Out of the ShadowsOut of the Shadows

Mark Heitner, M.D.

Parents the world over worry about their children, particularly their ability to have success in their careers. Wealthy parents who plan to pass on their business or financial holdings to their sons and daughters face unique concerns and challenges with their potential heirs. What's more, they're often at a loss to understand what causes their children to stumble, much less how to correct these issues.

Many of the causes of failure are well known, but rarely discussed. A holistic approach to addressing a child's problems could lead to an intervention with a positive outcome, if timely initiated. However, parents' aversion to addressing a topic head-on means that specific issues, and the child, will remain in the shadows.