This document examines the 10 essential attributes of primary health care contained in the U.S. Maternal and Child Health Bureau's definition of primary care. Primary care for children and adolescents is personal health care delivered in the context of family, culture, and community; the range of services meets all but the most uncommon health needs of the individuals and families being served. Primary care includes first contact care, and is continuous, coordinated, comprehensive, community oriented, family centered, accessible, culturally competent, developmentally appropriate, and accountable. Research focusing on the benefits of each of these attributes is discussed. It is argued that the health of children will greatly improve if every child has a primary care provider who provides care that is characterized by all 10 attributes. Contains 61 references. (MDM)