This guide for parents provides information about how they can determine if their child is overweight and what they can do if their child has a weight problem. Replies to many common questions of parents are provided. The issues addressed include: (1) determining whether a child is too fat; (2) assistance that can be provided by health care workers; (3) the child's feelings about his or her weight; (4) communication between the parents and the child; (5) diet; (6) ways a parent can keep his or her child from overeating; (7) physical activity; and (8) helping overweight children with self-esteem. In addition, a list of foods from each of the four food groups, and sweets, fats, and snack foods, indicates which foods should be eaten often, sometimes, and rarely. Information about healthy and unhealthy ways of preparing food is also provided. (GLR)