On page 78 is an old article on a timeless problem, the stressful morning routine in a family with children. In our community lectures series, this topic is one of the best attended. I estimate 90% of parents are starting their day with some level of resentment or conflict as they find themselves taking responsibility for common tasks their children are developmentally capable of doing on their own. Our duty to get the children to school well fed, fully dressed, and on time – not to mention parents getting to work on time – puts the family system under pressure leading to predictable problems that can be sidestepped with a little know-how. There were a handful of years the editor of this local magazine would call on me to contribute. I enjoyed the opportunity to write about family challenges that are nearly universal and often mistaken for ADHD or childhood emotional problems.
