A summary of the analyst's position in regard to free association is given, followed by three case examples in which the analyst intervenes with advice to the analysand in regard to his or her children. In one case the advice was in regard to scheduling; in a second the analyst suggested a consultation; and in a third a suggestion was made to decrease the stimulation of the child. Although such advice inhibits the basic aim of free association, it is seen as necessary to the ethics of the analyst and for the trust of the patient.