The Nuclear Education Project (NEP), a group of five women concerned about parenting in a nuclear age, developed this guide to help parents and others develop a sense of hope and promote a greater involvement in the democratic political process. Chapter I, "The Heart of the Matter," presents sections on answering possible questions children might ask and dealing with despair. Suggestions for talking with children about nuclear war are presented in subsections focusing on specific fears of children in varying age groups. Chapter II, "Nuclear Realities," presents subsections on nuclear power and nuclear weapons. The section on nuclear power focuses on the impact nuclear power has on people's lives and the environment, while briefly looking at the basic physics and mechanics of nuclear power, the fuel cycle, waste problems, and the politics of the nuclear industry. Information on nuclear weapons includes the history of the nuclear arms race, the use of nuclear weapons in World War II, the dimensions of possible destruction, the short- and long-term impact of the use of such weapons, and the cost of and politics behind specific weapons systems. Alternatives presented in chapter III involve changing lifestyles and changing technology, while Chapter IV presents suggestions for action. Anecdotes of 11 children concerned about the future are presented in the final chapter. The document concludes with an annotated bibliography of over 130 fiction and nonfiction books for children and adults and a list of organizations concerned with nuclear issues. (LH)