Animal magnetism

Pack your bags, junior zoologists - you may be headed to Trinidad. The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens will choose 10 to 13 youngsters ages 12-14 to travel to the San Pedro Wilderness Preserve in south central Trinidad June 22-30, where they will research wildlife and interact with local people to learn about their culture.

Students (who must first complete the zoo's spring 2004 Junior Zoologist program in preparation) must apply by March 12. For more details about the program or the trip, call Marcy Avrett, program registrar, at (513) 559-7767. Ext. 7767.

Dad's job

No footstep following: According to a new Junior Achievement poll, 78 percent of teenagers say they are not interested in following their parents' career paths, up from 76 percent last year.

The poll of 1,000 teens, conducted in October and November 2003, also showed that most teens aren't looking to their parents for career advice. Teachers and counselors were the No. 1 source of career information for teens, followed by the Internet and job shadowing. Parents ranked fourth.

Mame knew

Life is a celebration: If you think so, too, or want to learn how to make it more so, Catholic Social Services is offering a 6-week course, "Life is a Celebration," which begins 7-9 p.m. March 8 at the Mercy HealthPlex in Western Hills. Fee is $65 per person. Details, (513) 241-7745.

Pushover parent

Are parents too lenient with their children? Yes, most moms admit.

According to a survey by Parents magazine, 88 percent of mothers say they think parents let children get away with too much. And four out of 10 wish they were stricter than they are.

Other survey findings:

• 42 percent of moms say they don't follow through on threats.

• 40 percent of moms worry that their children are or will be spoiled.

• 46 percent lose their temper when trying to get kids to behave.

• Almost 70 percent say their own children behave better than most.

Speak up

This speech covers all bases: Relationships expert and author Harriet Lerner will speak on "How to Talk to Someone When You're Mad, Hurt, Scared, Frustrated, Insulted, Betrayed or Desperate" March 21 during the Mental Health Symposium sponsored by Jewish Family Service and Bethesda Hospital. The Symposium, which takes place at Four Points by Sheraton, 8020 Montgomery Road, Kenwood, will runs from noon-5 p.m. Tickets are $10, $5 for students; health care professionals pay $45 and will receive credits for attending. Details, (513) 766-3327 or jfscinti.org.