In this way we come full circle. The emotional disturbances in parents which hinder the natural development of dependence and independence in their children spring almost always from a disturbance in this very function in the parents' own childhoods. Problem children grow up to become problem par-ents, who then create more problem children in the next generation. Nevertheless, though this is true and grave, there is no need to be fatalistic. Very many parents are eager and willing for help with these very problems; if such help can be given at the right time and in the right way, the vicious circle can be broken.