Genes, Not Numbers, Source Of Intelligence

Social scientists and psychologists have long believed that smarter kids grow up in families with one or two kids.

A new study, reported in the Washington Post, contradicts this belief. A long-term study of more than 11,400 American children and teenagers found that while parents with lower IQs tend to have more children, large families alone do not produce children with low IQs; other factors, such as parental IQs, are believed to be responsible.

Family environment, parental intelligence and genetics are far more influential than family size when it comes to children’s IQs, the authors conclude.

Safety news: The Consumer Product Safety Commission recently announced new standards for window guards that will help protect children from window falls. The CPSC estimates that about 12 children 10 and younger will die each year, and more than 4,000 are treated in hospital emergency rooms for window fall-related injuries.

“Whether you live in a high rise or a single family home, a window guard can help prevent a tragedy,” said CPSC Chairman Ann Brown. “Don’t depend on a screen alone to keep children safe.”

The CPSC guidelines for preventing window falls are:

* Install window guards to prevent children from falling out of windows. For windows on the sixth floor and below, install window guards that adults and older children can open easily in case of fire. For windows on the seventh floor and above, permanent window guards can be installed.

* Guards should be installed in children’s bedrooms, parents’ bedrooms and other rooms where young children spend time.

* An alternative is to install window stops that permit windows to open no more than 4 inches.

* Never depend on screens to keep children from falling out of windows.

* Whenever possible, open windows from the top, not the bottom.

* Keep furniture away from windows, to discourage children from climbing near windows.

Window guards typically cost between $10 and $30 and have different configurations. Consumers should compare features to determine which guards best suit their needs. Window stops are available at hardware stores and cost about $2.