From time to time, every parent must evaluate a child's symptoms of illness or developmental problems and decide what action to take. This reference book is designed to help parents distinguish minor everyday problems from more serious conditions, and to suggest a reasonable course of action. The book is divided into two major sections: an A to Z directory of the 100 or so most common childhood symptoms and an illustrated first aid manual and safety guide. There is also an extensive index. The A to Z directory, which comprises the bulk of the book, is divided into three sections according to age: early infancy, later infancy and childhood, and adolescence. In each section, the symptoms are listed alphabetically according to their common names and addressed in simple charts. Charts follow a similar form: chart title; "in general" (an introductory paragraph); "call your pediatrician if..."; "warning"; "questions to consider"; "if the answer is..."; "possible cause is..."; "action to take"; and illustrated boxes. The second part of the book contains a first aid section divided into two parts--"Administering First Aid: Lifesaving Techniques" and "Frequently Used First Aid Measures"--and a safety section, divided into "Guide to Safety and Prevention" and "Guide to Food Safety." (EV)