I always find fascinating what Census Bureau surveys reveal. In the latest analysis of data collected in 2004, it seems parents are taking ever more active roles in their child’s education and upbringing, in general. That’s good news since studies have proven that parent involvement is incredibly important to student success.

For instance, the number of children under the age of 12 who had restrictions on the content and quantity of television they viewed increased by more than 10 percent from more than a decade ago. Even teenagers had to live with more restrictions on their television viewing, which went up by 7 percent from 1994 to 47 percent.

Meanwhile, more than half of respondents reported reading an average of six or more times a week to 3- to 5-year-olds and seven or more times per week to children who were between 1 and 2 years old.

And more kids are participating in extracurricular activities like music, dance, computer, and language lessons than a decade ago; rising from 24 to 33 percent for 6- to 11-year-olds -- though the figures are higher for wealthier and Asian families.

To check out the data, go to the Census Bureau at www.census.gov/population/www/socdemo/2004_detailedtables.html .

Naomi Dillon, Senior Editor