Discusses the need of young children for strong social bonds with family and other caregivers to withstand stressful early childhood experiences. Briefly describes parent education programs in Chicago and Washington, DC, that give parents information on how to deal with their children's problems in and out of school. (FMW)

Discusses the reasons why many poor, urban Black adolescents intentionally have children despite the debilitating life consequences. Emphasizes a family pattern in which early parenthood is repeated from generation to generation. (FMW)