First Families: A Toolkit for Trustees

Dr. Lynn Friedman, psychoanalyst, clinical psychologist and independent school consultant published this column on the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) website

The inception of a new head marks a period of transition for the board, the faculty, the students, the parents, and the head. Though little has been written on it, numerous programs exist to help heads prepare for and assume headship. In contrast, virtually no attention has been given to the transitions of the spouses and children of heads. There are, however, two other kinds of first families that face similar challenges: those of clergy and those of college presidents. The literature on these first families closely parallels the information gleaned from meetings and discussions with independent school families: the needs of all members of the first family must be addressed in order to ensure a successful headship. This article, written for trustees, heads, first families and, indeed, anyone concerned with ensuring a successful headship, is devoted to describing the headÕs and the first familyÕs journey. The article describes how the head and the first family can successfully navigate a safe passage to a gratifying headship. First, it describes why boards should pay attention to the needs of the first family. Second, it describes the environment that the new head enters, the kind of person who is drawn to independent school headship, and the nature of the job. Third, it articulates the needs, challenges, and pressures of being a first family. Fourth, it discusses how boards can ensure a Ògood fitÓ between the needs of the first family and the school. Finally, it details the steps that boards can take to ensure a smooth transition for the Òfirst family.Ó Each will be addressed in turn. Continued at the National Association of Independent School website

Tips on Organizational Challenges in Independent Schools

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About Dr. Lynn Friedman

Dr. Lynn Friedman, author of the internationally-syndicated, column, "Corporations on the Couch", a psychologist, psychoanalyst, and independent school consultant in Chevy Chase, MD. She is an associate faculty member at Johns Hopkins University. Website: School heads and educational leaders interested in consulting her are welcome to call her at: (301) 656-9650.

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If you are a head of school, a trustee or an administrator considering school consultation, feel free to give Dr. Lynn Friedman a call at: 301-656-9650 Subscribe to Dr. Lynn Friedman's work-life ezine Send her an email telling her that you'd like to subscribe and telling her what you think of the site. Corporations on the Couch. Read Dr. Lynn Friedman's monthly, Washington Business Journal, column on understanding workplace dynamics. For your questions about relationships, psychotherapy and psychoanalysis, check out Dr. Lynn Friedman's new website, The Washington Psychoanalyst.