How to Talk to Your Kids About Really Important Things

CHARLES E. SCHAEFER is professor of psychology and director of the Center for Psychological Services at Fairleigh Dickinson University. He is the author of many parenting books, including Raising Baby Right (with T. DiGeronimo) which won the Child magazine award for the Best Parenting Book of 1992. THERESA FOY DIGERONIMO is adjunct professor of English at The William Paterson College of New Jersey and mother of three. As a team, she and Dr. Schaefer have coauthored several books, including Toilet Training Without Tears and Teach Your Child to Behave.

• MAJOR CRISES AND BIG FAMILY CHANGES. Adoption, Alcoholic Parent, Death of a Loved One, Death of a Pet, Dentist or Medical Doctor Visit, Disasters--Accidents and Natural Catastrophes, Divorce, Dying Child, First Day of School, Hospital Stay, Mental Health Professional, Moving to a New Home, New Baby in the Family, Remarriage and Stepparenting, Repeating a Grade, Sleep-Away Camp. CONCERNS OF YOUTH. Death, Drug Abuse, HIV/AIDS, Homosexuality, Money and Work, Pornography, Prejudice, Puberty, Risk Taking and Failure, Santa Claus, Sex and Reproduction, Sex Play and Masturbation, Sexual Abuse, Strangers, Television and Media, Violence, War.

"A candid and honest approach to parenting. Divided into age-appropriate suggestions, this book presents simple, but meaningful ways of discussing the most difficult problems facing parents and their children today." (Frank Manginello, director of neonatology, The Valley Hospital, Ridgewood, New Jersey) "This book is clear, factual, and authoritative. . . How to Talk to Your Kids About Really Important Things belongs on the shelf of really important books for evey parent and child health provider." (William E. Sobesky, director of psychology training, University of Colorado Health Services Center) "Parents caring for and loving children, as well as professionals working with children, will find this comprehensive, clearly-written book comforting and helpful." (Marjorie Hogan, M.D., Hennepin County Medical Center and spokesperson, American Academy of Pediatrics)