This brochure is designed to help parents answer the questions that their children may ask them about Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and the Human Immuno Deficiency Virus (HIV), the virus that causes AIDS. It provides basic information about AIDS and HIV, as well as sources for further information, such as the National AIDS Hotline. It recommends that parents: (1) answer questions when they are asked; (2) give appropriate, specific answers; (3) use specific and correct terminology; (4) initiate conversations about AIDS with children who may feel embarrassed about the topic; (5) continue to talk about AIDS as their children mature and develop; (6) refer questions that they cannot answer to health care professionals; and (7) observe their child's age and development level to guide their explanations. It provides specific advice for parents to use with children at various stages of their development, including preschool, kindergarten through grade 3, grades 4 through 6, grades 7 through 9, and grades 10 through 12. (MDM)