The purpose of this book is to help parents and surrogate parents think about what they want to say to their children about important life issues, especially at times of stress or when significant events are taking place in children's lives. The advice offered is directed to parents of children between the approximate ages of 5 and 12 years. Part I deals with stressful life experiences. Topics include moving to a new home, a new baby in the family, being adopted, starting school, repeating a grade, sleep-away camp, visits to the doctor and dentist, accidents, going to the hospital, going to a mental health professional, sexual abuse, victims of sexual abuse, talking with a critically ill child, death of a loved one, death of a pet, disasters, divorce, remarriage and stepparenting, the alcoholic parent, and other family crises. Part II focuses on concerns of youth. Topics include talking about sex and sex education, where babies come from, sex play and masturbation, preparing a child for puberty, homosexuality, pornography, the meaning of love, God and religion, the meaning of death, war and nuclear weapons, money and work, prejudice, risk taking and failure, sports, music lessons, and Santa Claus. (RH)