The traditional American family has changed during the past several de
cades with increases in the number of single-parent households and wor
king mothers, These changes have led to increased stress in the family
when children become ill. Infectious diseases are the most common rea
sons parents seek care for ill children, and parents want effective an
d convenient treatment regimens so the child can recover quickly and r
eturn to day care or school. Issues that affect parental compliance an
d satisfaction with antimicrobial treatment regimens include efficacy,
safety, cost, convenience, and previous experience, Parents are more
involved in medical decision making than ever before and often want to
be included in the selection of an antibiotic for their child, Physic
ians should be aware of the many issues impacting on parents' opinions
about antibiotic therapy.