September 1977

How Parents are Learning to Help Kids Learn

Do you know what your child will be studying this year and why?

HOUSEPLANT HOW-TO

Now's the time to start looking for new plants to cultivate this winter. Be imaginative and experiment with something you haven't grown before. Try these for starters.

DON'T FORGET...

DO LONG-TERM CAR LOANS MAKE SENSE FOR YOU?

Traditionally, new car loans have run 36 months or less. But in the past year or so, a great number of loans have been set for more than three years-- 42 months, 48 months, and 60 months are not uncommon.

What are Your rights to privacy?

Have you ever applied for life insurance? Opened a bank account? Looked for a job? Used a credit card? Seen a doctor? Gone to school? Gotten a driver's license?

Step-by-step project scrapbook

A Parent's Guide TO Music Lessons

An estimated 39,000,000 Americans are amateur musicians. If your child wants to join them, you'll need to know: when he should begin music lessions; how much he should practice; what instrument is best; how to choose a teacher; and if group lessons are worthwhile.

HOW TO RUN A BAZAAR

The word "bazaar" conjures up magical visions. For the bargain shopper it suggests incredible buys, unusual handmade treasures, and congenial crowds. To an organization's fund-raising chairman, it means increased revenue for the club's activities, the challenge of free enterprise-- and oftentimes headaches and frazzled nerves.

COLLEGE COSTS Are middle-income families caught in the middle?

College costs are so crushing these days that many families throw up their hands in despair and frustration. Why bother saving up at all? The middle-income family seems to be caught right in the middle: too much income to qualify for heavy financial aid, too little income to afford to pay on their own.

Simple steamer

Handyman's helpers

Size-at-home shades

Upside-down refrigerator

Slip-resistant tub/shower

HOW TO MAKE AN OLD TRACT HOUSE Live Like New

Do you own one of the thousands of 1950s tract houses that dot the U.S.? Ever thought of moving to a more spacious home, but balked after a look at today's prices?

Converting A City Kitchen To Country Ways

Cally Irish grew up in Utah where "putting things up" was a necessity as well as a social activity. But these days, she cans purely for pleasure. When fall comes, I like to put things away to enjoy later. My husband Lee calls it my squirrel instinct. To me, it's food for the soul.

HOW TO FILL'ER UP YOURSELF

Tired of finding a higher price on the gas pump every time you stop at the station for gas? By pumping the gas yourself, you can usually save up to five cents per gailon (and that can add up to more than a dollar for every tankful).

A GUIDE TO Sterling Silver CARE

Whether you own a few pieces of sterling silver or a whole collection, you want to keep it looking its best. Here's the complete rundown on washing, polishing, and storing your shiny investment.

What's Happening to the American Family?

Better Homes and Gardens wants to know what you think is happening to family life in America. Our first American Family Questionnaire was published five years ago. Much has happened to the American family in the intervening time.

Table Toppers YOU CAN MAKE IN MINUTES

8 WAYS TO GIVE CLASS TO YOUR GLASS

More and more people are beginning to see the light. After years of hiding their windows behind yards of heavy fabric, smart homeowners are showing them off with simple, un-tricky treatments. On these pages, you'll see some shining examples of the new pared-down look. Some flatter already-beautiful windows; others disguise windows with flaws.

THINGS TO MAKE BY THE BATCH FOR BAZAARS

Sew your way to a gangbusters bazaar with our inexpensive and easy stitch-and-stuffs. You'll be able to turn out these lovable forest pals by the dozen. To make the bears and bunnies, all you need is fabric, embroidery floss, and stuffing.

The easy Elegance of HARDY LILIES

If you think flowers this beautiful must be difficult to coax into bloom, you're wrong. These lovely lilies are among the easiest plants to grow. Just plant the bulbs properly and you can count to having elegant lilies next summer and for year to come. All the lilies shown here are sturdy, disease-resistant hybrids that thrive in garden borders or in containers on your patio.

Mexico's newest Sun spots Cancun & Ixtapa

Believe it or not, computers in Mexico are tracking down the most promising sites for new south-of-the-border resorts. A partner in this sizable venture is a government agency called Fonatur, which transforms once-forgotten locations into

TIPS TOOLS & TECHNIQUES

A REGULAR FEATURE DESIGNED TO MAKE AROUND-THE-HOUSE JOBS EASIER FOR YOU TIPS TOOLS & TECHNIQUES

WHAT TO DO FOR YOUR ACHING FEET

It's easy to sympathize with the person who says "My feet are killing me!" since most of us have experienced the misery of aching feet at one time or another.

HOW TO OUT DOWN ON VETERINARY BILLS

Whether the pet around your house is a bouncy beagle or a sassy Siamese, unexpected veterinary bills can mount up fast. During the lifetime of a reasonably healthy canine or feline, veterinary expenses easily can amount to hundreds of dollars.

HOW TO FIND A NEW HOME FOR YOUR PET

Occasionally, it's necessary to give up a beloved pet. If that situation arises at your house, here's how to go about finding your dog or cat a new home.

How to order material from the magazine

Shopping editor's choice

Discover the ease and pleasure of shopping by mail. Order from the convenience of your own home with complete confidence. If not delighted, each company will happily refund your money.

The Man Next Door

When I told Burt, Jr., that I would be out of town on business for a couple of days and he would be the man of the house, he was delighted. One of the first things he wanted to do was hire the kid next door to cut the grass.