The new edition of Child magazine is out tomorrow, free with The Times, giving parents much to chew on as another lazy (for the kids at least) summer winds down and school looms large on the hot, hazy horizon.

With the focus turning to the preparation of books, stationery and uniforms, what parents and children, especially the younger ones, will never quite be prepared for are the bugs that bring home a host of infectious illnesses along with the homework.

But there is much that can be done by both school and parents to defend against the spread of influenza, gastric upsets and the rest of the usual winter suspects - and Child has a guide.

As it does for another inevitability in life: unpleasant things happening to people in the family, whether immediate or extended. It could be serious illness, accident, separation, death... at some point, parents are going to have to break some "bad news" to their children. We have an article that gives some pointers for that rather fraught task.

Another issue of fundamental importance dealt with in this edition of Child is the value of standing up to our children and, yes, saying "no" to them in no uncertain terms when we think it is for their own long-term good. Perhaps all parents do, but the question is, do they do it enough? You may think not after reading Child tomorrow.

The magazine is published by Allied Newspapers Ltd and produced by MediaMaker Ltd. Its executive editor is Mark Wood.