Now that you're a parent, someone is looking to you to answer those same questions - to overcome that same discomfort and provide help in making decisions. Luckily, there are many resources available, both in print and online. The following resources provide some great information and tips for parents of children of all ages. Topics include: communicating with children, sharing values, poisoning prevention, puberty, marijuana, STDs, Pittsburgh resources, and many more!

Family Connections 
Pittsburgh's own Family Health Council has developed a series of guidebooks to help parents talk to their children about a variety of topics. The guidebooks are quick and easy-to-read, and they blend useful information with helpful tips. Best of all, since children of all ages ask questions, Family Connections is available in age-specific guides for parents of children birth to 7, 8 to 13, and 14 to 18 years old. Topics include child development, communication, sharing values, puberty, sexual abuse, teen pregnancy, STDs, and contraception. The guidebooks are free to parents in western Pennsylvania by calling 1-800-215-7494. More information is available from the Family Health Council's web site.

Mr. Yuk 
Many parents in Pennsylvania are familiar with the scowling green face of Pittsburgh's best "Bad Guy." Children's Hospital created the Mr. Yuk stickers out of the need to find a new and identifiable symbol to warn young children about the risks of playing with and ingesting potentially lethal substances. Mr. Yuk means "No," and parents are encouraged to stick Mr. Yuk's face on any solution that might be dangerous to children - window cleaner, hair spray, laundry detergent - to help prevent a poison emergency. Stickers may be obtained from the pharmacy at many local Giant Eagle stores. Ordering informational is available from Children's Web site.

Marijuana: Facts Parents Need to Know 
Pittsburgh's Three Rivers' Free-Net provides information for parents concerned about marijuana use by their children. Topics include: long-term effects, harmfulness, signs of use, and preventive tips, including how to talk to youths about it.

Parents Matter: Tips for Raising Teenagers 
Parents of teens who want to know how they can nurture their children will find this resource especially useful. This resource provides both practical tips and good information. It was developed by a coalition including the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, the National Campaign Against Youth Violence, the U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and others, and can be found on the site of the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy.

Pittsburgh Parent 
The monthly Pittsburgh Parent newspaper provides information about activities for children and families in the Pittsburgh area, as well as tips and articles about family concerns. Though it is not currently available online, Pittsburgh Parent is available in print at many Pittsburgh area outlets, including most local libraries.

Talking with Kids About Tough Issues 
Nickelodeon and the Talking with Kids, an ongoing campaign of the Kaiser Family Foundation and Children Now, have teamed up to provide resources for parents about talking to their kids about topics such as violence; alcohol, tobacco and drugs; sex and puberty; and respect. A free brochure is available from the campaign's toll-free hotline: 1-800 CHILD 44 (1-800-24453-44) or on their Web site. 

Talk with Your Kids 
Talking with Kids, an ongoing campaign of the Kaiser Family Foundation and Children Now, has created a 44-page resource to help parents talk to their kids about HIV/AIDS, violence, alcohol and drugs, and sex and relationships. Parents might find the 10 tips for "how to talk to your kids about anything" especially useful. Booklets are available in English and Spanish on the Web site and print copies can be ordered through the toll-free hotline 1-800-CHILD-44.

Parenting is Prevention 
Parents who want help talking to their kids about drugs can find tips, answers to hard questions and links to parent-friendly organizations from a web site provided by the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy. A variety of online brochures, tips and information is available on the site.