traversing XML file to find value for child node

DISCLAIMER: new to this XML stuff.

Okay, this might be more complex than a simple answer, but I have an xml file I'm reading into my swf.

Traversing XML file to build a menu system.

Given a fixed starting value (that is passed into the swf as it is called) that matches a child node's value somewhere in the XML file, what is the best way to return the value of the parent?

That is: depending on user start point, a child value will be passed into the swf at start. Given this, how best to then get parent value?

Presume depend upon the menu routine parsing the xml file (as it is already doing it and thus don't have to duplicate actions) and passing a value related to the parent when sub menu matches the initial value (_global?) that was passed into the swf.

Better suggestions?