This is a clearly recognizable complex of internal family relationships which lies behind, and is an integral part of, the illness presentation pattern of one or more of the individual family members. It may explain many of the emotional problems experienced by children which are noted by either the School Doctors or the Child Guidance Clinics. It is routine procedure in such cases to interview the mother of the affected child, but it is not the practice to see any older generation. Only the family doctor is in a position to see the three generation complex involved.