This theme issue focuses on various aspects of child rearing. The first article, "Childrearing Practices; Creating Programs Where Traditions and Modern Practices Meet," discusses how traditional and modern child rearing practices can be interwoven to develop appropriate programs that serve young children and families. "Resilient Children and Families" looks at the importance of traditional practices and beliefs in preserving families facing trauma. The two articles that follow present the specific child rearing practices and beliefs found in the Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America, and reported at subsequent workshops. An overview of the methodologies employed in all of the child rearing studies is provided. Following these articles are brief descriptions of research experiences in Egypt and Lao People's Democratic Republic. The latter part of the journal is entitled Network Notes and describes activities of international groups dedicated to improving the conditions of young children; networking between organizations; and the Fourth World Conference on Women at Beijing in 1995 and related issues. Also included is a section on publications and videos. (BAC)