Understanding Estrangement: Navigating the Silent Epidemic of Parent-Child Relationships

Estrangement between parents and adult children is becoming increasingly common, with Dr. Joshua Coleman revealing that one in four fathers and up to 15% of mothers experience this painful disconnect.

In this Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks to Dr. Coleman about the complex landscape of family relationships, shaped by changing societal values that prioritize mental health and individual independence.

Dr. Coleman, clinical psychologist, speaker, parent and grandparent estrangement thought leader, author, “Rules of Estrangement: Why Adult children Cut Ties and How to Heal the Conflict’ and father of 3, emphasizes the importance of communication and empathy in addressing estrangement, urging parents to take responsibility for their actions and understand their children's perspectives. He also points out the significant role that modern factors, such as device usage and social media, play in exacerbating these issues. As families navigate emotional health and the impacts of bullying and consent in relationships, Dr. Coleman provides insights and strategies for rebuilding connections that can lead to healing and reconciliation.

Takeaways:

• Estrangement is a silent epidemic affecting many families, with adult children often initiating the cut-off.
• The landscape of estrangement has shifted, with political and psychological factors now playing significant roles.
• Parents are often left in pain and confusion after their adult children cut ties, impacting the entire family system.
• Effective communication and empathy are crucial for parents seeking to reconcile with estranged children.
• Generational differences contribute to misunderstandings about what constitutes emotional harm in parenting.
• Many adult children may feel overwhelmed by their parents' involvement, leading to estrangement as a means of independence.

This podcast is for parents, guardians, teachers and caregivers to learn proven strategies and trusted tips on raising kids, teens and young adults based on science, evidenced and lived experience.

In this podcast, we explore the impact of hormonal changes, device usage, and social media on discipline, communication, and independence.

You’ll learn the latest on topics like managing bullying, consent, fostering healthy relationships, and the interconnectedness of mental, emotional and physical health.

Links referenced in this episode:

• whereparentstalk.com