Early adolescent development both befuddles and bemuses parents. Principals and staff members can help parents understand the dynamics of early adolescence and foster real communication through a systemic Parents Institute such as the one that this session's presenters will describe. The institute's two-year sequence of workshops covers topics such as living with 10- to 15-year-olds; talking about sex, suicide, and drugs; setting limits; and community resources for kids. Parent attendance, using staff expertise, and creating a Parent Resource Center will also be addressed.