, and feeding practices with young children. Respondents included 106 parents and 102 teachers. Participants' feeding beliefs and values were found to be related to their parenting style classifications (i.e., Authoritative, Authoritarian, or Permissive), ethnicity, income, and other demographic characteristics. Findings indicate the need for teachers and parents to begin communicating about their longterm goals for a child's development as soon as the child enters care. Understanding the goals and variation of feeding practices used at home and at school can help teachers and parents begin to construct a shared vision for care.