Critical Parents and Estrangement
Did you want to do everything “right” as a parent? I know I did. I took my job as a mother very seriously and decades later I admit that I think very often I was a critical parent. “Look, I’m just telling it like it is. Deciding to marry that guy (or take that job, or […]
When Should Parents Stop Giving Money?
If there’s one subject that can get a parent’s blood boiling, it’s the subject of money (especially as it relates to their adult child). When should parents stop giving money to an adult child especially one who won’t speak to them? “We paid for our daughter’s college degree. When she later decided that she wanted to […]
Blaming Parents for Everything – Is Therapy the Issue?
Doesn’t it seem coincidental that since therapy began, adult children are busy blaming parents for everything wrong in their life?” “I would NEVER have complained to my parents the way my adult child complains to me.” “Everything was fine in our relationship until my adult child began going to therapy. Suddenly I can’t say anything […]
Does Perfection Increase Estrangement From Family?
“I wasn’t a perfect parent but I did a pretty good job; at least I thought I did until my adult child said otherwise,” confesses mom. That word “perfect”…..I hear it often as parents and/or adult children talk about the problems in their families. “I don’t think my parents should keep talking about how they […]
When Children Become Disrespectful Adults
When children become disrespectful adults, many parents are at a crossroads about what to do. We can’t ground them or send them to their rooms for their rude behavior. “It doesn’t make any sense to me,” complains dad. “I’ve been around the block more than ten times but if I try to say anything to […]
Inner Work for Estranged Parents
“Bonny, you would be so proud of me! I got to meet with my adult daughter and I listened. In fact, I am EXHAUSTED. Listening is HARD,” reported mom! Inner work for estranged parents takes focus and effort. If you’ve followed me for very long then you know that I talk a lot about how […]
Dealing With Family Estrangement: Prepare for the Unexpected
When family dynamics create unhealthy patterns, estrangement often results. As a Certified Family Estrangement Coach, I see the results of unhealthy patterns usually between parents and their adult child(ren). “Preparing” is one of the best ways to deal with family estrangement and shift family dynamics. We “prepare” to show up differently in our relationships. What […]
Daughter-in-laws That Break Up Families
Is it really possible that a daughter-in-law can break up a family? Aren’t the parents “looking for someone to blame” for an already bad relationship with their adult child? That’s what many daughter-in-laws say. Let’s take a closer look at possible hidden issues that can show up with an in-law child, especially a daughter-in-law. “We […]
