Behavior: How To Neutralize G.I. Joe

A new book gives parents tips on coping with war toys

The scene is familiar in countless households where children, especially young boys, are at play. A fitful four-year-old has just finished watching the latest episode of the G.I. Joe cartoon show. Still in a high state of excitement, he sets up his G.I. Joe Strategic Long-Range Artillery Machine, hollers commands and launches missiles across the room. "A direct hit!" he screams. A few feet away, his older brother sits in front of the TV, joy stick in hand, mesmerized by a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles video game. Bouncing in his seat to the beat of the programmed music, he keeps hitting...

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