This forum identified some of the factors influencing the emergence of identity during the critical childhood years. To help a child develop a healthy identity which is both favorable and realistic, he must be taught almost from birth about his own individuality. The many aspects of total identity include family, physical self, sex, ethnic and cultural, religious, and intellectual identity. Some major obstacles to the emergence of healthy identities include a variety of widely held cultural assumptions contrary to present-day evidence concerning the nature of child development. These assumptions, typical behaviors fostered by them, and their identity outcomes are listed in Appendix A. Forum 2 participants recommend (1) the initiation of a "Sesame Street" type of TV program for parents, which would teach child development principles and give practical suggestions for daily child care; and (2) the establishment of child-oriented environmental commissions on national and local levels, which would help plan, inspect, and improve projects which try to meet the needs of children. Additional recommendations are given in Appendix B. (NH)