[Family is the foundation for child health]

Problems of children's health status are discussed in relation to performance by a family of its basic functions. Data are presented on a relationship between the parameters of children's health status and performance by a family of medical function, function of upbringing of children, and function of socialization of children. A relationship was established between the level of family functioning and stage of development of family vital cycle. The great contribution of a mother to treatment and prevention of diseases of children, particularly of future mothers, girls, is emphasized.