In the 1980s and 1990s many studies examined the effects of parental problem drinking on their children, the genetics of problem drinking, and the physical and mental problems of these children. However, there have been few attempts made to develop prevention programs for these children. This paper examines and illustrates these problems in prevention research for children of problem drinkers; some directions are provided towards solving these problems and developing future prevention research. The paper begins by describing the existing research on the high-risk situation of the children of problem drinkers and then outlines what is still needed in order to develop preventive interventions. The paper discusses the shortcomings and basic problems of existing interventions. This is followed by some directions for future research and development of prevention programs. The paper concludes with an understanding that the development of high-quality prevention programs is still in the early stages. Tables, references