Myths often fostered within the 'family' of family mediators are that they never fail, are all-powerful, always empower the parties to arrive at their own agreement, and know what is best for the children of the parties. Other myths are that mediation is right for everyone and that critics of family mediation are biased and misguided. Growth within the 'family' requires that the myths be given up through a commitment to adaptability, which requires change in role relationships, power structure, and relational patterns in response to developmental and situational stress. This occurs through communication within the 'family' and with outside critics. Adaptation, however, must occur in the context of 'family' cohesion, which involves bonding among family members while maintaining individuality. The 'family' must also guard against its subsystems, i.e., various branches of family mediation, becoming families unto themselves. The larger 'family' must maintain communication and cohesion in the interest of pursuing and achieving common goals that enhance 'family' interests. 1 reference.