I don't want to do anything with the database connection in the child.

The database connection is only used in the parent and I intended to keep a persistent connection in the parent so the parent could poll each database and fork a child when some (non db) actions should be taken.

I have a work around, reassign all tasks among parent and child and let the child build and maintain it's db connection. It means a complete redesign and rewrite of the code...

Tnx for the info.