Parents need to know that on this site, kids get access to the stories that run in The New York Times, but in kid-friendly, digestible bits. Even though the site does make the news easier for kids to absorb, it doesn't necessarily edit what's happening in the world, so tough subjects might come up. The site also links to The New York Times' main page. There are also interactive areas -- all educational -- such as crossword puzzles, question and answer sessions with reporters, and a news quiz.

Families can talk about current events. What issues are affecting Americans? What's the latest with the war in Iraq? How do the crop of presidential candidates propose to solve problems affecting voters? If parents are having a tough time thinking of questions to ask their kids about what's happening in the news, the site has come up with a list of conversation starters.