Abstract
Roles in a 4-member family are contractually reversed for a specified period of time, e.g., for mid-afternoon to evening, and typically include a meal time and a bedtime. The children adopt the role of parent and the parents adopt the role of children. The experience clarifies many of the differences in perception and attitudes which are often sources of misunderstanding in the family. An increase in mutual understanding and support, identified as nurturance, is reported. Precautions, designed to avert potential difficulties incurred in implementing the “upside-down day,” are provided, e.g., restriction of television viewing to that period before stations announce subsequent programs are designed for older viewers.