When children are critically ill, parents often have to make challenging choices about treatment and surgery. "I commonly tell patients that at some gut level, it ought to make sense," says plastic surgeon Dr. Frank Vicari, "and if it doesn't, don't do it, and keep asking questions until it does. I also tell them to get a second opinion." In addition, parents may also have to make decisions about whether it's time to stop treatment for a terminally ill child and how to communicate in the final days. "You need to take cues from the child," explains pediatric oncologist Dr. Stewart Goldman, "and allow him the opportunity to talk about how he feels." Even if you're not facing a critical medical dilemma, there are many things you can learn from doctors and other parents about how to make effective parenting decisions and how to celebrate life with your children. A Peaceful Death How to offer a child the chance to live fully even as he may be dying. CONTINUE Questions to Ask Before Making a Decision Find out what to ask your doctor, your child, and even yourself. CONTINUE How Parents Make Critical Decisions Find out how parents decided to pursue or reject further treatment for their critically ill child. LAUNCH Life Can Be Unfair "I can't ride my bike anymore!" Allison Cieslak explains how chemotherapy has changed her life. VIEW VIDEO: 56K 220K The Dougy Center for Grieving Children This site provides resources for families dealing with the loss of a loved one. Visit the Resources page for more information to help you make critical decisions about your child's health care.