There's something else we can consider as part of this picture, too. The so-called "functioning adult" in our society is often perceived by those closest to him/her as not exactly relating fully in a healthy way with their own reality. For example ...

What about the executive so involved in job advancement that one's own child is a virtual stranger? Is attending absolutely every company function really necessary to "make it"? Or is the parent using work as an equivalent of TV to escape the humdrum life of parenting a three-yr-old?

And then there are wives so involved in volunteering in church activities that husband and school-age children either learn to cook or learn about Take Out Dining. What's up there ... huh?

Etc, etc, etc ...