Skeletons in the Closet: Let Them Out and Watch Them Dance

Every family has secrets and difficult stories—the “skeletons in the closet”—that they would rather not share. While most professionals agree that exposing skeletons to daylight is a good thing, one must be sensitive to the potential emotional impact of these stories on individuals within a family and proceed tactfully. When families explore their history and let the skeletons out and watch them dance, it can help current family members clarify their values and recognize that amends can be made.