The Windham Family (A): Family Tradition

From these cases you will learn that parents' actions (expectations, responsibilities, excessive demand) can lead to negative effects: for example, the creation of a dysfunctional next generation. A sensible governance structure for family wealth is necessary, but it is even more important to foster emotional health (vs. financial health) and self-worth (vs. net worth) among all family members, especially in-laws. The cases also deal with family themes such as rivalry and jealously between brothers and sisters, the lack of family unity or parental guidance, the effects of grief and trauma, and children's feelings and desires vs. their parents' expectations and assumptions. One particular aspect of these cases is the question of whether family traditions are a hindrance or a source of strength.