GOOD MORNING FROM LONDON

GENERATIONS IN CONFLICT. EPISODE 1

Family discord is not new. A glance back to the plays of Shakespeare shows that generations have been at odds for centuries. And the subject matter of disputes are familiar – favouritism and inheritance regularly form the bulk of the narrative. Our story line is no different.

We start with three generations. Sidney and Bertha were both born in 1950 and are now 83 years old – the older generation. They have two children – a son Richard born in 1975 and now aged 48. His wife, Julia, is 45 They have two children – Tobias, now aged 17 and Mavis aged 14 – the younger generation.

Sidney and Bertha’s second child is Eugenie. She is single, was born in 1978 and is now aged 45. She is not in good health – in truth she always seems to have been ill. She lives close to her parents and over the years has become dependant upon them. Eugenie’s relationship with her brother is not good.

Jumping ahead, the two young children attend the same school. You are the Head Teacher Mavis’s form teacher has come to you to explain that she has been focusing the attention of her class on family histories to illustrate diversity of background and experience. To her surprise she has noticed that Mavis – normally a relaxed and popular pupil – has become hesitant and tongue tied when asked to describe her family’s history. The teacher senses there is an issue and seeks your guidance on how to handle. You believe you have two choices – speak to the parents or speak to Tobias. You feel it is your responsibility to act and not the teacher’s.

EPISODE 2 – DOES THE HEAD MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICE?