this may or may not apply, but at our (sadly & surprisingly middle of the curve) private school, i've heard many, many families talk about how over time they've spread their kids out according to fit, rather than trying to keep them together. they don't love the morning drop-off circuit, but it's made for more peace in the end.

Every Sunday it brooded and lay on the floor. Inconveniently close to the drawing-room door.