Some aspects of a period in the life-cycle of a contemporary family are considered. Several factors in the psychic development of the healthy child, generation- bound educational ideals and parental fears, dilemmas and conflicts, insecurity and uncertainty are discussed. Adolescent fears, dissent and youthmovements come to the fore. Time-ridden old habits, paternalisation and authority are briefly commented upon. Questions round democracy in family life and new ways of communicating and living together are examined. A fearless, open attitude towards conflicts and a minority-tuned new art of discussing are explored.