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If you are estranged from your adult child, if your child has cut you out of his or her life—whether for a long or short time—it is a gut-wrenching experience. When your child cuts you out of her life it provokes deep feelings of shame, guilt, bewilderment, and hurt, all of which can easily turn to anger. On top of that, it can also arouse people’s worst suspicions (surely, the Smiths must be terrible parents for their daughter to cut them off like that!) and leave you feeling judged, even by friends and family.

Sometimes, of course, there are circumstances in which cutting off from a parent is the only viable option for an adult child (age 18 and older), for instance, in the case of past or present physical, emotional or sexual abuse from a parent.

While it’s common to pin the reason for the estrangement on everything from money issues, to personality conflicts, to divorce or difficult family dynamics, many times, though, estranged parents are left in the dark trying to figure out what went wrong.

And when you are in the dark, the easiest thing to blame is yourself—to believe that you failed as a parent.

But here’s the reality: it was not your choice to sever the relationship. Although you may have contributed to the tensions between you, you are not responsible for your child’s choice to cut you off.

Many adult children struggle with their parents, or with money issues, etc., but not all of them cut ties with their parents. Why do some cut off while others go through similar struggles and stay connected?

Why Some Kids Distance Themselves

We humans manage stress in pretty predictable ways. We have a fight or flight response just like other species. And some people are more prone to distancing (flight) when emotional intensity gets high.

Let’s take Joe, for example. Joe was living at home after college, and his parents felt he was aimless. He would sleep in late, not help around the house, wouldn’t get a steady job, and was rude and disrespectful.

Joe’s parents were understandably concerned and anxious about his lack of direction. They would nag, yell, and question him daily as to his game plan. He would be vague or get nasty, which caused his parents to get on his back even more.

Eventually, Joe moved out. He didn’t tell his parents where he moved and didn’t contact them for over a year.

To understand Joe’s response, we have to recognize that when some people feel anxious, tired of conflict or pressure, or too much of the sticky family togetherness, their response is to distance themselves, be it emotionally, physically or both. When a person distances from others, they feel a sense of relief because the distance seemingly brings the conflict to an end. Of course, nothing is actually resolved; instead, more stress is generated.

On the outside, it looks as though Joe and his parents are disconnected. But on the inside, they are actually thinking about each other all the time and remain overly focused on one another. They are, in fact, still extremely involved with one another: they are emotionally bound up together, even though all communication has ceased. Neither is free from the original problem; nor are they free from each other.

Extreme Distancing: Cutting Off

Distancing, at its extreme, turns to cutting off. It can occur after long periods of conflict or as a sudden reaction to a difficult encounter. Whatever the issue, the person doing the cutting off has difficulty addressing and resolving the problem directly and maturely. Instead, like Joe, they stop communicating. Continuing the relationship seems unmanageable to them.

When a parent and child are too emotionally bound up with each other, they are more susceptible to cutting off when anxiety is high.

Joe and his parents, for instance, were overly involved and entangled with each other. He was not taking responsibility for himself, nor were his parents taking responsibility for themselves.

His parents did not stand up and let him know what they would and wouldn’t accept. Instead they nagged, begged and hoped he would change. He dug his heels in deeper, did less when pushed, and refused to address his part of the problem.

They were living in reaction to one another, rather than each taking responsibility for their part of the family conflict. The only way that Joe could see to solve the problem was to distance himself and eventually cut-off from his parents; Joe didn’t have the skills necessary to untie the knots, to grow up and face himself.

Parents feel powerless when no contact is possible, when they can’t negotiate or even talk with their child. Should you contact your child or not? How long should you try? What should you say?

Five Tips When Estranged and Cut Off From Your Child

1. Get Support

Being cut off by your child, with no ability to understand, communicate and resolve things, is difficult enough. That’s why being connected to others who love and understand you is particularly important. In addition to reaching out to friends and family, consider joining a support group. If you are not able to function at your best, get some professional help.

2. Don’t Cut off in Response

You are not the one cutting ties; your child is. Don’t cut off your child in response. Continue to reach out to him, letting him know that you love him and that you want to mend whatever has broken. Send birthday and holiday messages as well as occasional brief notes or emails. Simply say that you are thinking about him and hope to have the opportunity to reconnect. Send your warmth, love and compassion—as you get on with your life.

3. Don’t Feed the Anger

It’s understandable to feel angry. And in their attempt to be supportive, friends and family may fuel your feelings of betrayal, inadvertently increasing your anger. Anger is natural, but not helpful. Step back and try to understand what led to this estrangement. What patterns were operating in your family dance? If you can look at your family from a more factual vantage point, it may feel less personal. No one is to blame. Now if the door opens, you will be in a much better position to reconcile.

4. Listen to Your Child Without Defending Yourself

If the door opens with your child, listen with an open heart. Listen to her perceptions of what wrongs took place. Even if you disagree with her, look for the grains of truth. Be willing to look at yourself. It’s hard to hear these criticisms, especially if your intentions were misunderstood. So prepare yourself to handle this. Your adult child may need to hold on to blame as a way to manage her own anxiety. Just letting her know that you hear her will go a long way. Keep in mind that she, too, had to be in tremendous pain to reach the point of shutting you out. Try to empathize with her pain rather than get caught up in the hurt and anger.

5. Focus on Yourself, Not Your Child

If you do begin communicating again, you will be in a position to learn from the mistakes of the past and work toward an improved relationship. Put your efforts into changing yourself, not your child. Let go of your resentments regarding the estrangement. Understand his need to flee—and forgive him.

Understanding and Hope

Get to know the adult child you have, not the child you think he should have been. Allow him to get to know you. If your child still has made no contact, grieve the loss and know there is still hope. Try to manage your anxiety, and do the right thing by staying in touch with him in a non-intrusive way: occasionally and lovingly. Things may change.

Rather than blame yourself or your child for this pain, use your energy to learn about yourself, your own family history and patterns in your other relationships. Look for other patterns of cutting off in your family tree.

Remember that shutting a person out is a response to anxiety and a family that is overly entangled with one another. Your actions or lack of action didn’t cause this. Cutting off is a way people manage anxiety when they don’t know a better way. The love and caring is there; the ability to solve differences is not. You did not make your child to turn away. That was her decision. It may have been a poor one, but it was the best she could do at the time. Try to get your focus off of her at least 50 percent of the day, which will make a difference.

Your pain is real. Be mindful and compassionate of it, but don’t allow it to define or overwhelm you. Put the focus on what you have control of: your own life.

Related content:
Living with a Broken Heart: Are You Estranged from Your Child?

Empowering Parents Podcast:
Apple, Spotify, Google

About

For more than 25 years, Debbie has offered compassionate and effective therapy and coaching, helping individuals, couples and parents to heal themselves and their relationships. Debbie is the creator of the Calm Parent AM & PM™ program and is also the author of numerous books for young people on interpersonal relations.

Comments (1118)
  • Getting Help

    I feel your pain however I realize I am not an angel or a demon in this situation. Like many of you, my adult child went no contact with me. After two and a half years she sent me a brief email and told me her "why". It was good to hear even that. A why. I have been walking around beating myself emotionally. I also , came to realize, she and I did not get to this juncture in life because we had a healthy relationship.

    It has taken the last 2.5 years to explore my role in this situation and how to better address my faults and responsibilities. It doesn't hurt that I am a counselor so I know there is no one reason for anything going wrong or right in my personal life and the world.

    I've been working on myself. I am briefly answering her infrequent emails with a three day rule. I wait three days to answer any messages so I can one, get myself centered instead of knee jerk reacting and give myself some time to deal with the conflicting feelings I have about her rejecting me and occaisionaly dipping her feet in the stream .

    I feel grateful one minute and furious the next.

    I need three days to stop being so self centered and hurt about the whole situation. I am not good at using the pause button by the way, I am good at making suggestions to everyone but myself.

    She has a right to cut off as much as any human , if she took this drastic step there was enough wrong for her to feel so hurt herself. Ultimatly it is my goal for her to heal. I can work on myself in the interim. I am the adult right? The parent? It is my job to make sure she gets the support she needs.

    She is at least trying to recconnect and I never thought that possible. So take heart and hope in that, I am. It may not work out but at least I am throwing the kitchen sink at this and putting my sometimes fragile ego on the back burner.

    I have been silent and sent some pathetic rantings to her over the first year. My ego was too damaged to see her perspective. Quite adolescent my first year reaction. I swear I took a few tantrums and blamed her and myself.

    Yes, I sent birthday cards and presents, one site I connected with said it might be better not to do that, if your child cut you off they don't get all the perks of being your child, adult or otherwise. I can understand that reasoining but it felt Passive Aggressive to me to do to her, tit for tat, is not a comfortable reaction or response so i send cards, presents and nothing else.

    How I am framing this is an approach I am working on:

    1. My three day rule of communication if and when she reaches out now.

    2. Short note in the response to that I am hoping we can reconnect in a better way and maybe this break from one another can fuel a better relationship, one with more understanding and less explaining.

    3. She needs to be heard and what she needs to say may not always be pleasant, I need to put on my armour and withstand the uncomfortable stuff.

    4. I cannot take responsiblity for her pain and choices but I can take responsibilty for whatever I did to hurt her. (Birds don't land on my shoulder and the world does not revolve around me but we)

    5. Getting therapy to help me help myself to be healthier and explore why I have conflict and what I can do about it. She used to try to be the mother and I let her too often, roles got confusing and she needs to not feel responsible for my feelings, she's the child, even if she is 40 now. I am still and must be the adult in the room.

    6. My expectations were not proportionate to any adult child other than a superhero, I have to lower my bar on my expectations of her and our life from past to present. At best, I try to be optimistic despite feeling despair way too often.

    My overall feeling now is much different than a year ago and two years ago. I am more detached about her decisions and her path in life that differs greatly from mine. It was always my hope she would soar over the top from my life and choices and outcomes. I think we parents are always hopeful our children will leap ahead of us. It is hard to let go of their outcomes and consequences but it is also great to watch them grow a backbone and take a stand on things even if I am not the one getting the gain or glory. No, I have to detach a bit more to stay sane and she and I are dipping our feet in the water. She actually asked me to do family therapy with me because we have such poor communications skills when there is conflict. I suggested that she get therapy first on her own. She needs someone supporting her right now, a new parent of two little boys, a new life in another state thousands of miles from me and her turn to be a parent to her children, forge her nursing career and take on the world. I suggested she take good care of herself first. THen we can try for family therapy. I think, my personal opinion based on the intricacies of our relationship past to present, we should not put the cart before the wheel. She and I are working on ourselves seperatly. My greatest hope is she gets healed from anything I could have done to make her feel so invisible to me and any harm her life caused her.

    What else can I say? We love our kids or we would not be here, sharing our stories. I can get volcanically angry over this, and I have, but I can also find this to be an opportunity for both of us to gain some understanding instead of defending how right we both are and were in any given situation. I would rather she win and get healthier and happier.

    Hang in there all of you, there is hope even in the darkest of moments. Get help and support for yourself and know, you deserve to feel love and respect for the hard work that is , parenting. Near impossible sometimes don't you think?

  • Me_Mom
    My adult kids turned their back on me I am their (mom). Raised them alone mainly, but well, I did everything for them. Including taking a grandchild for a couple years, and to make a long story short, filed court papers in regard’s to the child, over fearing her safety.More Later I dropped it after learning things were okay. I spoke to my daughter and explained everything, she said ppl were talking bad about me, but she understood and we promised not to allow this to happen again, but soon after both of my adult kids stopped talking to me. I know that it’s a result of my brother who has issues with me over some decisions I made for myself that I shouldn’t have, even if it was short lived, but he has to be a hero and cuts people out all the time always has, despite his years of spousal abuse that took an intervention to change. I am heartbroken and won’t reply to me and keep grandkids from me. It kills me! I have owned my mistakes, and have apologized taking responsibility for my actions and including the ones that were not realized. But nothing. Then I got a message that said we wish you well! But do not want anything to do with you pointing to my husband who did nothing but love them, it’s because of lies I’m sure my brother has convinced them of. I don’t understand I raised them with love, this is like a bad movie. Now their real dad is in their life and my brothers which is good, but it’s funny because my brother hated him forever, and also cut my eldest daughter out of his life for more than ten years. All of a sudden their all reunited which is what it should be accept now I’m out! Like ??
  • Babs

    I’ve learned something about my estrangement with my older 3 children I would like to share. My ex-husband trashed me, spoke disrespectfully about me in front of the children after our divorce.

    His mother did the same to his father, he saw this as he was growing up. I’ve had estrangement and other issues with those 3 children. My ex-husband was rarely involved with them as they grew up, I was the one who raised and cared for them.

    I remarried and had 3 more children with my current husband. Same mother different fathers. I do not see the same problems in my younger 3 children whose father was respectful towards me. They are all adults at this point as well.

    I have 2 friends who had ex-husbands who made fun of, and spoke disparagingly about them in front of the children. They’ve bith have had estrangement and various other problems with those adult children from the bashing fathers and both were good mothers.

    I thought this was curious, that the amount of respect that was shown to the mother was the one big factor.

    The children are the real victims here since half of the child is the father and the other half the mother. When you bash either one of the parents harm is caused to the child.

    I heard they tend to go with the louder voice. I believe I would be a perfect case study in this situation. If this helps anyone in understanding their situation I’m glad I shared. My hearts been broken, I’ve suffered severe pain and grief from estrangement and it’s the worst thing a parent can experience.

  • Moss
    I, like so many others here have become recently cut off by my 33-year-old daughter and while I'm sad about it and I empathise with everyone here I believe that if our estranged children sat down and read some of the posts here they would have to have another lookMore at themselves and their lack of accountability. responsibility and respect for those of us who have given so much for so little. My daughter has like so many others discussed here had a pretty good childhood, has never gone without, has always lived in decent houses with parents who would have done anything for her. We have supported her physically and financially and have spent time with and looked after her two children whenever she has asked us to, all of this done gladly. There are so many commonalities described here that it feels like we are in the midst of an epidemic of self-pitying adult children. I do admit that I feel changed towards my daughter, I believe the level of trust I had in her and in our relationship has been diminished and may never be the same and because of this I think it will be hard for me to fully let her in to my life again - if that happens. I realise there are aspects of our relationship that I don't miss and won't allow to happen again but, in all probability, she will say she feels the same. How we have come to this point has been a topic of conversation between myself and my husband of 35yrs but thankfully he remains the voice of reason believes she will eventually come around. Likely to be when she needs help but what we do from here on in as a couple has completely changed because of her irrational behaviour. My thoughts and love go out to you all, stay strong if only for yourselves.
  • Justaana
    My spouse has been seperated/divorced for more than 3 years. We met through his cousin. From what I’ve been told/seen he’s been a victim of parental alienation. His two older kids 17,16 don’t speak to him at all and blocked him. 17 yo son told him he hated him, andMore 16 daughter made him feel guilty about starting over after 3 years, meanwhile she brags about moms bf of 9 months on social media, getting her Starbucks etc..Mom is often leaving kids home alone over weekend, kids grades are poor, constant truancy from school, etc…He often feels sad with the youngest two 15,10 because he feels he is only contacted by them when they want something. He was a very involved dad prior to his divorce. He doesn’t realize I see his depression, anxiety, and sadness. I feel like now that we have a baby on the way it’s increased. I want to help him before this affects our relationship more. How can I help? As for the two that come around still, I’m conflicted with his parenting style I know he doesn’t want to push them away but at the same time he needs to have boundaries. I have two teen girls of my own and I wouldn’t consider myself strict parents but I have rules.
  • Kat

    Our daughter cuts off contact with each new boyfriend.

    She is in her 30s, has 2 children. With aga g member who is now in prison.

    I go from upwards of 20 calls a day to blocked from everything, phone, text, email.

    She has lied since she was a toddler. Consequences do not affect her. She had no limits as to who she lied to.

    The pain of losing our only grandchildren is so painful. We were part of t

    Their daily lives.

    She seems to fit the criteria of a Borderline Personality. She has been in counseling, but leaves quickly. She says she doesn't need it.

    When all of her friend finally abandoned her, I was still there. Both her dad and I. She is addicted to "high drama". Everyday, there must be drama, from driving to work, to workplace, to her children. I'm sick and tired of being told we did something to make her walk away. These are her choices.

  • Trying to Understand & Navigate

    In March we received a hysterical call & please for help from our youngest son's gf. To be fair he went to college out of state & remains in that state & a similar thing happened when they first began dating while he was still in college, & one very breif incident when they came to visit us & we were all at my parents (his grandparents) house. All 3 times the common denominador as anyone could see, was alcohol. He seemed to be triggered by something & flew into a rage. His anger seems to be feirce during these episodes & he engages in negative self-talk. This last time in Spring she called crying telling us he was talking about moving home to FL & wanting to hurt himself. I got scared & none of what his gf was saying was making sense, so I thought it best to tell her I would book a flight & come see them. I'd had her call the police but they couldn't do anything, he was intoxicated but not harming himself or anyone else & not driving. I spent a week there, where he refused to talk to me, refused my suggestion to get help, belittled me, cursed me out, & ultimately told us to stay out of his life. I noticed his gf was taking everything she & I had talked about & telling him despite seeing how it was making things worse, & nothing she was saying to me made any sense & I couldn't figure out what had triggered him at all. She insisted they did not fight, & there was no other trigger. Their apt was a complete mess which is not really like him, although he isn't the neatest person, neither of them offered me any clean towels or sheets for my stay & she did agree to pick me up from the airport, so she knew I was coming. She spent several days at her parents & I offered to all get together to speak with him but she told me, basically that her parents did not want to meet me. It's been 9 long months he has not spoken to me, my husband, my parents, or my siblings. He has only spoken sporadically to his 2 cousins & his brother. I honestly thought if I gave him what he wanted he would come around. We did send his birthday gift, but heard nothing. I completely understand not cutting him back off but he demanded no contact & blocked us (he stated it, we have not actually tried to call). Something just doesn't sit right about the whole thing & honestly, my gut screams that they had a fight of some sort & she used my showing up against us in some way & spent it to isolate him...as if to say, see even your parents think you're a baby & need taking care of. She told me her parents knew of his first incident/mental break or whatever this was, & that they told her to break up with him...when I spoke to him about that he told her while they were in the next room, & (the apt is not that big I was able to hear) she told him she didn't know why I would say that. My concern was him, so no I didn't confront her...besides, at the moment I wasn't thinking clearly about this all & also didn't want to alienate the only potential connection I had with my son! Her bday is soon & I am planning to send a gift, my husband disagree, but is ok if I send it. And we recently heard from his brother they recently got engagement & had text his 2 cousins & told his brother, but no one else. I was also planning on sending a Christmas gift. There are times when reaching out is not very possible, but I do feel like sending a gift is reaching out but neither of them reach back out & his gf had said she would keep us posted but never did. In a way I get it...that could put her in a position where he could be upset with her, but at the same time I can't help but think how difficult is it to send a quick text or email giving an update or saying things are fine, then deleting it. Or even something saying, things are fine, but, I'm not comfortable going behind his back.

    So, I'm really lost & we are all upset...my family members are angry, & it truly hurts because we didn't do anything ever to him, except always support him & try to help him. So, some advice would be great to help us navigate or even understand this all a bit better! Thanks in advance!!

  • Kristin
    I'm struggling tonight. Things changed a little over a year ago. She moved out with the boyfriend and didn't tell anyone where she went. She wouldn't talk to anyone. She eventually started asking for money from random family members. Her and I briefly reconnected here and there but she stillMore wouldn't talk to other family. It's been a few months now since anyone has seen or heard from her. Then today...I get a congratulations message from an old family friend. When I ask why the congratulations I am told because I saw your daughter had a baby girl last week. None of us ever even knew she was pregnant. Everyone is looking to me to help them process the news and I can't even process it myself. I feel so many different emotions that I can't even pinpoint one word to sum it up. I go to therapy and will be addressing this in there on Monday but tonight I'm...struggling.
  • Kat

    It's been a long 13 years.

    I'm not angry. I'm not ranting.

    I'm managing the "Rollercoaster of Emotions" by distracting myself: I've professional support, friends, and some family support. I play an instrument attended jam sessions, folk festivals, play bocce ball, walk, swim, volunteer with an organization (I'm retired), camp out,

    and kayak. I'm an environmental activist. I do what I can to keep busy, but it never seems enough- especially in the morning when I can't control or stop my dreaming, thoughts and their effect...(I eat too much, and my health is declining- self sabotage). I'm too hard to live with or is have a) a roommate, or b) a significant other.

    I'm recently divorced from her father. She's in LA, he's in SFO with his gf.

    Signed,

    I'm So Lonely In So FL...

    Thank you for the article. It helped...

  • Boojum

    So glad to have found this forum.

    My youngest child (f30) has been less and less communicative over the last few months. My oldest child told my husband that it may be due to my “political leanings.” I haven’t been able to confirm this one way or another.

    I’m trying to focus on the good, leave the lines of communication open, and concentrate on improving myself as a person.

    Thanks for sharing.

  • Monica
    I feel hopeless. My only child , 21M has gone no contact for 3 years. He has been loved, supported, and cherished. But still here we are. I have read many of the stories and followed the steps listed in the article but still nothing. I have noMore idea what I may have done to make a mends or to improve on. Only rumblings is that I left my severely abusive husband, his bio father, when he was 3. In his eyes, and words, it would have been better if we stayed married. That cut to my core, woke up decades old wounds and ptsd. It absolutely wouldn’t have been the best idea, I likely would be dead if that was the case. I feel that he blames me for his bio dad’s addictions and failures. And puts all that resentment and hate on to me. I spiral when I see on social media all these young people also going no contact with parents over different values or other items and then blaming the parents for anything and every single challenge or problem they may have to fade as adult humans. At the end of day how do you not have a broken heart, a broken soul when the person you love the most doesn’t want anything to do with you. How do you move on? How do you keep on breathing and moving every day when a piece of your hearts hates you.
  • Sad

    I have been cut off by not one, but both my adult daughter's. My first daughter cut me off over 12 months ago after she moved in with her first boyfriend. I expressed my concerns with her about rushing in to this relationship given it was her first and she had not known him that long. I thought I was being a caring parent, but it seemed to be the catalyst for her cutting me off. Up until that point, our relationship seemed like a normal parent/child relationship.

    She since split with her boyfriend and now she lives with her grandmother.

    My second daughter cut me off a few months ago and I am not entirely sure why. She is also living with her grandmother.

    I'm told I don't listen; I want everything my way and I have anger issues. I could argue that they don't listen and they want everything their way, but I don't because I accept that this behaviour is relatively normal for a child so it's water of a ducks back for me. On the anger issue, I'll put my hands up and admit that I don't have a lot of patience, but there is a reason for that and there needs to be a little understanding. I have a third child who is profoundly disabled. From birth he could not communicate in any way; he is 16 years old but his development won't exceed 6 months; he can't walk; he is fed through a tube; he has multiple seizures daily etc etc. The last 16 years have been very challenging for me and I'm sorry, but I'm not perfect.

    Despite this difficult environment, I have made sure, to the best of my ability, that the girls did not miss out on anything through their childhood, including their father. I have always been there for them, supported them, told them I loved them and that I was proud of them. I honestly don't know what more I could have done.

    But it's not enough is it? There seems to be some standard of parenting that I have failed to meet. I love my children and I can appreciate that their childhood may not have met their expectations, but why has it been necessary to cut me off completely? I could understand if they needed space and moved out to get it, but I am at a complete loss as to why they have cut me off completely. It's difficult for me to not resent them for their behaviour, but I try. I send a message from time to time but I get no response. It's good and well to say give them time, but for the last 16 years all I have done is give my time to other people and I am just a little tired of giving. I feel that if this continues much longer I will have reached a point where I won't take them back, and that's not what I want.

  • Kim

    Unfortunately, I am a new member to this group - and reading these comments there are many noticeable patterns - the majority of the children we have been "cut off" from are our adult daughters - the daughters all tell us we don't respect their "boundaries" - we have never been abusive to them or starved them, but yet they don't seem to appreciate the years of love and support we gave them. When we try to talk to them, we are either being manipulative or passive aggressive and we don't want to "listen" to them. We are only thinking of ourselves (which is rich, cause I recall 35 years of mainly only thinking of her). I can only attribute much of this behavior to social media and the "ME" generation, my daughter is 35 and can't understand why she never seems to get what she wants out of life, despite not working too hard for it and smoking pot way too much. Now she's pregnant, and albeit - it was planned - and things have not worked out with her partner and she's hastily going to get an abortion. It has been extremely ugly as I've tried to tell her she has options, she can have the baby - we will love the baby - but she won't listen - I'm not respecting her "boundaries".

    I did lose it with her, maybe not the best thing to do at such a vulnerable time, but just as with everything else, she'll just give up then smoke another doobbie and wonder why she doesn't get what she wants out of life.

    This forum has been a godsend and I thank you for sharing your very painful stories, to which now I add mine.

  • Caroline Gilbert
    I struggle with PTSD, rejection anxiety and depression. My son knows this and uses his son to punish me. His part blames me for her anxiety. Some days I am really sad. I would like to say it’s getting easier but I have learned to cope a little better. IMore miss and love them so much
  • MLCMRACHEL
    My scenario, is different I’ve had to deal with a lot of death (2 years), physically mental, and soul draining, plus cancer! At the end of the when they ask I wasn’t I there. They could careless
  • August 2023

    I really absorbed the '5 things' article. I think it's the best thing I've read among dozens of things I'm reading to try to make sense of the insanity . . .

    I also read a lot of the comments here - about 100 - but I got really depressed -

    These stories are utterly devastating. And I identify with so many & certainly all the general themes here which seem to be:

    As parents (fallible humans) we make mistakes.

    We often apologize to our kids for things that happened in their childhood. As well as open the door to objectively address & discuss any other issues.

    We ask forgiveness.

    We 'do' the basic parent stuff with & for our adult kids, eat out, help out financially if we can, visit but not overstep, seem to get along normally as adults in spite of past childhood things (which we discuss) like divorce or being poor financially as they grew up/but doing our best to make good homes

    . . .

    And - it seems like the more average, normal, fallible, and loving we are -

    the more we are bitterly & hatefully resented & cut off. . . ????

    My biggest question is just born of utter incredulity ... YET it's also a somewhat expected pattern of drama ...

    My daughter is almost 29. She had a horrible dead-beat dad. He died 2 years ago. She has told me many times she resented never getting to be a 'daddy's girl.'

    She's been on drugs/volatile/rebellious as a teen/got clean with my help and family. (She has mostly always worked) is a very skilled, brilliant person.

    Shes lived a lesbian lifestyle since a teen. She's lived with 4 partners since she was 17, 1 male (the drug scene) and 3 women.

    1 of those women was way older than her & they literally nearly killed one another drinking & fighting.

    My daughter is an alcoholic (she admits this)

    When she finally got ready to get out of that very abusive situation with the older woman, & my oldest daughter & I helped her financially and were emotionally supportive for a year as she managed to live on her own for that year in an apartment near her sister 1300 miles away

    She has been doing reasonably well for the last 18 months.

    She moved back to our hometown 8 months ago. She almost immediately started a new relationship with another woman (age 31) with the woman's family (not an ideal situation) But they finally got a cute apartment recently.

    But in this 8 months, my daughter has had 3 extremely over-top, instantaneous unwarranted level of outbursts of rage towards me cussing and spewing extreme anger. (Several milder but still always unecessary outbursts) She typically apologizes with lame excuses (my period, stressed out, etc) or I apologize for being insensitive.

    Either way - things get another over - until . . . the next outburst/offense/no apparent reason. Land mines.

    A month ago she went to the ER -was having a heart attack w/BP over 280! (didn't tell me about it for 2 days)

    7 days ago was the 3rd out-of-the-blue unwarranted rage behavior & she left the job we were working on.

    That is now the longest I've ever gone not communicating with my daughter at all.

    I mean we might not talk for 2 weeks - but I get a text-pic of her cat or something she cooked - or see a response on a group text with her sister.

    So how can my daughter - or our kids here - just unilaterally fly off the handle, in an extreme, totally out-of-proportion fit of rage, drive away mad, and then say -

    YOU! It's YOU! YOU are my problem!! Do not contact me!

    And then THEY decide they simply aren't going to communicate, discuss??

    My daughter has demanded and acted entitled her whole life emotionally. Very over sensitive.

    Nothing I say is right. Everything I say - no matter how benign is taken as a personal attack. I'm walking on land mines around her.

    I've also witnessed my daughter say many, many things that indicate she thinks in very manipulative ways - as one example:

    She will get highly obsessed with a friend and talk about the friend ad-nauseum - then the friend will offend her and she cuts them off. When the friend tries to reach out my daughter says,

    'SEE. I ignored the --- out of her, now she's sucking up/wants my attention.'

    So it seems like thats what my daughter is doing to me now ...? Ignoring me to make me suck up???

    I've contacted her twice since the day to tell her I signed up/made an appt for phone therapy, and then the day of the appt I asked if she would join the conversation.

    No response.

    ???

    Aside from the infallible perfect love of God, WHO loves your kid unconditionally like you do??

    It's really - yes - gut-wrenching how swiftly your own kid can seem to literally hate you . . .

    How deeply resentful they are.

    How incredibly unthankful they are for so many things to be thankful for.

    How unaware of reality they CHOOSE to be.

    How easily they create a false narrative.

    How they blame.

    How overly insecure they are.

    It's also really scary that it seems there's such an exponential increase in this kind of 'vulnerable' narcissist behaviour and all the alphabets created trying to describe these patterns ADD, ADHD, IED, etc etc etc

    omg.

    • Kim

      Everything you state is true to my situation as well - We ignored their bad behavior of entitlement when they were children - thinking that they'd grow out of it - but BAD on us - they didn't - and we overcompensated and took the brunt of it then are are doing it now. I think there is a problem with this generation of 80's and 90's kids/adults - they have high expectations because "every kid is a winner and gets a medal" - but they lack the motivation to actually and truly "win" - and when they don't get what they feel they should get - they get angry - at us it seems.

      I think because we did so much for them, as many of us thought we were helping them, that they could not stand on their own - and they constantly feel that we should be propping them up on every decision in their life, whether we agree or not. Should we disagree, then that's when the stuff hits the fan - and we're "banned" - "cut off" - "distanced" - because those Boundaries have not been respected. I shake my head at the absurdity of it all.

      Before this latest incident happened with my daughter, I'd have been beyond upset - but oddly enough I feel calm, as I've let go - I've decided that she's right, this is her life and she'll need to live it on her terms, without me, or my help.

      My own mother was a raging alcoholic - and of course I tried to Save her - and I guess this is what I've been trying to do with my own daughter, Save her - but I can't - as only people can help themselves.

      This is all very unfortunate that this is all coming to light at a very difficult time in her life - but if she's acted this way to me and her sister, perhaps she's acted in this way to her partner or her employer, thus they no longer have the tolerance to deal with this either - I don't know because I only hear the one side of the story.

      Maybe this is her WAKE UP call, and mine too - to let go - to truly let her grow up - it may take weeks and it may take years - I will never stop loving her nor ever give up on her - but she clearly wants to make her own decisions, and it'll need to be all or nothing, because Mommy isn't going to pick up the pieces anymore.

  • Mourning Mom

    Being estranged from my only daughter leaves me feeling as if I'm mourning the loss of a child that is still alive.

    The not knowing if she'll ever reconsider and reach out,is so excruciatingly painful. She was living with me when she had my grandson. I had lost my mom a year earlier and he filled a much needed void in my life.

    I sold my mom's property, the 3 of us lived in my motorhome until 9/22. Each day seemed to add pressure to our existence together.

    I know living in such tight quarters caused tempers to fly on both parts. I know we both said some hateful things to each other, in which I have apologized numerous times.

    She bought a house and the plan was for me to stay in my RV on her property, the months I wasn't traveling.

    The day she moved in, she left me stranded with a note telling me, until I got therapy, she needed her space.Not once was there mention her getting therapy for her anger issues.

    I haven't seen or talked to her in 10 months. She has completely cut me out, changed her number and told her brother's not to give it to me.

    I am in group therapy and am so much better for the past 6 months. I turned the situation over to God and know whatever the outcome is, it will be in my best interest. I've accepted that some people are placed in our lives only for a season. I've also accepted, if it's meant for us to have a mother/daughter relationship, it will happen. If not, I'll survive loving her the rest of my life. I hope each one reading this gets something they can use, to make their hurt a little less painful.

    We have to learn, there is life beyond estrangement. Our child may never return to us but it was their decision and not ours. God bless each of you.

  • 47days
    On May 13, 2023 I was invited to lunch with my husband and mother-in-law by our oldest daughter who recently went through a divorce. This was our Mother’s Day lunch, the day before. Our daughter was going to have to work on Mother’s Day the next day so she offeredMore to take us out. During the lunch we discovered she was going to take her new boy friend, of a couple of months, on a trip she was planning to see her brother. I questioned the plan and soon discovered she was also planning on living with him. It was a huge surprise. We are not for living together even though many are. She was raised that marriage is special and pretend marriage is sinful. (Please, no comments on this part. Please respect our religious belief and I will respect yours. Thank you). To talk about this new situation at the restaurant was not appropriate. I wanted to talk to our daughter but she was taking her Grandmother to a play after lunch. It was her Christmas gift to her grandmother and happened to be that day. I then called her brother, the one she was going to go visit and asked if he knew about this set up? He reluctantly said yes and he knew that we would not be too excited about the arrangements. The next day, my husband and I called our daughter, on Mother’s Day. She answered and said she has yet to decide to live with him or not. We shared our, including her belief, that living together before marriage was a sin. We shared that doing so was wrong. The next day she text us not to visit, not to call, no contact whatsoever for awhile while she thought things out. She needed space and time. We did as she asked. She went on her vacation with the boyfriend to her brother’s house for a visit. She returned a week later. She again text us for more space and time. We agreed again and kept our distance. It’s been 47 days. I’m broken. My heath, sleep, eating and work are definitely affected. I can’t stop crying inside and out. I’m sad, mad, angry, devastated, traumatized, suspicious, bewildered, confused, hurt, and more. She is 30. I miss her. I can see that she is trying to recover from her recent divorce. I see how she handled the situation and remember the tears and the sadness at night when she moved back home for support. We were there for her. We still are. She has turned and dropped all that she believed and valued. I have not shared any of this with her siblings other than the son she went to visit and I only did it once. I was calling for him for help to understand. Our daughter has since iced us. Nothing. I shared that my autoimmune symptoms have flared up. My hands are itchy inside and my swelling of my face is happening again. These things happen when I am stressed. I shared them with her and she has ignored all of it. I have apologized for calling her brother and begged for her to talk to me. 12 years ago I went through my husband cheating on me. It was devastating. My daughter not talking to me is WORSE. I can’t believe how incredibly sad and miserable I am. Why can’t she talk to me? Tomorrow will be 48 days…
  • Accountable

    Wow - I didn't realise so many others were suffering. I thought finding others out here in the vastness of cyberspace would bring me comfort but I feel even more saddened that there are so many of us. I am on both sides of mother estrangement.

    My life if written in a book would not be believed and honestly I am super proud of myself for be accountable for my life, relationships and goals. We are all dealt a hand that we have no control over, we can only be responsible for our actions and reactions and to err is to be human. Search the BILL OF PERONSAL RIGHTS.

    My father died by suicide when I was a toddler and my mother married 8 separate times. I have 2 siblings and we all have different fathers. and had to endure my mothers life choices until I left at 17. Even after beginning my own life I desperately craved a loving mother daughter relationship with her and turned myself inside out trying to be good enough for her to put me first. She never did. She never showed any interest in me. I finally gave up trying at 37. That was a decade ago and she never once reached out - not even when her granddaughter (my daughter) was in hospital after attempting to take her own life.

    My daughter who is now 22 has taken to blame me for all her troubles. I saw her Instagram story recently regarding mother trauma (which she hid from me) and that instigated that she has been abandoned by her mother and that her mother doesn't believe she has ever done anything wrong. This couldn't be further from the truth - I have always validated her feelings and I have been following the steps above in this article and the coping strategies that I have been learning in therapy for some years now. Validation, love and support is everything I have given and continue to give but it like she just doesn't 'see me'. I have good days and bad days with dealing with this rejection and on those bad days she makes me feel like a monster. I have looked in the mirror to address any codedependacy traits that I might have, I have looked in the mirror to address everything and anything I can do to get to a place that I would love to be with her. I have looked in the mirror and taken accountability for my life and my future. I have now accepted that it is not in my power to fix her or this situation and have begun grieving the loss of this relationship. I never blamed my mother and I completely understand that everyone operates from their own level of healing but I do choose to not have her or her drama in my life, the door however is always open for my mother for a conversation, but maybe that is just too painful for her - apparently she doesn't 'chase' anyone. Those are my boundaries. The Bill of personal rights has been a gift for me whilst peeling back my life and examining my childhood through adult eyes - this is something I had spoken to my daughter about and I had a hope she might understand a little and we could build a better more honest open relationship. I feel it is easier for her just to blame her mental health issues on my dysfunctional family and not address them to improve her life, if and when she is ready I will be there to support her. For now I sit in the shadows hoping that she is working on her joy. She has concocted many lies over the past decade which are horrendous and unfathomable not just about me but also her father (we divorced when she was 4). I have a wonderful husband and a step daughter which I am very close to. This also makes me feel guilty and sad as I would love it to be the 3 of us and feel my daughter misses out on so much. My step daughter and I have found something in each other and a mutual respect for unconditional love. I have always tried my very best to the person for others that I needed and I continue to work on my inner child and on being the mother I never had. There are so many things to smile about, even when your heart feels broken don't stop your life. It will come round or it wont but you have to keep living and being the example of love whilst operating in your own lane and holding your values strong.

    Love to all that experience this and wish that it was different xx

  • Juli
    I was 15 when I had my son. His dad and I were runaways living on the streets of Hollywood, CA. I got pregnant and he disappeared. I got off the streets, went into the foster care system where I received a ton of support. I graduated high school, gotMore our own place and worked while continuing my education. I wanted to give him a better life than what I had and believed money was the way to do this. I worked a day job, went to college and worked as a dancer at night. I put my son through private school, we always had a place to live, food, etc. I was proud of this. But I ended up developing a drug addiction which I did my best to hide from him, but I know still affected him. I battled with it for several years and made a series of bad choices. I quit for good 15 years ago. I took ownership over my behavior and apologized for the pain I caused him..the best thing I could do was to show him this by making a living amends. We developed a very close relationship over this time period and I was there to help him though some tough battles of his own. We both graduated college and got married. But, My son completely changed when he got married. His husbands family had alot of money and he began comparing me to his mother in law, criticizing any little mistake I made, belittling me, creating false accusations, and treating me like I was this low life person not worthy of respect. This went on for some time and I would become upset, then quickly forgive him and try to forget about what had happened. I finally just had it..and broke down and lashed out at him. He cut me out of his life for the next 9 months despite my apologies and attempts to talk to him. This caused me the worst pain and grief I have ever experienced in my life. I found a support group and tried to move forward. Then he called me after 9 months crying and upset because his husband wanted a divorce. I put all my hurt aside and was there for him and we began to talk again. I apologized for my part in it. I listened to him and really tried to understand what happened between us from his point of view. I thought maybe this was the start of some healing…but then he immediately returned to treating me bad again . I love my son but his behavior has become emotionally and psychologically abusive. My heart is broken and I feel completely powerless. I am so confused. There is this hole in my heart that just won’t go away. How do I move on?
    • Denise Rowden, Parent CoachEP Coach

      Thank you for reaching out to Empowering Parents. I can understand your distress. It's heartbreaking when the people we love treat us badly, especially when that person is the child you raised and nurtured. It can be hard to know what the best course of action is because many parents fear damaging the relationship they have with their adult child. I encourage you to go back to the support group you found so helpful in the past. If that's not an option, I would seek out other local groups that can help support you through this difficult time.

      We appreciate you being part of our Empowering Parents community and wich you all the best moving forward. Take care.

  • Connie

    My son disowned us for his wife after we took care of his 2 children- 4.5 year old and 6 month old while they vacationed for a week out of the country. The 6 month old baby was only sleeping 1-2 hours a night. We sleep trained him while they were gone and she blew up on us when we got back. Have to say my son wasn’t able to sleep at night because of panic attack due to what we now know is Lyme and his wife was severely anemic from childbirth and exhausted from being up with the baby for the last 6 months multiple times during the night.

    We knew they all needed to get sleep at night and so did we. The blow up the started being a personal attack on us that we hated her and had since they got married. That there was a long list of disrespectful things we had done- none of which were ever said. His wife has a history of patterns of estranged relationships with her mother and stepfather, multiple roommates, and people at church who have made comments about her parenting. The estrangement lasts several years but eventually they speak again but there isn’t a close relationship anymore. So I suppose in the back of my mind I knew this was eventually coming for us as well.

    We were uninvited to my son’s birthday. He then called my husband and told him everything he didn’t like about him and the way he raised him- ending with “I could hate you, but I still love you.” And “Thanks for all the opportunities you gave me, I don’t need you anymore!” WTH! This isn’t quitting a job!!!

    They ignored us at Christmas but invited us to on grandsons first birthday. Before the party his wife send this big long email how she doesn’t like us and won’t be forced to be with us for events. My husband didn’t go he said it was way too much drama. I went and was ignored by his wife. My son talked with me briefly as I left. I did notice that not one of the people who was present a year before for the baby’s shower were at the first birthday- they all wised up and cut ties!!! So it’s been almost a year. We did continue to send Christmas gifts and birthday gifts until we go a nasty gram text saying to stop- they weren’t sending us present and they didn’t want to get them from us- we weren’t allowed to send gift to our grand kids nor even FaceTime with them. We have had no contact since the birthday then out of the blue we got a text saying they were moving out of state and an update on his health condition. He then said He had more to share with us but that we weren’t ready to hear it! My husband said if it another $hit session about all the horrible things about us as parents like the one my son did to him before -he would rather not be in his life than to have to keep enduring these “shit on us sessions” about us as parents and attacking us personally every 6 months to a year- FORGET IT.

    It is frustrating because we have helped with so many things in the past and that was some how twisted into us manipulating them??? No, we did it because they are family and we wanted to help them- and most times it was them asking to help not us imposing ourselves. We have decided as long as he stays with his wife who is driving a wedge of hate between us as she has to so many other people in her life we are not going to kiss her behind. If they don’t want to be around us- stop contacting us to dump shot on us and move onto your next victim that you are going to turn against and lambaste! She had blocked me on Facebook and Instagram and has posted that the “worst week of her life would be a week vacation with the in-laws!”

    Karma is real and they will have a ton coming their way after all they have dished out to us. I love the kid I used to know but feel I don’t even know who he is anymore. As long as he stays married to his wife- I don’t want To continue to be bashed by them. The silence is easier than being crapped on!!! It is such a sad situation! If you don’t like us - leave us alone!!! I get it - you don’t like us- stop with the “sharing” of how crappy we are!!! I don’t need it!!!

  • Perry D

    Both daughters estranged and going off in directions from bad decision-making/stupidity despite top-tier his and college educations. Ex-wife, their mom has no concerns.

    I should have stayed single. Family is just a joke/illusory promise today. Dead inside.

  • Miserable
    I have read many of the comments on here and have become even more devastated than I was before. So many of you have suffered months and years of separation and I'm not so sure I can endure that much of this agony. I am the mother ofMore two children, a daughter and a son. My husband told our 21 year old son to get out of his house and within 3 days our son left. Our daughter had already moved out (they are 21 months apart, she being the oldest). My husband filed for divorce almost 22 years ago - our children would have been about 23 and 21 at the time. I met a woman I fell in love with and we have been together for about 20 years now. Both of my children continued to love both me and their father and split holidays between us. My daughter married a woman and they were together for 14 years, then they divorced because my daughter cheated during their marriage. Since my daughter was alone after the divorce she joined my wife and I on vacation every year, with us paying for the majority of everything. My daughter is again married, one year ago. None of the family was told of the marriage, nor were any of us invited to celebrate. My wife and I planned a trip to Alaska last October and my daughter and her new wife invited themselves to go along. That quickly changed, however, and they uninvited us to our own trip. After that my daughter refused to speak to me or have contact in any way. In fact, she told me not to call her, message her, or try to reach out in any way. If I did she would report me to authorities. I have had no contact with her since June 14, 2022. My son still comes for Christmas, birthdays, and was just here for Mother's Day. I have no idea what I did to cause the separation. My daughter still is in contact with her Father, her Brother, and her Grandmother, but not me. I hurt every minute of every day. I miss her. I love her. I just don't know how long I can live this way!
  • Elephants1964

    We have a 32 year old son who is married & also has a 2 year old daughter. Our daughter-in-law has a germaphobe issue. She was pregnant during the hiatus of Covid which made her issues even worse. We had no idea that she had this issue until afterwards. Our son had asked us on a group text including his sister when we were going to get the shot for Covid. My daughter & I just questioned the shot which I think everyone has a right to do. Not long after that text he cut our daughter out of his life. She cried & struggled through it. She's never met her niece. Mind you my daughter has done a lot for both of them. My husband & I & my mother all got the shot. Then we were allowed to meet our granddaughter which they requested that we wear masks which we did. We also found out that our son had gone to a concert with his father-in-law during all of this Covid. Also when my husband & son went to pick up some pizzas to bring back to his house the day that we were visiting I found out later that our son didn't wear a mask when they went inside to pick the pizzas up. Every time we would visit & his wife was upstairs with the baby he would say little things to us like I didn't want to make you guys wear the masks & he would point upstairs to where his wife was. I think she has a strong hold on him & controls him. He started working from home a little while after the Covid so it was just him & his wife & then the baby came along. We've only seen our granddaughter a few times in her first year of life. I'll be honest that I did send my son a video with Dr. Malone about giving the vaccine to children. I did not force it down his throat. I just said please don't get mad at me for sending this and left it up to him on whether he would listen to it or not. My husband had also sent him a podcast video of Joe Rogan interviewing two brilliant scientists Bret Weinstein & his wife Heather Heying. We never discussed politics. The last time my husband & I spoke with our son was on his birthday January 22, 2021. Then when our granddaughter's first birthday came around in February I had sent her a keepsake gift. I was texting my son & daughter-in-law that our granddaughter should be receiving a package on such & such date. I never got a response. I called both of them and neither one responded. Then in the first week of February I tried to call his number & it was no longer a good number. I was devestated & went through a lot of depression which I still struggle with. Our daughter & son had a very normal childhood. I never would've thought that our son would cut his whole entire family out. Our daughter has a 10 year old daughter that our son hasn't seen in over 2 years. Him & his wife would take our other granddaughter & do things with her. Now nothing. I'm pretty sure that after we sent those interviews/videos that is why he know longer speaks to us which is very sad. We weren't given an explanation as to why we were all cut out. To be honest if that's what it was he could've just said hey mom & dad I don't agree with what you sent & either spoke to us about it or not. But to totally cut your whole entire family out is so wrong. He has hurt so many of us. I'm not blaming it all on him though. I think his wife has a lot more to do with this than he does. I think he's just trying to keep the peace. The sad thing is when their daughter gets older & starts to ask questions about her dad's family she'll eventually find out that she has a whole other family that would've loved to be around while she was growing up.

    The other thing that bothers us is that she has contact with her family. My son & her even sold their townhome & moved back in with her parents so they could save up to buy a single home. Well that didn't last too long because the father has tried to get our son to contact us but our son just blows it off. Also with our daughter-in-laws germaphobe issue apparently before Covid hit she was seeking counseling for it but I guess after Covid hit that stopped altogether. Then they were living back with her parents & her & her father were getting into little tiffs with each other. The mother would side with the daughter. She more or less was telling them what they could & couldn't do in their own house. This didn't end up good. They only lived with her parents probably less than six months & had to look for something soon. Now they live in a single home that's in walking distance of her parents. So now it's s**t on his family. My family is more important than yours. I'm just hoping that eventually our son will come back around. I've had friends tell us to go just knock on their door. What more can you lose, their already not talking to you all. I'm very hesitant to do that though.

    • Janine
      I’m sorry for all the dissension and can only imagine how difficult this is for you. It might be time to think about yourself at thus point. Grandparents have rights; seek them!
      • Marsha L.
        Tell me more about grandparents rights. Thanks v
  • Paul
    My daughter suggested she needed some space to decide how she felt about me. That was 6 months ago. She’s 34. I thought we had been in a close nurturing place for a few years, after some turbulent times. The same curve ball always returned. Especially the last wrecking ball.More I can’t undo my youth and past mistakes, but I genuinely feel I have tried. The best I have done is make a successful life and done my best to make her part of it and I don’t know how we went from being on the phone for hours everyday to this situation. I am 57 and don’t want conflict in my life. I said I would never close the door and she knows where I am and I will respect her decision even if I don’t agree with them. It’s a sad situation and I miss her hugely but I don’t know what else to do to be honest. I am just tired at this point. As is my partner of over ten years. They feel very let down also and have always been incredibly supportive even in times of high drama with her relationships and behaviors when she’s visited over the years.
  • Raven
    I’ve read most comments, and can relate. I’m feeling alone, estranged, and heartbroken because I sense that my daughter despises me. Everything I say and do irritates her and her fiancé. I’m clearly the running joke in their conversations or a point of disdain in their conversations. They were recentlyMore moving to a new house. My daughter asked if I would come and help setup the new place. I said I would, but that I needed it to be fine with her fiancé because he has seemed resentful in the past when I was around. He completely ignored me, not even saying hello when I arrived, and later stated that I stressed my daughter. She said that it would all be fine and that he “likes” me. I went and helped clean the new place for three days, mostly solo. He couldn’t break away from daily disk golf to be bothered, which she complained about. The home is quaint but was filthy and is an older home. I also helped her with her job at stables to finish quickly to get back to the house. I did freakout about the actual move because they have too much of everything to fit in the smaller home. I encouraged her to get rid of some junk. (Since the landlords were neither cleaning nor painting, as they had first promised, the first month of rent was to be free; the cleaning was a major ordeal and a dirty job.) After all the cleaning was done, and it was time to actually move, my daughter told me that she didn’t want me back at the new house. Also, between her job and cleaning the house, her fiancé came on the phone. She warned him twice that he was on speaker phone. That creeped me out, confirming that they bash me. I told her it was all hurtful. I went and stayed with my son a few days before returning to my home; his was the house they were moving out of. Long story short, I feel pain at their tactics. I also two years ago bought and care for two horses for my daughter on the promise that she would help every weekend . She shows up help to every two months, if that, usually not spending the night and arriving a day later than promised. When I worked overseas, my daughter and her fiancé visited, and I paid all of her expenses and most of his. Now they vacation in Mexico with his father. I’m not invited, but they asked for a loan on their last visit. I understand that I’m older, boring, and redundant; all I have to do is make a comment about birds in the sky to get an eye roll or sarcastic comment, if not outright laughter in my face from him. It’s painful, and I feel alone and suffer. My son is supportive and tells me to say NO! Both children have their own lives; I try not to be a pest or ask for help. However, I take exception to being asked for help or used by my daughter and then discarded. She has helped like I’ve helped. I put both through university and arranged for their first vehicles, as I think any parent should. I thought helping was reciprocal, but obviously, it’s not. I feel guilty when I do have to ask for help on my property. At this point, after the move, we are at a standstill, not visiting and not communicating. It helps to vent and realize that I am not going through this alone. Many are experiencing the same; it is painful and absolutely confusing. I feel like the worst person on the planet. Thanks.
  • NomoreNZ

    To Ceit and Tatty. Thank you both for acknowledging my outpouring of pain and sharing your own.

    None of us deserves the punishment that has been delivered to us. We’re human and in robust relationships we speak our minds and sometimes lose the plot. I would say that my ex and my oldest daughter brought out the very worst in me, my insanity!!

    With my oldest it was a constant battle over everything. Teaching her to drive was a nightmare and probably a good example of the craziest interactions. I attempted to assert my authority as the teacher and for all the safety reasons!! She agreed to this while we were stationary but as soon as the driving started and she was behind the wheel the challenging started, culminating in me screaming hysterically and her, as a learner driver yelling at me as we hurtled down the highway!!

    Then the constant demands for her own car and the usual comparisons to other mothers, who were much more accommodating than I was.

    It is now when I look back I realise how stressed I was with no support and trying to manage this bizarre situation that was continuous and ongoing.

    We were stressed to the max and yes lashed out out at times, but just as we forgive others who genuinely express regret and remorse we have to find a way to demonstrate compassion and understanding for ourselves. For others to refuse our apologies and refuse to let us off the hook is unacceptable and demonstrates a sick need to punish and blame. To make them right and you wrong.

    When I look around the world and read history and see monstrous acts perpetrated on others I think our crimes are really small potatoes.

    How we recover is hard to define but I’m experiencing some now. The grief lifts and the mental obsessions and ruminations become less frequent.

    Letting go of our expectations, disappointments and coming to terms with the bizarre turn our lives have taken is a huge challenge. The confusion, the questioning, the injustice all have to be processed.

    I have now adopted a philosophy that strangely is helping me.

    That is, I am insignificant in this world as we all are. So I don’t matter in the grand scheme of things and therefore it doesn’t matter what’s happened to me. Along with the other billions of people in the world who I don’t know anything about my daughters are now two more that I know nothing about. Their lives and what I do know now will become less over time and they will become invisible with no power to reach or touch me anymore.

    I pity them that they don’t have ability to resolve conflict and that this pattern of discarding will inevitably lead to very lonely and unsatisfying lives. I was devastated when my own mother died and it took a long time to recover. To reject your mother is beyond my comprehension.

    I can’t help them as much as I would if I could but I have been rendered powerless.

    My oldest daughter has over the years expressed a knowledge that she reacts differently to others, but she’s locked in and I could cry for her.

    She once said that her father and I should never had had children and I was shocked at the time as was the younger daughter.

    Sadly now I agree with her and this will be my ongoing regret and sadness. I have to forgive myself for having chosen the wrong man as their father and that is a hard one to reconcile.

    We can but walk away, put our energy into the path ahead and value what’s left to rebuild into the huge space their departure has left. 18.04.23

  • NomoreNZ

    To Ceit and Tatty. Thank you both for acknowledging my outpouring of pain and sharing your own.

    None of us deserves the punishment that has been delivered to us. We’re human and in robust relationships we speak our minds and sometimes lose the plot. I would say that my ex and my oldest daughter brought out the very worst in me, my insanity!!

    With my oldest it was a constant battle over everything. Teaching her to drive was a nightmare and probably a good example of the craziest interactions. I attempted to assert my authority as the teacher and for all the safety reasons!! She agreed to this while we were stationary but as soon as the driving started and she was behind the wheel the challenging started, culminating in me screaming hysterically and her, as a learner driver yelling at me as we hurtled down the highway!!

    Then the constant demands for her own car and the usual comparisons to other mothers, who were much more accommodating than I was.

    It is now when I look back I realise how stressed I was with no support and trying to manage this bizarre situation that was continuous and ongoing.

    We were stressed to the max and yes lashed out out at times, but just as we forgive others who genuinely express regret and remorse we have to find a way to demonstrate compassion and understanding for ourselves. For others to refuse our apologies and refuse to let us off the hook is unacceptable and demonstrates a sick need to punish and blame. To make them right and you wrong.

    When I look around the world and read history and see monstrous acts perpetrated on others I think our crimes are really small potatoes.

    How we recover is hard to define but I’m experiencing some now. The grief lifts and the mental obsessions and ruminations become less frequent.

    Letting go of our expectations, disappointments and coming to terms with the bizarre turn our lives have taken is a huge challenge. The confusion, the questioning, the injustice all have to be processed.

    I have now adopted a philosophy that strangely is helping me.

    That is, I am insignificant in this world as we all are. So I don’t matter in the grand scheme of things and therefore it doesn’t matter what’s happened to me. Along with the other billions of people in the world who I don’t know anything about my daughters are now two more that I know nothing about. Their lives and what I do know now will become less over time and they will become invisible with no power to reach or touch me anymore.

    I pity them that they don’t have ability to resolve conflict and that this pattern of discarding will inevitably lead to very lonely and unsatisfying lives. I was devastated when my own mother died and it took a long time to recover. To reject your mother is beyond my comprehension.

    I can’t help them as much as I would if I could but I have been rendered powerless.

    My oldest daughter has over the years expressed a knowledge that she reacts differently to others, but she’s locked in and I could cry for her.

    She once said that her father and I should never had had children and I was shocked at the time as was the younger daughter.

    Sadly now I agree with her and this will be my ongoing regret and sadness. I have to forgive myself for having chosen the wrong man as their father and that is a hard one to reconcile.

    We can but walk away, put our energy into the path ahead and value what’s left to rebuild into the huge space their departure has left. 18.04.23

  • Dez
    I was shocked to stumble upon this site. I had no idea so many parents are going through the trauma of having their adult child turn from them. My daughter lives overseas with her wonderful husband and two children. We were very close in spite of the distance butMore were aware we have very different views on life at times. A recent holiday with her triggered some past resentments I suspect but which she hasn’t told me. She treated me with polite indifference and lack of compassion when I became ill. This amazing daughter who I raised as a single parent to her and her sister, suddenly treated my like a nanny and a cleaner. Hardly spoke to me or included me socially. I did everything I could to help with the kids and the house. I returned exhausted and traumatised from what should have been a joyous reunion. I don’t know what happened but she won’t call me or text. We used to talk for hours now silence. She said some aspects of our relationship don’t work for her. I have no idea what she means and too afraid to find out. I am devastated gave my children everything I could love support encouragement education. This new woke generation think they are superior to the older generation. It is so painful I wanted to die. Although I’m sad for you all it helps to know I am not alone. I will do the best I can to live without her because I cannot compromise myself by accepting abuse from her.
    • Accountable
      see the Personal Bill of rights
  • Diana
    One week ago today, my 18 yr old son wanted to hang out with friends. Schoolnight curfew is 10pm. (Hes very difficult to wake in the morning for school). Hes a senior in high school. He notifies me about 9pm asking to stay out til midnight. The answerMore was no. He wrote me a text at 9:56 pm telling me they got a speeding ticket on the way home. My husband said if he breaks curfew he will need to turn in his phone. (We pay the phone bill). He then said “Im not coming home then.” And has not been home. We have talked to him since then to try to work this out. He has a history of being rude and belligerent when he is reminded of house rules. This conversation was no different. He refused to turn in the phone and refuses to come home. He has now blocked me from texting etc so I can no longer reach him. Im so worried about him. He has no job and isnt attending school. I keep asking myself what we did wrong. He refuses to accept responsibility meanwhile my heart feels ripped out of my chest.
    • Girlie
      When you make a treat such as take his phone, make good on it, if he is hiding out, just pause the phone subscription, so he knows you are for real, don’t threaten with punishments if you can’t keep them
    • Kriii
      He is an adult. Treat him as such.
  • Nomore NZ

    This forum is so valuable for parents who have been discarded by their adult children and I appreciate the opportunity to have some voice in the void of silence which often surrounds this subject.

    Estranged sounds more like 2 equal parties not having contact anymore but the reality for us is that our sons and daughters have rejected and discarded us and made it clear that it’s over. The simple truth is they no longer want us in their lives. No explanation, no opportunity to work through problems or issues, no closure! That’s too much hard work. That would demonstrate respect, maturity and a willingness to resolve the conflict and more importantly improve the relationship. They don’t want that, the message is I’m done with you!!

    So parents are left bewildered, traumatised, confused and heartbroken, and repeatedly asking the question, Why?? Makes no sense.

    We ruminate, question ourselves, regret our actions and words. Blame ourselves, or them or the ex or the DIL.

    I have done so much searching, so much examination of myself, the family, their childhoods and read about so many others experiences on this forum and many others. I’ve reached some conclusions and would love to get your feedback.

    I believe it starts with the changed relationship parents now have with their children and vice versa and a loss of communities and families that held us together.

    Parents like myself devote themselves to their child’s well being. We are very concerned about their education, their well-being, their health, their talents and abilities. We’re involved in everything, their sports, their interests, we know their friends, their friends families. We are continually cheering them on, supporting them, soothing their hurts, making sure they have everything we can provide and then some. We give into the demands and pestering, we want to be popular and acceptable to our children’s live.

    They cost us huge amounts of money, time and effort and for the most part we give willingly.

    Our children on the other hand experience from day one, receiving a never ending supply of love and resources. They absorb and shine with an A grade supply of admiration, applause at their every effort and achievement. This is the contract, we give, they receive. No chopping wood or hard labour for our precious ones, no it’s new ballet shoes, sleepovers and holidays.

    Of course with the best will in the world reality intervenes and we deal with divorces and conflict and trying to balance earning money and being the best we can be. Painful and difficult decisions have to be made and life is certainly not always comfortable but we honour our responsibilities.

    Our children grow up and become adults and we start pushing them into responsibilities and our expectations change. Children often react badly to this, what do you mean NO!!????

    The giving now has limits and we start adapting to changes, they go to college, have jobs and partners and their own plans. We start dreaming of our future lives of course with the expectation that we have life long relationships with our children. We will continue to support them, careers, marriages and welcome grandchildren.

    But they don’t always see it like that.

    The contract is over, we’ve changed the terms. They look at us and see irrelevance, neediness and liability, as we age and decline.

    So they look elsewhere for their A grade supply. They look at the trusty family car getting older, needing work, possible breakdowns, best get rid of it. But not until a replacement has been found, not until the new car has been acquired, enter new partnerships, new families and allegiances. They want new and different and that’s not you!!!

    Of course this pattern of discarding is not what most families experience, it’s a sign of dysfunction. Discarding is justified of course when there has been abuse and neglect but on this forum we are saying we have loved and cared for our children.

    Most personality disorders and mental health problems commonly emerge in early adulthood and we sometimes see behaviour in our offspring that we have never witnessed before around this time. Or we have had challenging behaviour through childhood or adolescence.

    Walking out on long relationships has always happened, the sudden departure of a spouse, it seems sudden but the quiet planning has been there, the other party just didn’t know it.

    I have experienced and observed the discarding behaviour from another angle as well. My ex husband and father of my now estranged 2 daughters, discarded his own family before I met him. He told me all sorts of fabricated accounts of his childhood and omitted to mention the ex wife and young son.

    I could never understand his lack of contact with his very large and from what I could see absolutely lovely family. We went to his mother’s funeral in Fiji and I met the loveliest and most welcoming family. Having conversations with them I started to realise that his accounts of his childhood were grandiose and lies. Later on I discovered the existence of a young son. I pleaded with him to see him and include him but he had no interest. Later in life I found letters from a sister begging him to have contact with his family and berating him for his failure to do so. What was his reaction to all this? Rage if pushed, so you avoid that, otherwise couldn’t care less. I never once saw distress or upset about his family.

    He only thought about himself, I was his money supply, looked after the kids, worked and paid the bills and he carried on with his secret life, cheating, lying and stealing.

    He was a narcissist, no guilt, no remorse, no empathy for the pain and heartache he inflicted on others.

    Your adult children who have turned their backs on you have a totally different experience of the situation. You are heartbroken, they don’t care. You long for a kind word, a smile some love and appreciation, they just want you to leave them alone, you no longer exist. If you push them you get rage and abuse. They keep the grandchildren away because they don’t want any attachment to form, never mind how valuable it would be for the children and you. You know too much about them and you could tell the inconvenient truth to their new families. They actually don’t and can’t love. They may seem happy with their new life but this is not the behaviour of healthy adults and I am very concerned about my daughter’s partner’s well being and shudder at the thought of them being mothers. Money trumps all of course and I notice many parents losing children to better money supplies.

    7 months discarded and I’m less fragile, don’t burst into tears at the slightest remark. Try not to hurt when listening to my friends and family talking about their sons and daughters, try to stay interested and connected. I sense their awkwardness and silence.

    So thanks, even if no one else reads this I’m better for getting my thoughts out there. I have read hundreds of your stories and feel so much compassion for you all, in turn it helps me hold compassion for myself and my partner.

    Only one answer really. Take care of yourself, that part of your life is over.

    • Sadmom

      Thank you for your thoughts! Came here looking for …. help to make sense of the unexplained drama that has now become my life. I read ao many stories of other mothers who are estranged from their daughters, and while I feel for these mothers, and understand their pain, our situations not being the same, they don’t help me with the understanding I am so desperately needing to move forward, to go on with a life - without my daughter in it.

      Your comment is very helpful in helping me make some sense of this possibly! Thank you!!

    • Flicker
      I hear you! I feel your pain! My son married and they have a child. I have done everything to support them, money, visits, gifts. Not a thank you. Really bizarre and irrational behavior especially the daughter-in-law. I actually feel sorry for her. I know my son is devastated atMore who his wife has turned into: "Crazy" is a kind way to describe it. My son has not talked to me for weeks. I send him lots of loving emails. His father died when he was a child. I am the only parent he has. I worry about my son and grandchild but my son says I am being offensive with my texts and threatened to block me. So now I just send him emails. Praying hard!!!
  • Gobsmacked
    My daughter and I were super close...I raised her on my own since she was 3 and gave it my absolute all, she is now 33...I dont live in the same town as her anymore, and moved back to town where I grew up...I would go and see daughter everyMore 3 months, and we would keep in touch daily by text or phone (Im on my own & retired)...She met this guy who is the worse possible person she could ever be with...I would go visit her for a few days, and he was working at pushing me out...He is super manipulating and controlling, and he does it with buying peoples reguard...He has had my daughter in tears for saying No to him...(she says, "oh its just a misunderstanding") I saw another time she spoke her mind and said, "I have to go"...so he put on the tears to make her feel bad...And she did! She came back to her place where i was waiting, all in tears...He is 45 year old man...This dude doesnt work...but he seems to have mega magic money ...He has more boy toys than my Dad did who worked for 30 years at a steady job! Big boat, new truck, electronic music gear,restored Jaguar car he paid someone to restore,trips, restaurants daily, buys whatever he wants...He does have a rock shop in the middle of no where, but he pays a woman to run it...pays the rent too there, and stocks it with crystals from far away places...He also thinks he is a wizard/elf...ya he has done lots of drugs, and i think still does...Daughter was straight and didnt even like booze, so who knows what goes now...She was beautiful and sweet...super responsible...This dude knows i dont like motorcycles and have lost family members that way, so what does he do...buys daughter a motorcycle!!!! He comes from a terrible background...His mother didnt want him...Dad not in the picture...Mom walked out on him at age 10 he said, so then he had to find the Dad that didnt want him, and i think lived with him and step mom 5 normal years, but then ran off...super opposite to how my daughter was raised!!!! So anyways its a horrible long story...Fast forward March 2022 my daughter and i were planning to travel a wee bit, and she wanted me to come visit earlier so we could go to travel agent etc...Also I was going to have a hospital procedure done, and needed someone to get me from hospital...She wanted to help me, but i told her it would be too awkward to get here in time...she was still going to try...About 5 days passed, and she did a complete 360 on me..."Mom Im going low contact for a while"...So i panicked and said "why", which lead to "Im going no contact"...I tried to ask what happened, which got me cut off and blocked from everything...no explanation...Super hurtful!!! Her Dude has been saying he is her family, but thats also my family and my only child!!!(he has a 14 year old son too)...I have no contact..nothing...just awful! I sent cards and things and one parcel got sent back, and i had to pay to recieve it back too..No mom day cards..no birthday cards, nothing...and she always sent me nice cards and things...Fast forward a bit to recent...I took a leap of faith and called her at work (last time i did that, she was nasty), I didnt get her at first and asked a call back..SHE CALLED ME...WOW!!!! I kept it kinda light, and asked she send me a thing of mine she had...she was nice to me...I told her i loved her and missed her...she told me she loved me too...BUT, Im still cut off and blocked :( I dont understand any of it...She deserves so much better than that clown....He is also very rude...She has had boyfriends before, they were not like that...I really miss her...Sorry for the rant, but it all helps...So does aquafit help, and the gym etc...Love and hugs to all of you hurting out there..its heart breaking :(
  • Ceit

    Dear NomoreNZ,

    I don't know if you'll ever read this but sadly I have reached the same conclusion as you. I've done all the writing,the reaching out, the crying, the beating myself up, feeling the pain of being judged,found wanting and just abandoned. You wouldn't treat a dog the way I have been treated after too many years of running after (okay, willingly), solving financial problems, providing shelter for both of my kids. I have literally been taken for a ride. That's not cynical, those days are past, but just factual. First my oldest child cut me out and took the two grandkids with them, sending me an awful letter some months later describing me as an abuser, emotionally, physically the lot. Neglect, ridicule and chiding me for'getting bolder' and being an evil & manipulative person who needs psychiatric help. I don't need to describe to anyone on here how that feels, the physical and mental anguish you experience. Disbelief that someone you love so much who you raised would gaslight you in this way. Then months later my second child kicks off apparently they have problems with me too (so it must be true...). Counselling doesn't help and the situation implodes as my heart explodes. No proper contact for 6 months and the last 7 weeks none at all at their request. I don't know this adult child who was my pride and joy. Who I never had a bad word with until now. Apparently they don't feel they have anything in common with me, I'm a source of stress and anxiety to them and I have no idea what it's been like for them as a child of divorced parents (it was 17yrs ago and silly me thought I'd got out scotfree). They'll get in touch when they feel ready.

    I have travelled a long journey. Getting out of an emotionally abusive and exploitative marriage of 22yrs with a narcissist.My oldest child is a version if him and I was led a merry dance for nearly 38yrs and now I discover 17yrs and a new loving partner later, that my younger child is also self centred and totally lacking in empathy. They say love is blind.

    So I too have finally decided to save myself and only have people in my life who have kindness and care as the basis for who they are. I cannot see any other way for me to move forward in peace and dignity. I am 64yrs of age and I deserve better than they are willing or able to give me. Do I love them? With all my heart but that's just not enough to save the situation.I an sad because I have to admit to myself that I have lost that unconditional love devotion & loyalty to them that was always just there. I didn't mean for it to go and I don't know exactly when it happened. They won't even notice.

  • Tatty
    New on here and want to say that the estrangement between my youngest daughter and I is of my doing, I pushed her into it with a despicable and unforgivable barrage of messages, since then she has refused my heartfelt apologies, returned letters unopened and refused an invitation to ChristmasMore dinner. She hates me. I hate me. I take responsibility but find living with the heartbreak so very, very difficult. We are all in unimaginable pain for vastly different reasons and I admire each and everyone of you out there for bearing it.
    • Flicker
      In true love, we never kill the other. Please forgive yourself. If someone truly loves you, even if they don't trust you and guard against further injury from you, they don't abandon you. I feel your pain!
  • NomoreNZ

    Today I feel lighter somehow different from the past 7 months when things blew up with my 2 daughters 25 and 31

    The occasion was their fathers death. I had supported them with his care for 3 years of his declining health and memory, even though I had left him 15 years ago. I used to joke to friends that with his memory loss he forgot how much he hated me but being a taker till till the end lapped up my nursing care.

    I sat with my younger daughter and kept vigil during his end of life care, I was there to support her.

    The day after my older daughter arrived from overseas they made a phone call to me which changed everything. My partner, of 15 years, they requested that she not attend our planned family gathering. The girls and their partners would be there but I was to leave her out. Very upset, emotional and overly reactive I said no and refused to attend.

    From my point of view they lobbed a grenade and I pulled the pin and the whole thing exploded, injuries all round. I was blindsided to say the least and from that point I refused to help them anymore. They had everything they needed, inherited a house, had partners with good jobs and I told them to now get on with it. To me it was a reaction and I was outraged on the basis of having helped and supported them so much. I thought it was family conflict, a huge upset but repairable in time when all parties would own their part in it. This is how my family relationships have worked for my 67 years My younger daughter refused all contact with me from that moment on.

    We had been so close and harmonious, she was already independent and living away from home.

    When I attempted to work it out she sent me a vile text making absurd accusations about my mothering and its deficits. No neglect or abuse but incidents that clearly she and her sister had been offended by.

    I was shattered and stunned by her vitriol and her declaration that she never wanted to see me again.

    My older daughter has been a very difficult personality, demanding, attacking and I hadn’t realised how much damage she had been doing in the background, smearing and poisoning people against my partner of whom she had always been jealous.

    I called my daughter out on her accusations and behaviour which brought forth further abuse, saying I was insane and psychotic and once again ending our relationship and punishing me forever.

    I have been devastated and in emotional agony. Days in bed crying, loss and hurt like no other. I have also tried to understand and make sense of it all. Been educating myself on narcissism and all its manifestations. Their father was one and my older daughter also, but I thought the younger one was different and “saved” from this horror. I now realise I was wrong and she has behaved in text book descriptions of covert narcissism from an injury to her ego, ie. me saying NO.

    Now I am estranged from my daughters and their partners who I loved. There now is now not the future I anticipated and the loss has been profound.

    I have attempted to sooth the situation but my daughter has rebuffed all attempts, I too have done the apologising and gift giving with no response.

    I have read so many heartbreaking accounts from parents on this forum that has both assisted my healing by realising I’m not alone but also has made me so angry. I am sorry to see so many parents desperately trying to reestablish the relationships with their adult children and being on the receiving end of so much calculated cruelty. The adult children know you’re heartbroken and yet they continue to treat their parents with contempt, abuse and assert their power to be mean.

    I now want to say to my fellow suffering parents, your relationships are on life support and you are maintaining your vigil of hope of reconciliation. Even if the relationship revived it is so badly damaged that it will never fully recover and you leave yourself more vulnerable in the process. Turn off the machine and walk away. Accept the death and grieve. It will never return. I am not there yet but my goal is not to reconcile and try to make everything better as we parents always do but to achieve a state of absolute indifference to them. How dare they or anyone else treat me or you so badly. They don’t deserve my love and care and I no longer give it. I resign from the most thankless job I have ever had and hence my lightness of being today.

    • Tatty
      Just joined today as I am desperate.I don't know when you wrote this or if you still log in or even if things have changed for you.What I do know is that your words about calculated cruelty and being on life support tore into me and when you said 'turnMore off the machine and walk away'it was what I wanted to hear. But how do you do that if you deserve the calculated cruelty, contempt and abuse? because you see I do deserve it and I take responsibility for having to wear the badge of 'UNFIT MOTHER'. I need help to continue living with that though.
  • Ashley
    My daughter quit talking to me about the day before mothers days 2022. She was only 17 then and was living with my grandmother 1 state away bc me, my husband(her stepdad) and her brother who is 15 moved and she wanted to stay there with her boyfriend and graduateMore together and all that. Which we were visiting regularly, and she would come home for holidays and all. However, when I would leave my grandmothers after visiting my daughter would come up with excuses to stay at her boyfriends house overnight. Anything to get her withy him 24/7. So, after a while I caught on and told the boyfriends mom she needed to go to my grandmothers bc that was our deal, she was to be home by 8 to 9 pm with my grandmother. But, it got to where the boyfriends mom would let her stay and take her to get clothes and such to spend the night. Then next thing I know she is basically moved in and was having very little to do with me and the family. So, I decided after I had put on 100s of dollars and my daughter was also getting money from the boyfriends mom, because they are wealthy that I was done. I felt used! So when I don’t that she just completely cut ties with me and now doesn’t want us at her graduation or anything. Y’all I do not know what else to do bc anyway I have to contact her she has me blocked and everyone thinks I abandoned her when really she pushed all of her family away😢 Y’all please give your input and let me know. Does it seem like it it was all my fault? Am I wrong? Idk what to do anymore but it’s killing me. She was my first love and y’all I am dying without her! Help
    • Raven
      Ashley, I am sorry about what you and others, including myself, are suffering through. It is absolutely gut wrenching and heartbreaking. Our experiences have different twists but are essentially the same. We are all human and imperfect, but we all did the best we could under the circumstances. I’m feelingMore the same as you. It’s difficult to get through the days and nights. Strength your way. It does help having found this platform.
  • Lost mom
    My 26 yr old daughter cut me off Sept 2022. I have been depressed, grieving, praying, ashamed and at a loss. I miss her. I miss my grandchildren. I just do not see reconcilliation. She has created a tiktok to heal from me being a horrible mother. She flips theMore bird, screams FU, smokes pot and laughs about how terrible I was to her. I just don’t know how we got here. I was not a perfect mom but I tries. I have apologized so many times for my failures. She has me blocked on everything. I have recently been asking God to help me to be able to live life. I miss her.
  • Mickey
    Our 44 yr old daughter never has time for us doesn’t work has 2 children with her husband she never has time for us. I always must initiate a text or phone call n hear back in a day or never. This is very agonizing sheMore is an only child and has narcissistic behaviors. Currently it’s gotten worse Need tips on dealing with this very sad.
  • Petfriendly
    We adopted a 4yr old female child from Korea in 1986. She was the most important person in our lives. Her dad and me did all we could to provide a great life for our daughter. Unfortunately, she caused problems from the beginning. I put out fires all the time.More As a therapist, I resisted thinking of her as problem, just create the best for our family. We had a lovely horse farm and she had a pony and went to good schools. We tried to keep her involved with other Korean adoptees through the adoption agency in the beginning but she resisted. She divided and conquered and almost achieved causing my husband and I to divorce. We made it and eventually he saw how manipulative she was. I never gave up helping her, the last being in 2007 when she left her 1st husband and needed to come back east to the farm. It was merely a con. My family, friends, teachers and anyone who would listen believed I was horrible. I was confronted with questions I did not understand as was my husband. She married again and left and refused to ever speak to me again. That happened when we were out with friends and family for Easter dinner. The last words I heard from her were how much she hated my last name which she had until she married. The whole thing was about her needing her passport and I suggested she keep her maiden name. She left the restaurant and I knew I might not ever see her again. Sometime later she contacted her father and told him she wanted to have relationship with him but never with me again. Thankfully, he told her we were a package deal and she stopped speaking to him. A few years ago he was diagnosed with melanoma and he wrote to her. She responded but never said anything about cancer just how her friends grandparent were very sick with COVID. It was cold and he was hurt but very angry as she stated she did not want anymore drama in her life. That occurred about 4 years ago. Recently, she moved with her husband to a remote area to a huge home with lost of acreage and winter temperatures common below zero. I know she is running as she did before from police questioning her for some events. Why do I care so much? I want more than anything to hear her voice, say, Hi Mom, how are you? Most of my family is gone now. I am 74, still a therapist to keep me from thinking about how I can fix a narcissist. Thirteen years this April and I do not want to give up. Thankfully, I found this place to vent.
  • HealingMomof5

    I was brought up by a narcissistic mother (who I cut ties with 5 years ago) and then married a narcissist for 20 years, divorced 9 years ago. Needless to say I was a mess for most of my life and have spent the last 11+ years in weekly therapy, sometimes even twice per week. I survived my emotionally, psychologically and verbally abusive marriage by focusing ALL my efforts on trying to love my children enough to get through our lives. Looking back I now see all the things I did wrong but you can't blame yourself for what you didnt know.

    My two oldest daughters, who were the first to cheer when I told them I was divorcing their father, no longer speak to me. The younger of the two is at least civil when we see each other at her younger siblings school functions but I haven't see or spoken to the oldest in over 5 years. It's been very difficult trying to figure out what went wrong and why they won't speak to me. At least if there had been a big fight or something then at least it would make sense. I think the not knowing is the hardest part. I suspect that their father who they still speak to now, may have a hand in this. But there is no way to know for sure.

    After finding this article and reading others I am going to try to emotionally disconnect from the situation. Because like many have said when we try to make an attempt and it's met with nothing but silence the injury becomes brand new again and it's agonizing. So my hope is that if I send birthday and Christmas cards in the same mind set as paying bills that maybe I can save myself some heartache while continuing to show that I do still care and hope to one day reconcile.

  • Diva7

    My oldest of 2 children, my only daughter stopped talking to me March 2022, but sent me a birthday greeting the month before. She has blocked me from calling her too. I don’t really know what I d it d to deserve this treatment. She told her aunt ( my sister) that I did not respect her “ boundaries “ . I’m confused and really hurt. I drive her to private school everyday, took her to prom after shopping with her. I even raised her in the church. She had the same boyfriend of 13 years and has no intentions of marrying or having babies.

    What should I be doing?

    • Raven
      Regarding “boundaries,” my daughter constantly referenced that fact that she’s setting boundaries in her life. In other words, her boundaries eliminate me from her life. Heartbreaking.
  • Leslie
    Yesterday I came across a group text message from a decade ago in which my youngest announced to his siblings he wanted nothing to do with me. He said because I wasn't there for him in childhood I didn't deserve to be in his adult life and no longer wantedMore to "lead me on". At the time of my 2nd divorce in 1999 my children were ages 2,3,5,and 7. The youngest is now 25. The eldest, now 31 had been estranged for 14 years but in the last several months we have begun casual communication online for which I am most grateful. I lost the bonds with all 4 of my children through parental alienation. I was the non-custodial parent and had I realized then the irreparable damage my decision to divorce would cause us all I would have just endured a unloving marriage for their sake. I was never abusive. In fact I was a very loving, creative, and involved parent. It was the marital relationship that was the issue. I lacked the maturity required to stay committed in marriage when things went south. I just didn't consider how divorce and the subsequent separation between myself and my children would effect them or myself. I suppose I went into a deep denial in order to manage? I was focused on building from square one as I had been a "stay at home" mom. I had to enter the workforce, working 2 jobs to support myself and to pay child support. I had to recreate a home life for my children to visit. Being the non-custodial parent seems to automatically paint you as the 'bad one'. I certainly contributed to the failure of the marriage. But the abusive tactic of parental alienation was wielded against me which planted the seeds in these estrangements. The two middle adult children never succumbed to the pressures from my exes to distance themselves from me and I am so grateful those relationships have remained intact and that my eldest has reached out to me. It's a very big deal. But the continued estrangement with my youngest keeps me in deep sorrow. It is difficult to get out from the weight of all of the blame, especially when the grief of loss has rendered you vulnerable in just agreeing it is all your fault. I wish I could go back and alter my decisions.
  • Rob

    I haven’t been able to see my daughter or her family for 18 months now, following a argument at a family gathering,

    I have tried and have done everything I’ve been asked to, but to no end,

    I miss them all desperately, and it’s now destroying our marriage, after 45 years of being together 🥲

  • Traveling Mom

    My daughter is 29 and one year ago we found out she was addicted to meth. Over 5 years ago she moved out to Colorado to follow her dreams of hiking and living in the mountains. I supported her in these dreams as I have always wanted to travel but never felt like I could leave our home town because of family and work. I visited her twice a year and noticed from time to time she was losing weight but she always said she was busy started her new company and never had time to sit and eat.

    Back up 18 years ago her father and I went through I pretty nasty divorce and I always felt like he wasn’t very supportive of my relationship with my daughter but I always pushed her to have a relationship with her father. I remarried shortly after our divorce and my daughter lived with us for 5 years at which time she moved in with her dad because in our state at the age of 15 a child can decide where they want to live. She lived with him a a short period of time then moved back in with us and the switching back and forth began. I finally put a stop to it because I felt like she would not do good in school by always switching schools. All this begin said she’s never been a fan of her step father even though it was not justified other than she felt like he got all my attention and she said she got none.

    After we found out she was on drugs my ex and I were able to move her back home which was my exes house. I had retired over 6 months earlier and began selling off assets in order to start living a nomad lifestyle so I really had no place for her to stay. After she was sober she began counseling and an addiction program. After 4 months in the program and she and I had a heart to heart about my plans of traveling and she told me she wanted me to follow my dreams and travel like I always wanted. She told me she wasn’t going to stay long but did want to continue her programs for now. I made sure we were going to stay in contact with one another no matter where I was. She was in complete agreement or so I thought. Two months into my traveling and nomad lifestyle she told me she was upset that I left and she needed time to come to terms with it. I have texted her everyday for the past 7 months and she does not respond. Finally on Christmas Day she sent me a blistering text about how I have always only thought about myself and always put my husband above her and she needed time to heal and she needed for me to give her time and space to heal. I did send another text stating I would leave her alone for now but it wasn’t what I wanted but I would give her some space.

    I’m so worried that she’ll never talk to me again. She’s so angry with me. I love my daughter more than she’ll ever know. All I want is for her to be ok and not revert back to the drugs so I’m now walking on egg shells. I think I really need help some days it’s almost too much to handle.

  • Rose
    Sometimes I just don’t want to wake up. So low
    • Janet
      Me too 💔
      • Elephants1964
        Me too :(
  • Joe Kirk
    I have been estranged from my 14 year old daughter for over two years and do not know what to do.
  • Kiddo
    It’s a pain I wouldn’t wish on anyone
    • Marsha
      It’s devastating. This is the 2nd time she has stopped communicating with me. I’m so afraid she’s not going to reinstate our relationship, which I thought was good. I just don’t know what to do. I’m tired of crying. Thanks for listening.
  • I am nothing

    It is of some comfort to read such different, yet similar stories. For me it is almost three years since my son and daughter moving out of state with their cruel, petty, vindictive mother...never even saying goodbye. They are now 19 and almost 20. I was their custodial single dad from when they were 8 and 10 years old, when their mother skipped town to live with a new boyfriend (who later abused her).

    My kids were the most wonderful anyone could imagine from birth to about ages 14-15. I read to them every night, we went on great vacations, hiked, skied, went canoeing and camping, picked fruit and made pies together, and enjoyed board games, going to the movies, theater, etc., etc. They were top students and did sports and ballet. It truly was a dream come true.

    The one consistent theme is that my ex-wife always offered a way to flee to her if they were having troubles with me or with each other. She implicitly reinforced not working out problems, and encouraged just walking away from anyone that bothers you. Just like she did with me. One of the last times we spoke before the split, I apologized to her for some of the things that I know had upset her, and said that I regret those things. She thanked me for that, so I asked her if she had anything of a similar nature to say? She shook her head in thought and then finally said that she regretted that she wasn't tougher on me. In fourteen years of marriage, she was faultless and perfect.

    My children are likely forever out of my life because of a handful of times where everyone involved got angry and raised their voices. That's it. No abuse, alcoholism, poverty, none of that stuff. They grew up in a scholarly home full of books, no TV blaring, music of all types playing all the time. They had excellent schools and a safe college town environment.

    All three of them have contempt for me, the kids learning it from their mom. They used to get astonishingly angry at my sincere attempts to talk things through, to go to counseling...all the normal reality checks that someone does when they love and want to heal a relationship. Everything I said was viewed as an attempt to manipulate, therefore my sincere efforts were always be greeted with suspicion. Talking to either or both of them was a foray into a world of madness.

    I lost everyone that mattered to me. Every day is still survival, but I begin to recognize that there is maybe a life for me still at age 59. My current plan is to finish up some of the very fulfilling work I still have as a college professor, sell my home full of memories that torment me as much as they still make me smile, and within 5 years start a completely new life, and virtually a new identity.

    My kids are still be in my will but that's all. I have decided that rather than torture myself with hope, I will work hard to compartmentalize and forget. I have seen the comments here from people who haven't had contact in decades and are still trapped in sorrow.

    I am practicing Buddhism, meditation, and a form of self-hypnosis to put all of the memories of their childhood and all the incredible love we all had for each other into a 'place' that I visit, happily, on occasion. I will visit my kids, my REAL kids...have a wonderful time with them, and then say goodbye...until the next time. I refuse to allow the two of them, whatever they are now, to take their former selves away from me.

    In Buddhism it is said that to be nothing is enlightened and through extraordinary suffering I finally understand it. To recognize this means that you can no longer be harmed in this way. It is true humility. Only the eternal present exists, although occasional (healthy) visits to the past and future are permitted.

    • Flicker
      You write beautifully and thank you so much for your wisdom. My children's father died when they were young and my life for those beautiful spirits until they faded away was as much the greatest joy as the hardest work. Fortunately, thanks to their father, who had the soul ofMore an angel, one of my children has not abandoned me. As for my will, I will leave it all to my grandkids, split equally among my children. They'll still get lots of money UNLESS they have children. Then the grandchildren get their entire share!
    • Kiddo
      Thank you
    • stump
      I am in a similar situation as you I have not seen my adult daughter in three years and was not invited to her graduation from college this week. I have not seen my son in two years. This was as the result of a bad divorce with theirMore extremely controlling mother who immediately attacked the two most important things in my life, my two kids. She lied to them at every turn to alienate them but there was little I could do to set the record straight. I spent every waking moment with them as kids and adored them both. But here I am stuck loving them with no contact. Every time I see some light where they may reach out to me there mother immediately is there shutting the door. I don't wish this kind of hopeless pain on anyone. I wish I could let go, but I have trouble giving up.
      • I am nothing

        Many (most?) loving parents feel sorrow when their kids are grown and gone, missing all those fun, warm, loving years. But no parent gets to have all that back. This is what I look at as 'normal' sorrow, the inevitable result of loss of love...and we will all lose our loved ones eventually, unless you believe in an eternal afterlife. What is not normal is what has happened to you and I, but it is important to not confuse the sorrow of missing your young kids and and the sorrow of what has happened since. I often catch myself confusing or, worse, combining the two. So there's that.

        I mentioned Buddhism, but full disclosure, it is correctly termed a 'practice.' Like anything of that type, if I slack off the practice, things get worse easily.

        It sounds like your ex and mine are similar, although yours sounds more explicit, while mine is implicit, and it took me a long time to realize the effect of her vindictiveness on what use to be our family.

        One counselor advised me to stop trying to contact them because it both renews my/your trauma and satisfies their misguided attitudes. You may want to consider that, but I suppose you have to be prepared to accept the consequences. I have been moving closer to accepting those consequences and rather than placing my fate at their whim, I am hoping for a new life for myself in the years that remain. We get one shot at all this, and as you well know, it goes by quickly enough...

        • Flicker
          Your wisdom is so greatly appreciated! Please believe it it because the truth echoes in another soul here.
  • Simon in Ireland
    Just adding my voice to the huge sad outpouring here. I got divorced from my daughters Mother some 12 years ago and have been trying to rebuild my relationship with my 22 year old daughter ever since. I've tried throwing money, I've tried not throwing money, I've tried being veryMore communicative, and I've tried not communicating for months at a a time. Tried funny cat photos (some response), tried everything. It feels like I have this one impossibly thin thread of connection with her, that I am in constant danger of snapping. It has worn me out over the years. I can't afford to maintain the hope any longer that she will come around, that things will improve, that I can be her Father again. Yesterday I asked her to explain to me what went wrong, why she doesn't want a relationship with me. Even if it's just a word or two or a short sentence then I will have something and I can have some closure. I don't understand why a daughter would let her Father just hang on this thin thread of hope with no explanation or reason or some sort of adult conversation, for a decade. So I asked her yesterday. I'll give it a month for a response, then I have to just move on and forget her, push her memory away as someone I used to know. I can't carry on like this.
    • Kiddo
      I’m sorry. I hope things get better for all of us.
  • Ali
    I am looking for answers as to why my 21 year old daughter chose to cut ties with the entire family. I could blame the divorce yet her father and I parented and did our best to respect each household’s rules. I thought maybe the rules were too much forMore her to follow, yet she did follow the rules until she met her boyfriend. For this man-child to encourage her to not follow the rules, come home in the wee hours without sending a message that she would be late is one thing, yet he encouraged her to voice her opinion (“I’m an adult and don’t need to tell you my business) and the final act of allowing her to move in with he and his parents is just too much to handle. I should be relieved that she is “safe” yet I’m not for she has blocked all communication and in her words “is not ready to talk”. At one time she was independent and did her own thinking yet this individual and his enabling parents have brainwashed her.
  • Heartbroken

    Still as sad as I was when they cut me off 7 years ago.. both my daughters sided with their father during a difficult divorce. He made it clear the breakdown was all my fault, maybe it was. To punish me he convinced the girls I was truly evil

    Everyday I think of them and only hope they are happy and safe. Struggling to think of another Christmas with no contact

  • So sad

    I don't know where to start. My daughter and I started to have issues when she was 14. After she got hormonal, and the first covid lock down. She was nasty and sullen. Wanted to stay in her room all the time. I was struggling, but thought it was normal mom daughter stuff that would pass. Then, all of the sudden,she went to her dad's and never came back. 16 months ago. Her dad has allowed her to be in charge, see me or not, speak to me or not. He runs interference for her. She now refuses to go to therapy and acts totally indifferent about me.

    I did everything for her she ever wanted and more, but because I wouldn't allow her to be nasty to me, she cut me off.

    • umbar
      I have also been in this situation. My daughters father has poisoned her mind against me and I haven’t seen her now for 2 years. I miss her everyday and it hurts so much. I feel it will now always be the same her dad doesn’t want herMore to see me and she thinks he is amazing. I hope maybe when she’s older it may change, she is now 17.
  • Broken-hearted mom
    Me and my now 29 year old son were so close and I have to admit I did go through a hard time whenever he moved out. But then he get engaged and married now he never calls to check on me or his step-dad we got to the pointMore we quit inviting him and his wife to anything that way they don't have to make up excuses. My heart literally is so broken I cry in my car I cry at home. I feel like a failure or something. I just wish one day my phone would ring and it would be him just to say hey I love you mom
  • Zak

    My son left me yesterday. He’s 17 and lived with my wife and I’m absolutely heartbroken, we just thought he was going through a phase but was starting to isolate himself more and more . I tried to talk to him but couldn’t get through to him. He was doing well at school with his A levels .

    We noticed he was staying online for up to 16 hours chatting to friend , social

    Medial and gaming .

    We asked him to try and find a balance as it started affecting our relationship and his education but instead it just made things worse.

    Then yesterday said he wanted to leave and go to his biological mum who has not been part of his like for many many years . I couldn’t believe he would leave us .

    I’m a mess right now and in all honestly I’m grieving his not being here . I’m just a mess … I’ve just received and email from him

    Saying can he have his Snapchat verification code. For him he’s just moved on as if nothing has happened and as well as being

    Upset I’m angry .

    I’m just in a daze and feel totally empty . His

    Biological mother lives 15 miles away and I worry that he will leave the school he’s at here and go to one local there .

    The school he goes to where I live is

    One of the best ones in Yorkshire and where his Biological mother is it’s not a very nice place. I’m just so numb right now .

    I don’t know what’s going to happen all I know is that he’s gone and we are left here.

    • Marsha
      My sadness has turned to anger. I feel your pain too. I just don’t know what to do. I guess all we can do is try to keep busy and hope for a better tomorrow.
  • Unicite99

    I was in a puddle of tears when I got on the internet to distract myself and wrote my issue to find this site. Reading all the comments, all parents here devoted their lives to their kids which proves I’m right coming to the realization that the main reason to cutting ties is to prove to themselves they’re adult and can make it on their own without needing our help, and I have to mentioned getting used to taking and not giving of course. I’m new to all this . My 24 yr old son moved out only several months ago and the shock came right after, it didn’t come gradually. We were very close as his dad was never involved in his upbringing. We were one and had only each other. Cutting ties was never something I would even imagine. And although I reached that realization and figured out he might come around when he proves himself by himself in the real world, it never made me feel better. Then reading comments about the cutting ties for years is really scaring me. I already feel I’ve lost my son as I know him, and living on the hope he’ll come back around when it’s the right time. Why do rejected kids always try to get in touch with their parents, to prove themselves to them and earn their love. Always yearning for parents care, when ours are rejecting ours and hating it is beyond me and boggling my mind. Did we all make a mistake when we gave too much, when we gave ourselves and our lives?? Is that why now when they turned around and closed the door, we feel empty and that our life is completely meaningless?? Don’t they share our love because it was always there, granted, never missed, like a filthy rich person who has always had money that he doesn’t know what to do with so for him, money is worthless?? Did we do it wrong all along? I’ve always thought you receive only love when you give love!!! Will I do it any differently if I go back in time? No, but at least I’ll be a little bit prepared. He was my only friend, my only family, my world, and thought I’m his!!! I was the mother who thought that with such great communication and unconditional love, I would never be one of the mothers estranged by their own kids. We’ll always be special to each other an unbeatable team!!

    I know it’s not the place to ask questions and I’m not asking, I’m just simply thinking out loud.

  • Excluded

    I have been excluded from my sons life for over 2 years. Prior to his engagement to my (now) DIL, we got along excellent. I was a teenage mom. My parents helped and raised him, but we have always had an excellent, open, honest relationship. We have talked about everything and anything and he has never had any resentment, hard feelings. I have been a fixture in his life through all of this. We may not be your typical mother/son, but we were SOLID! Once my DIL came into the picture, well, once they got engaged, that COMPLETELY changed. It isn’t so much the WHAT I did. It’s that she doesn’t approve of my choices early on. Regardless, I do feel she has influenced him. They more or less haven’t spoken to me in over two years, this time. Prior to that it was over a year. They did start speaking to me again before my first grandson was born, but my DIL wanted a meeting to set some ground rules. She did all the talking. My son just sat there. I suffer from depression and anxiety, something I never told my DIL. At the “meeting” she told me I would never be allowed to spend time alone with my grandson. I was devastated!

    I’ve tried to do things their way, but feel as if I’m playing some type of game where I don’t know the rules. I care for my aging mother and anytime they come to pick her up my DIL comes to the door. I believe it is because she doesn’t want my son and I to talk. Unfortunately, I have to see them at family gatherings. It’s not unfortunate, but it is very painful. They speak to every other member of my family except for me. I have only held my grandson 3 times. He’s 2 and a half. I don’t know what to do or how to cope. My son says hello at the most. My DIL won’t speak to me or look at me.

    Today my granddaughter was born. Every family member of mine was kept informed of the preGnancy and sent pictures and texts when she was born. My mother lives with me, so when my son called to tell her, I was rigHt there. It’s another level of pain haVing to hear that conversation. My mother asked him if he wanted to talk to me. He said no. More rejection. I know I will be excluded from seeing her or going to her baptism, visiting or anything. I don’t get much support from my family as they don’t really know what to do and there is quite a bit of dysfunction when it comes to communication. Im in therapy, but it doesn’t erase the pain and rejection. Sorry for the book, but I’m glad I found this site.

    • Flicker
      Your story is just as important as anyone else's. I have a daughter-in-law like that. I explained to her that she is NOT a part of my relationship with my son. In my son's presence. Since then she has treated both of us like crap. Now my son is madMore at me. I understand. He has to live with her. My son will decide my future relationship with him and his children which might be none. As for that daughter-in-law, I will not give her an atom of control over my life. My mom always told me that in life, if you do not have your self-respect, you have nothing! And that we come into the world and leave it alone. I read the sad stories here and prepare to become one of them. I am in good company. Most of you sound like much better people than me.
  • Mike
    I got divorced in 1990 my daughter was 2 at the time. My first mistake other than having a child with someone who shouldn’t have kids was to think my daughter would be ok having divorced parents. Boy! was I wrong about that. I didn’t count on her seeing otherMore kids families. It also didn’t help that her mom was not stable. Although I was more stable I was not in a position to be a full time dad. So I tried to be the best weekend dad I could. Although I know I could have been a better dad. I was up against more than I could handle. Twice her mom took her and left the state. I had gotten custody after the second time permanently but before that I had to take custody temporarily not less than 4 times while her mother went from one disaster to the next. I married again and got divorced all the while trying to build a relationship with my daughter. See I went through a horrific childhood soo had no guidance. So I wanted to have a good relationship with her. I dated a lot after my divorce and somehow this put a huge wedge in between us. It also affected my ability to have a stable relationship because I was questioned about my parents skills by women I dated. They wondered why my daughter wouldn’t talk to them. I fought hard for custody to the point I went deeply in debt for it. With almost zero family support. So now my daughter doesn’t talk to me. This is recent. Last several months. I am at the end of my rope. By heart is broken. I also have a grand daughter I can’t see. I text and call and get nothing.
  • 20 years

    It’s 20 years since I have have had proper contact with my daughter. I hear about what she is up to from time to time from others and send a Christmas and birthday card every year. I never get a response.

    It’s hard when I really sit and think about it. I think about her complicated teenage years and all that went on. I think about my feelings towards her now. I love her, she is my child who I brought up until she was in her mid teens, but I don’t know her now. I am not sure I would recognise her if I saw her in the street and I don’t know how I would react, she has started to feel less real somehow.

    It’s devastating to realise things have got like this. It feels like it’s happened open another life or to someone else. I get on with life but her loss sits on my shoulder, creating a gap. A gap that is evident when I realise a friend doesn’t know I have a daughter or I am asked how many children I have.

    • Flicker
      Much love for you!
  • Angelag

    I don’t know where to begin,so much chaos in my life for the past 20 years. I will try to summarize. Was married in 87’, had my 1st daughter in 88’ and 13 mos later my second daughter. In 2000 separated however he moved in to a second home I had bought only 3 doors down! 2007, divorced which was a war of the roses type. During this period, my 13 yo daughter decided she did not like the discipline in my home so she went to her fathers. He had parties galore with all the biker types vacationing there, mostly men. In the meantime my youngest daughter, was my prayers answered, dual enrolled , she graduated with honors and attending a very affluent college with acquiring a full 4 yr scholarship. My oldest daughter in the meantime got married to her h.s sweetheart and he joined the military. Had my grandson and was stationed in Hawaii. My youngest daughter graduated college with 2 bachelor degrees, as she interned on Capital Hill and was also a published member of our countries Minerva think tank for our nation at 18 yrs old. BUT THEN: she got involved with a boy from our town who got her into drugs, she had a baby who ended up in my x’s custody but was also with me in my home 3 doors down. She was in and out of jail and eventually due to no grandparents rights, was handed to the father even though he was unfit and all that? Back to my eldest daughter, while in Hawaii for 3 yrs I did visit her 3x. I thought we were getting close but she always seemed to be blaming me somehow for her upbringing? In 2014 my ex passes and his mother was able to get everything he owned and gave nothing to either of our children. Mind you there was never a day in my kids lives that I ever was without them and gave them everything, I bought 2 of everything as well but somehow I was not a good mother?? Well the time came for her to move back to her home state and her husband after 13 yrs in the military was not reinlisting so she came home and of course so did her pets and her home stuff as well as my grandson and I had them and all their things in my home for a yr or so , until she found a home to buy and her husband took a contracting job in Afghanistan for a yr. I helped her clean and paint and gut the kitchen as well as any thing else she needed, even put the tiles in the kitchen for her . Now it came the time I insisted she take her 3 cats, her rabbit and her dog as well as he belongings to her home. Xmas 2020, I had found myself shopping for presents for weeks alone, no joy! Gave them all the gifts and they all left for their home. They came back with a uhaul 2 days later got all their stuff and I haven’t heard from them since, mind you , the house they bought is in the same town about 10 minutes away. My youngest actually sent me a birthday card this yr , first time I heard from her in 7 yrs. Still issues though.

    I find in the past 2 yrs and 10 mos. , I have been painting my home, in and out, getting a new roof, pressure washer washing,throwing, selling JUST LOSING MY MIND because when I stop I breakdown with such depression. So much heartache!

  • Brokenhearted Mom
    My 18 year old daughter has spent less and less time with me over the last 7 years. She still lives at home and I had custody of her but my ex husband is a manipulator and her best friend and for pretty much all her life since we divorcedMore when she was 3, has never disciplined her. Now mine and my daughters' relationship is broken, I'm afraid I will lose her forever. She's barely ever home but when she is, she stays in her room away from me and does not contribute to household chores. Her room is a mess and she says I nitpick too much so she is gone the majority of the time and doesn't come home until curfew. She makes me feel guilty and makes me feel like a bad Mom but I feel a lot of what she says to me is her Dad talking. For my birthday weekend, she spent time with her Dad and her boyfriends' family and made no time for me. It hurt so much. She also has no respect for my husband who has raised her since was little and now I'm not to the point I just want her to move out so I can have some peace. She does have 2 jobs and we said if she's going to live here, she's going to pay rent and we were told we didn't deserve her money. She says the most hurtful things....I feel like I failed as a Mom even though I have always been there for her and done my very best. I guess I couldn't compete with her "best friend" when I am her parent.
  • Forgotten dad
    I was looking through this and I don't see any dads. Maybe my fault for not looking through far enough. But I'm a separated dad with long court battles that my son wanted me to fight to get custody of him. The 2 times under 6 months (so mom wouldn'tMore loose childsupport) my son was A&B student. Did well. No trouble and didn't miss school. With mom never passed school any year (was pushed up) missed school average of 8+ days a month. Was expelled, suspended, and more. With mother being arrested for several things one of them being abuse of at the time my 15 year old son. What they held against me was I worked a lot. But had to because childsupport, court cost, my family that was with me then with two kids not mine that their dad wasn't paying child support. Anyhow during my son being 15 and mother was arrested he lived with me and she took him back from me. Since I was able to talk to him here and their but soon I couldn't talk to him and even I was blocked from the ps4 communications. He is now about to be 18 and no word anything about him. I have followed up where I can like his school. He still is failing and missing school a lot. His mother is ruining his future and I can't do anything about it. He doesn't want anything to do with me but the childsupport I pay. Dads does not have the help lines, financial assistance, support systems in place, or anything to help us. On top that only words we get is "man up, go back to court, get over it, he will come around, God has a plan, you will get use to it, or some other worthless saying or something that is of no help. I please beg for any help. I am forgotten and want to be found!
    • Flicker
      These days make it very hard to father a child. I say that as a widow of a wonderful man. As a person of faith, there are many traditions of faith that respect a man's role as a father and in the community more than our current environment. There mustMore be one of those faiths that you can lean into and find hope!
    • Tim T
      Bro I get ya, had him @ 24 spent my everything for him. Called one day (Im making about 15k A mo) step dad put his mom in hospital, he calls begs for my help I quit my job move to Fl its THAT sever. Fought and lost 2 custodyMore cases about 200-500k after he begged us to fight for him. Did all we could. EVERYONE who worked with or under me has their dreams n financial success. AGAIN IU went back into biz to make everyones life great. Long story short Stopped talking tome on his bday 2018, wont respond to My wife his step mom who gave up her life to help raise him. Alll My life people have pushed me away its 4 years later he hasnt responded to anything but a inheritance notice after my mom died. His life is Wonderful Mine is Hell and I feel your pain cause Im confused and sick of it all. Hoestly if it werent for my current wife theres no point in my existence at all. Your not alone. NO That doesnt make it suck any less
      • Flicker
        These days make it very hard to father a child. I say that as a widow of a wonderful man. As a person of faith, there are many traditions of faith that respect a man's role as a father and in the community more than our current environment. There mustMore be one of those faiths that you can lean into and find hope!
  • Ana
    Today is my daughter's 26th birthday. My daughter has not contacted me for neatly 2 years now. I don't know why? It hurts. From the age of about 15 it's been difficult when things really started to change. I havnt given up and never will. I leave messages, phone andMore little stories of occasions. Wish her the best and that I love her. I've reached out. No responses ever. I just pray one day we have a chance to reconnect. I've done counselling and try to continue to be positive. I have never understood why these things happened but after reading this I will never give up to reconnecting one day in a more mature calm way.
  • I’m Whisson
    I have 14 year old daughter I had problems with addiction I the past my daughter told me before that she didn’t want to get hurt/disappointed anymore she don’t respond to my messages phone call anything next week her birthday don’t know what to write on greeting card
  • Sad Mom

    My 22 year old told me he never wants to see me again. I confronted him after he lied to me. It was my birthday I was driving to see my parents and asked hiim to come with. He said he was going to help move my youngest son to school instead. The next day I went to see my youngest at school to find out that my oldest never did go.

    Understood he didn't want to go to see his grandparents it can be a little unbearable but they are elderly and need to keep in touch. So I confronted him that he lied and he could of just said he didn't want to go and maybe we meet for dinner at a later time. But He lied and blew off my bday. After I confronted him he said he didn't want to ever see me again. Im on a verge of a panic attack. My kids are everything to me. Its day one and I will give him his space but I can't imagine never seeing my son again. He is a bit angry guy but hes a good kid. Finishing school and works hard. I raised them well. I have been divorced from their father for 9 years. I know my son has alot of anxiety and I want to be there for him. We have been close until now. I feel like a failure

  • Sai
    My 20 year old son cut me out after my birthday when he last asked me for money. We had a very stressful move out of state and a lot of things were happening. He decided to not come with us and find a place with his girlfriend.More He finally contacted me via text this week. He told me everything he feels I do wrong. I want to make things better. I don't know how to respond back without giving him power to walk all over me (I have a habit of letting my kids do that). I am willing to take all the blame, get all the help, everything. Is that OK? Can I just say I'm sorry and I messed up and I made bad choices and now I'm getting help? Do I have to explain anything or stand my ground on decisions (like having chores (I know.))?
  • Lisa
    My 25 year old has seemingly disowned me. So many things I maybe could have done differently. No abuse at home. She had difficulty being told no or being grounded for not doing school work and getting bad grades. Ran away from home around 15. Didn't find her untilMore next day 4 hours away. I thought she was dead in a ditch as she had taken a bus overnight and we found out by luck the next day. A stranger called me. I sent her to live with her father a week later who lives halfway across the country. I was terrified she'd run away again. I told her she had to live with her father if she didn't want to live with me because she was a minor and living on the streets wasn't an option. My child wasn't born a girl. She has legally changed her name and taking hormone blocking medication. She didn't live as a female when I had her. I believe she struggled with this which led to depression and anxiety. I tried taking her for a makeover when she came home to visit once. She said she didn't like makeup and didn't want to clothes shop with me. She did let me pay to have a haircut and nails done. She is in college and working. I still pay for her phone. I've tried calling, texting. I send birthday cards with money. My texts and calls go unanswered. She doesn't seem to respond if her grandmother or uncle if they call either. I've apologized for mistakes on my part. No parent is perfect. I'm thinking about stopping paying for her phone. Last time she responded, she said I'm difficult to talk to. I simply asked what I did to deserve being disowned? I cry every mother's day as I get no call or text. No calls on my birthday. I have never stopped trying. I ven put money in her PayPal to make it easier than cashing a check. I'm terrified of not having a way to reach her, but seriously considering stopping paying for her phone line since our calls go unanswered. I feel having a relationship is a 2 way street. It doesn't cost us much for the extra line. I don't want to seem like I'm being vindictive or acting out of anger, but she's 25 and seems to not appreciate me paying for the phone. No thank yous for birthday money. Christmas calls go unanswered as well. She has a decent relationship with her father. I don't know what to do. Pain never goes away.
  • Connie
    My son and I have always been very close. Then he started dating a woman who in my opinion is obviously unstable. There was an episode where she became very violent with him. He had never seen her this way before and was shocked. He broke up with her neverMore to see her again. But 3 days later he found out she was pregnant. He did the right thing and has stuck by her. They now have a baby that is 6 months old. She has decided from the very beginning that I am her whipping post. She sends me rude, disrespectful texts accusing me of things I've never done and that she has apparently manufactured and made as true in her mind. She's done this three or four times. At first I said nothing to my son because I felt it was the wrong thing to do. But the last one was so upsetting and brought me to tears, so I spoke with him about it. Her last text to me was extremely rude. She told me to keep my distance and don't text her. That was two months ago and in that 2 months, my daughter and I have seen my son and their baby for a total of about five or six hours. After her last text, my son came to me and said, "Don't worry about her putting a wedge between us mom. That will never happen," which tells me that he thought she was capable of trying that. Here we are though, and he definitely does seem to be avoiding me. We make plans and I get reasons that sounds like excuses not to follow through with our plans for lunch or whatever it is. He says he'll call and doesn't. I'm getting the most unbelievable reasons why he can't respond. For instance, last night after he blew me off two days in a row for plans we had, with no text or phone call, I texted him and asked if anything was wrong. I received a text from the girlfriend (who hasn't sent me one text, photo of the baby, or phone call in 2 months) saying that my son lost his phone somewhere around the apartment. The baby's sleeping so we can't really dig around for it right now. Obviously that makes no sense whatsoever. He could have called me from her phone, not to mention the obvious--that there's no logical reason why a person can't look for their phone because their baby is asleep. I have no idea what is going on and just don't know what to say or do. I've been nothing but kind and inviting even after her violent episode. I didn't want to judge her at her worst moment so I put it past me and never gave it a thought. I've tried calling her after her "mean girl" texts to try to straighten things out, but she won't answer. I tried once to talk directly to her, but she became very angry, almost threatening, and said she was done, leaving the room in a huff. Please help. At first I questioned if I was being overly sensitive but my daughter is very heartbroken and upset also. I do know my place as far as my son's relationship with his girlfriend, but this has gone way too far. Thank you.
    • Flicker
      The contemporary culture encourages exactly the type of behavior you describe. Agree with website that professional therapy is advisable. Until then, just old fashioned advice: Nothing is worth sacrificing your self-respect, not a child, or a grandchild. And as Shakespeare once said, always be kind, trust only a few, andMore hurt no one. You have no obligation to any adult human being—even your flesh and blood— more than that. Again and again, I see how we trust our children and those strangers that they bring into our lives. Why? Because we love our children. We have unrealistic expectations, repeat unrealistic expectations of our children!! I did too! ONLY one of my children loves me back. Like Shakespeare's King Lear. And I'm no king. For now. I'll take it gratefully!
    • Denise Rowden, Parent CoachEP Coach

      We appreciate you reaching out and sharing your story. I can hear how distressed you are with how things have been going. Your situation is a bit outside the scope of what we are able to offer coaching or advice on. I encourage you to see what types of local supports are available for you and your family.

      We wish you all the best moving forward. Take care.

  • SM
    Is it possible to be hurt so much by your children that you feel numb & don’t think you can love them again
  • Bewildered.
    I adopted my daughte a birth and I am so in love with her, she was so affectionate, then she went through puberty and became a normal brat for a while. When her boyfriend and her broke up for a while she sat on my lap and cried. IMore was so brokenhearted over her pain that I was depressed. She had come to me for comfort. They reconciled and later married and were truly in love.11 years later the marriage ended and she moved in with me. But even though I didn't understand why, she refused to share any of her feelings or anything with me and treated me coldly. I wanted to be a comforting mom but she resented any questions and shut out. I was a mess and ended up losing 30 pounds. Any reference to things I would say to let her know my sympathy and understanding was met with a one word comment. It was total hell for me. I seemed to be a nothing for her. I loved her but also pitied myself for needing her to need me. Now 4 years later and with a men she loves I don't feel as more than a relative who helps out when I can and she's always said she loves me and hugs me as she has always done but I don't her thoughs, feelings.she 34.I would just love to hold her hand and have her look at me and have some time. I still live with the ache inside.
  • Tiff
    So happy that I found this at a time when I am dealing with so many emotions. I feel hopeful.
  • Hard times
    Last year I was in the hospital for 3 months. My esophagus burst bringing on alot of other problems, doctors told my husband and son I might not live. Well before all this happened my son and I were very close. Now he barelyMore talks to me and when we are together he gets so mad at me. He is in AA and I am trying to support him. It has been so hard because instead of calling me he is calling my friend. Im so hurt because last year I went through extensive therapy to learn to walk and talk again and thats when he distanced himself from me.
    • Flicker
      Read an old novel about a son who abandons his mother because she was no longer the young and beautiful young mom he remembered. I'm getting old too. That was a good warning about the fact that in real life, many sons are probably like that. Especially after they marry,More have their own families, and transfer the "MomFace" to their wives.
  • Sad Times

    Our only child has been in mental health counseling for 15 years. She has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and takes daily medication for the condition. In December of last year, she cut off all contact with us for the second time.

    The first time she was visiting us from out of state to introduce us to our granddaughter. She'd been here a couple of days and we were having a great time. She suddenly, without any discernable provocation, became furious, would not say why, snatched up her daughter and stormed out. We did not see her or hear from her for a year. When she did make contact, she acted as though nothing had happened and never mentioned it. We have walked on eggs for years to keep her from going off, so we just let it lie, too.

    Fast forward four years ago. She returned to our state and divorced her husband. She lives 45 minutes away. I drove over often to visit her and our two grandkids. My husband even bought me a little SUV so I'd have room for our grandchildren. Our daughter went back to college, so I would go over to babysit when she had things to do. Then came Covid. My husband is nearly 80 and very fragile. I'm in my early 70s. We simply would not put ourselves at risk for an illness that had the potential to kill either one of us. The Pandemic was a game changer for us. I did still go over from time to time, but not as often as I had before, especially after the kids went back to school and were exposed to Covid more than once.

    Our daughter and I talked on the phone and texted constantly. She was completely supportive and understanding of our self-imposed isolation. We got our shots and our boosters. I went over and stayed a few times.

    Last December, I called just to talk, as was our habit. I could tell from her tone that something was wrong and asked if everything was OK. She said she'd been having a time with the kids because they wouldn't leave her alone to study for finals, and that she needed to apologize to them because she'd really let them have it verbally. I told her to call me when things settled down.

    She called a few minutes later and immediately went on the attack, screaming at me, telling me I'd used Covid as an excuse to keep from babysitting the kids, that I'd promised I would be there for her and I wasn't. She went on and on, with me trying to get her to calm down. I finally hung up on her, gave her a few minutes and called her back. She immediately went after me again. I ended up hanging up three more times. In the end, still screaming, she said she might as well cut her losses and hung up.

    I tried to rationally engage with her via text messages later on. She was horrible. Told me to f%$^ off, which was mild compared to the truly awful things she said. She sent me a long text, so full of hate I deleted it. For several months, I have continued to send her kind, loving texts. They've all gone unanswered. A month ago, her dad was diagnosed with two types of skin cancer. Hes scheduled for his first surgery next week.I texted her, asking her to respond because I had health info for her regarding her dad. Nothing. Crickets.

    Her dad and I had a long talk. I told him I simply had to move on. He agreed. We've both been eaten alive with worry, not only for her, but for the kids. In addition to her mental health challenges, our daughter is also an alcoholic and has been a devoted AA member and sober for over 3 years. So our concern for her is compounded by that worry, too.

    Anyway, I sent her a long text, telling her that we do and will always love her, no matter what, and that her decision to end contact with us was absolutely her prerogative and business. But I also told her that I would not be sending any further texts. I probably shouldn't have said that, but my own mental health is suffering from this so severely that I've developed a couple of serious health problems, myself. The texts I send just pull me back into the situation. I have to find a way to move on. I just don't know what to do.

    Still nothing from her.

  • Julie
    my 20 year old daughter left in the middle of the night. She took a suitcase full of clothes and that was it. She met a couple from Seattle and got a plane ticket. This happened 5 weeks ago, and I am completely broken.
    • CK
      It is heartbreaking to hear you. I feel your pain and sense of loss. Having been through a similar situation, I can tell you that time does heal you. Show yourself some compassion and don’t take the blame. Go to a therapist if necessary for help with your emotions. HopeMore and prayers for a happy reconnection. Hugs❤️
  • Rubberband
    I have a 55 yr old son, whom I raised alone without support from my abusive ex-husband, whom I have stayed away from all these years. I always have been close to my son and I have financially supported him through his bad times in addition to giving him overMore $200,000 over his adult years. He is currently in his second marriage with an 8 yr old son, whom I babysat continuously since birth. His father married several times, had several girlfriends, and had a live-in girlfriend who has Alzheimers. His father never had a close relationship with his only child and was always verbally abusive to our son during his life. I was always close to my son. When his father died four days ago and named our son as his sole beneficiary, my son called everyone to let them know to visit before he died. I received a text message from my daughter in law, while I was babysitting my grandson to let me know he had died. My son sat alone at Hospice while they prepared his father so my son could sit with him until he passed. I could not believe my son did not call me to come be with him and allow me to have a peaceful end to the relationship I had with his father. Not once did my son or his wife ask about my well-being. When they came to pick up their son, I let them know how hurt I was. My grandson and I are the only blood relatives he has left. Now, I find my ex's obituary posted on facebook advising that a memorial service will be held, no mention that the mother of his only son is a survivor, no call from my son asking that I stand with him at the service. I guess his father's girlfriend will stand with my son at the service. I do not know if I should attend and sit in the back row to just let everyone know that I am still living or just stay away and suggest that I have no feelings about the death of the father of my son. I can only think that since my son no longer will need my financial support, he no longer needs his mother. I cannot express the pain I feel in my very soul.
    • Monse
      Rubberband when my ex-husband passed away I had always stayed friends with the family. My ex and I stayed good friends. My adult son and his wife went to the funeral. They traveled from California to Arizona. They didn't ask me if I want to go and I would ofMore said no anyways. You have to understand you are his ex. I didn't feel obligated to go because I was his ex. And my son and his wife wouldn't of sat with his wife if he had one. So I don't understand your reasoning with all those expectations you put on your son.
  • Rachel Conyers ga
    I came across this article looking up something about how to discipline a 6-year-old I have an estranged 13-year-old due to my alcoholism. I am in recovery and have custody of my 6-year-old which I'm doing my best to try to raise. My 13-year-old is estranged from me. Due toMore a bad situation that happened the last time I saw him before I got sober. just reading this article really helped. the part about understanding and hope hit me really hard although he's not an adult he is developing adult emotions and I do pray that with time he will forgive me and we are able to mend our relationship a little bit at the time. Also the part about understanding your own family history and dynamic really touched me because that is what I've learned in my program of AA. This is a great article really helped me get up and get my day going today. Thank you!
  • Not Angry
    I wonder if those who write about consequences of children turning away from their parents realize that anger is not a consequence. A majority of parents are not angry or resentful or vindictive. I do not like what the post implies...
  • Boy Mom
    My 46 yr old son has a history of drug abuse. He has been clean and doing very well for 3 yrs. He has had several crises recently and I had reason to believe he may have done a drug. I did not accuse, I asked and he saidMore he said no but he has isolated himself. I don’t know where he is staying but I do know he is working. He wants us to leave him alone. I am so afraid for him. Every time I reach out he is very short with me. I don't know what to, I am heartbroken
  • Mother
    My 28 yr old kid graduated, joined the military, married, and had his first child all without me in his life. Serves no point to do the blame game trying to figure out what I ever did or didn't do that caused him to alienate me but the older IMore get the more I do. I go from OMG I hope he doesn't feel like I've abandoned him to F IT! I'm so over it. Decided that this will be the year when I stop sending cards & emails, which have gone unanswered. I had him until age 14, that's when he stopped loving me. 💔
    • Amy
      My heart breaks for you.
    • Mom in grief
      Send him love from afar but don’t take the abuse. Take good care of yourself. Love and prayers.♥️
  • Mom in grief
    My daughter, 18 yo, left home when she was on a college break. She sent an email a day later saying she is safe with friends and she has left home for good. She also mentioned in that email that she has made arrangements for college expenses and she doesMore not need our support financially or materially. All our emails have gone unanswered. She has changed her phone number and there is no way to reach her. Her social media posts are the only way for us to know she is okay. We have contacted a few of her friends and we are being given the silent treatment. She seems to be telling them that she has been abused which is totally untrue. Ours is a very stable educated family with no issues; drugs or alcohol. I cannot imagine that she did not have the courage or communication skills to talk it through. I think social media enables narcissistic behavior. It is very difficult to move past the grief as we do not know the real reasons. The worry and the hurt has crippled our family. My younger child who is still a teen is unable to understand her. We think there is a lot of brainwashing from college friends who are older.
    • Confused
      I feel you. My son did exactly the same in his early twenties. He was like 'Joe' in this article. We moved in the hope of giving him a fresh start and a new perspective on life but he moved out saying we were being abusive. He didn't go no-contactMore immediately and did stay in touch with me for a couple of years. And then, literally overnight, stopped speaking or contacting me. When I try to get in touch with him, he refuses to communicate. At first he said he was 'trying to figure things out' and then... Nothing. I've seen other articles where we mothers are blamed for this reaction but that's a cop out. But it's like you say, there are other influences on our older kids and no one really knows what is going on in their minds. Sending you good wishes for a happy resolution with your daughter.
      • Mom in grief
        Thank you so much! I agree with you that parents are very much blamed for anything that happens with the kids even when they choose to do things their way! Love and prayers for a reconnection with your son!
    • 99%Pure
      Note: There should be dates on these posts. What you write is such a classic behavior that, all sources I have read, and all I have experienced say your daughter will "reappear" in a few years. That doesn't ease the grief or anger, but, on the "bright"More side, the chances of her coming back are high. Meanwhile, devoting time and talent to other pursuits is the best thing that can be done.
      • Mom in grief ( 6/2/22)
        Thank you so much for your comment! I am holding on to hope lightly and praying hard for a change of mind on her side! As you said so wisely, devoting time and talent to other pursuits is the best! It takes a lot of work to get to thatMore but slowly getting there.
  • DeeplyHurt

    I was a teen mom and single parent. I was physically and emotionally abused by my father, and my mom did nothing, she was controlled and emotionally abused herself. I vowed to take the good from them and not use the bad and be a better parent. I thought I had succeedee when my oldest dayghter told me she had told a friend of mine that I was like a "best friend, older sister, and a mom all in one". We had a solid mother-daughter relationship, we played cideo games together, watched anime together, and I was always there for her. She was a good older sister (i married when she was 7) to her siblings.

    The trouble started when I found her a job, and because she is hardworker she dedicated herself to it. She was talked down to by her boss which caused her to come hime drunk one night and basically cried on my shoulder i was devestated and told her that she could wuit her job and we would pay her bills while she looked for work or even took a break first, at this point she was 25. She refused. Then she was offered to become a manager and asked us what we thought. We told her to go for it if that was what she wanted and if it gave her less work as she could now delegate taks to others. However, she ended up not doing this and shouldering others work to make sure it all got done. We did not see this this as a possibility. Soon she wanted to move out and asked me if i needed her to stay to help with the kids as my husband was traveling for work a lot. I told her i wanted her to stay because I loved her and she was my baby, but I did not want to hinder her life and she needed to do what made her happy. She moved out on good terms.

    At first she texted and called every week. So it wasn't horrible for me, plus I had another baby on the way in addition to my 3 kids with my husband so I was keeping busy. Then aalmost a year after she moved out she stopped contact. We were frightened thinking she had died or something as she wasn't returning texts or calls from us or from my mother. After texting her that her father was going to drive to her work to see if she was ok is when she sent a long text. She basically said she was stressed and in therapy and that she knew she should have responded but it was "too difficult" and she ended the text with "I would appreciate if you don't give me any grief" like what is she even talking about? I felt like that was passive attack. We had a legitimate reason to worry. She contacted us every 2 weeks and then went 3 months without a word. But I wasn't ancry I was terrified and told her that. I commended her for getting help Nd let her know I respected her being an adult and loved her and was there for her whenever she needed. Radio silence for a few months. Then my mom had an emergency i texted her she was grateful told us she loved us and contacted my mom finally.

    It has now been 7 months since then and she is no longer and once again not responding to any texts or calls from me or my husband, her little 8 year old brother pleading on her answering machine, my mom, my brother, or any of her friends! My mom had anither emergency and had to have surgery and she didn't even respond to that and she always used to worry and look out for my mom! She never called her to see if she was ok or if she even died! My husbands mother had a stroke and had to be hospotalized and she didn't respond to that either. Didn't try to see the outcome of any grandparent or how we were coping! I am beyond shocked, I am mortified. This is my firstborn and I was with her almost my whole life we grew up together since ai had her at 16. I really thought she was reliable.

    My mother questions if my daughter loves her now. I am ashamed, sad, and broken hearted. I have cried myself to sleep. I really balme the therapy as she was fine until she started it.

    I have no idea what happened. Unlike some of the adult children who come on here, I was never accused of anything by her. I always owned my mistakes as a parent and apologized for them. So there is nothing from that end. The only thing left is 2 things she really is overworked and stressed and cant deal with anything or anyone and her therapist might have told her not to as she said she had a hard time balancing work and life(she worked like 15 hour shifts in retail). OR she is living her life in a way way she thinks we might not approve and would rather not tell us about it. And you know what? There are aome things I would not approve of, but it is her life and all I want to know is that she is alive, safe, and happy. I am not asking for anymore other than a text saying "im ok mom dont worry." And she can't even do that.

    How did we get here?

  • Desperate Mom

    May 2022

    Thank you for the article. Now, I know I not alone. My 26 year old moved across the country in 2016 and everything was fine until a year ago.

    I’ve not heard anything in months. I know all stories have two sides and nothing is cut and dry. But what I want to know is how do I stop this grief that I fell. My youngest is 24 and talks to me almost daily and visits several times a month, says I was the best mom.

    The worst is not knowing why you were cut off, how long it will last and the worry…..I wouldn’t wish this feeling on anyone. I am in a near constant state of sadness, grief, anger and despair.

    I don’t feel like I can continue with this pain, I’ve got to learn how to cope.

    • Marsha
      I feel like you. Sadness, then grief, then anger. I texted her and my son-in-law this morning that they won’t be hearing from me anymore. I’m tired of reaching out to them and hearing nothing. I’m in the sad/angry mode right now. Blessings to you!
    • Heart broken mom

      May 2022

      Im so grateful i found this article. Im so ashamed to say tht i found comfort now i knw tht im not alone, with all you fellow travelers through this hard time .

      Few days ago my teen son moved to his dad . I ve said things tht i ve shd not said in the 1st place which lead him to move .

      We talked on phone , i said im sorry , he wants me to respect his decision and i did.

      When i passed through his empty room i cant help but cry. I feel so broken and sad .

      Im single, family arent close and i dont have anyone that i cant talk to . i push myself to function so i cant at least have a little moment to pull myself out of my sadness and grieve . The pain is real , the loss is real .

      I live in Taiwan . Im sorry for my english since its not my 1st language.

      • Andrew - 6.6.2022
        I can relate to your situation. I've had two of my three kids eventually move out to live with their (toxic) mother when they turned 14 and 15. The pain and loss that you feel is real so you should not feel guilty for feeling that way. Grieving is healthy.More Also, if I could offer advice I would highly recommend that you prioritize your health - prioritize sleep, nutrition, exercise, and mental stimulation (reading, intellectually stimulating podcasts, challenging work, social interaction). You will be much more capable to deal with lifes challenges if you are a healthy version of yourself!!! These times will be tough but I hope you get better with time!
  • Broken
    I am so glad I found this page my son told me he no longer wanted a relationship with me or his father, my heart is so broken and knowing there are other people dealing with the same situation gives me a little bit of understanding
  • Hurt Mum
    15 years ago my now ex husband had an affair and left me. I was devastated at the time my kids were in the early teens and I struggled with depression. I was so mortally wounded by the betrayal I felt from husband. I took me many years to recoverMore and I finally met someone and remarried. My daughter never like my new husband and the clashed a quite a bit. My daughter went to live with her father and his girlfriend (the women he left me for) when she was she was around 20 years old and refused to see or speak to my new husband. She has always sided with her father and has been living with him for the past 8 years. Today she told me she thinks I’m bitter and twisted. Am I not happy with my new life? I’m always going on about how happy I am with my now husband so why can’t I forget what her father has done and move on. She right in a way but she will never understand or acknowledge the betrayal of her father to me. He seems to never do any wrong in her eyes. I feel so hurt. It wasn’t just that he left me after an affair. He blamed me, he stole money from me, he swindled $100,000 from me, he arranged the divorce settlement so he would be financially better off. He took advantage of my devastation to gain financially and emotionally with the children. I’m not sure if my daughter will ever understand the devastation I went through. When I remarried she didn’t approve. I feel the distance between us. I feel I not only lost my first husband but my daughter as well. It hurts so much xxxx
    • Jenn

      01/16/2024

      It DOES hurt so much… SO MUCH!

      Thank you for sharing your story. I relate and empathize completely. You are not alone, my friend ❤️

  • SaDinTexas

    My 24-year-old son has cut off all communication for the past 2 months. He and his wife had a beautiful baby girl in December.  Then Just a few days before my son's birthday at the end of February, he cut off all communication with me and blocked me from all social media platforms and his phone numbers.

     And all I know is that he sent me a long text explaining how I ignore his boundaries, his wife tells me that it was sent and she will get me a copy of it.  All I know is that I did not receive this text that he is talking about.  

    I need your help on this, please, because::

    I made the biggest mistake I told him that he and his wife having a child, a beautiful baby girl, gives me a chance to have a "re-do" or "do-over" so I can show him that I am not, nor was I ever, that bad mother everyone makes me out to be.  

    These two words:  "re-do" or "do-over"

    is not what I meant to say. because of several medications that I take, I do have a hard time expressing what I want to say without having time to think it all the way out first.

    So what I really wanted to say is that "I would get to travel back in time, "rewind time" with all the sentimental loving, singing, rocking, feeding, and playing with her that I did with my son, so that I could re-live all the good parts of my son, good memories, the sentimental memories, all the great parts of my son and learn about all the great parts of his wife and her daughter.

    My daughter-in-law had mentioned in a text yesterday that my granddaughter is not a novelty to be passed around.  I am not sure what that means.

    Except maybe she means for me to not just come and go and never come back??

    • Flicker
      Contemporary culture encourages daughter-in-laws to not vest in a relationship with their mother-in-law. This is typical. I am so sorry! I personally value my self-respect over anything else and I will not tolerate disrespectful behavior from anyone, even a daughter-in-law who thinks that her status gives her the power toMore sever the relationship between a mother and son. That is unethical and Karma will get her.
  • Ruth
    I am 77. My youngest son has not spoken to me in almost 30 years (except for an hour at his uncle’s funeral five years ago). I haven’t a clue why and that hurts terribly because I also haven’t a clue to fixing what is wrong. You’d think after allMore these years I would stop crying. It hurts as much today as it did at the time but you learn to function without really living. He’s 45, married with three boys I’ve never seen ages 9 and twins who are 6. I live in the deep South and they are as far north east as you can get. I can’t email or text because I am blocked. God bless Amazon…I send presents for birthdays and holidays. I’m still hoping that before I die I get to see my grandsons. If I can hang around till they are grown, maybe they will be curious and find me. It won’t be difficult since I’m in the house their father left when he was 12 to go live with his dad. Thank you for your article. It’s hard for me not to be angry when it is so painful but I try. I tell myself that as a father he now understands how I must feel and that he simply doesn’t know how to come back into my life. P.S. He is one of five.
  • N
    I'm 60 and last year I experienced this enormous pain. Its the worst pain ever.
  • JEBA
    My 20 year old just decided to cut us off. I am heartbroken but her boyfriend is a controlling and mentally disturbed person, that insists that she leaves us. It has been a year of struggle but she just finally decided to do it. WeMore have gone thru many therapists and psychiatrists, individually and as a family, and i have to say heartbroken does not begin to describe how we feel. will follow the guidance provided
  • JJ
    I am so heartbroken as a father because I don't have good relationship with my son, 25 years old still in the house and my married daughter staying another province about 12hours drive. My wife use to humiliate me infront of then since they were 5 years. We have alwaysMore been a dysfunctional family, I for one came from a broken home where there were a lot of fights. I am chronic major depressive, having high BP diabetes and. trypass heart operation. I got treatment vfor depression since 2004. My wife was never interested as the problem is mine. I did everything to get my children tertiary education and my daughter does not speak to me...son is very rude and for more than 30 years I've been verbally and emotionally abused by my wife. No coparenting and my children are siding with her. Many a times I just feel like dying. Am I that much of a coward?
  • Vicki
    It’s been 3 years and my first born 23 years old has shut me out and feels hurt over the past. She struggles with mental health issues. I’ve done all I can I can’t just focus on myself. I won’t give up I am there for her, this isMore so painful. At least she’s with my husband and her sister as support I’m very happy for this. But I am shut out as the three of them spend time together segregating me. All I have is hope and prayers. I want to apologise so much I support her I don’t blame her at all.
  • Alison Rodriguez
    This article was helpful for me to gain a better understanding on how to cope with why my 20 year old daughter shut me and the family out from her life. Eleven months of refusing to acknowledge the family all because of asking her to stop being on her cellMore phone 24/7 with her needy cling boyfriend who has been a negative influence on her, it hurts to see that she chooses to listen to him. My first instinct is to cut her off yet I need to keep that door open for her.
  • Debbie Kocian
    Thank you for this article. My 38 year old son has cut me out of his life for the last six years. He has severe depression, and I am worried about him. He only communicates with his half brother. I send cards, notes, gifts and foodMore delivery. I will do anything to reach him.
  • Margot
    My daughter is 38 yrs old. She has created a false narrative about me and her stepfather to her new husband, his family and her friends. My other children embrace me. I should say that I left her and her sister’s father when they were 2 and 3 and haveMore been married to their stepdad for over 34 years. We had two sons together. The post divorce relationship has always been terrible. I’ve taken responsibility for anything I’ve done to hurt her. Since she met her husband about 5 years ago and married , I’ve been made to look like an abusive, neglectful , mentally unstable mother. I’m shut out. I feel like a fool . My heart is broken. I don’t know why we can’t talk with a therapist about things. I feel like no matter what I do it would be proof of my bad mothering or instability. I get to the point where I just want to stop trying. Then I feel hope from somewhere. Today I sent a heart emoji for Valentine’s Day and got back ‘happy vday’. Any communication is clinical and pat. My 3 other children embrace me. I really do not know what to do. She wouldn’t even send me a link to her wedding pics 3 years ago because her husband says mine is a coward. The drama feels manipulated but this is my child and I’d like to be a part of her life. She visits the city I live in and does not call-I’ll see it on Facebook. I got off FB because I realized she wants nothing to do with me. Yet there’s this superficial response if any. After today , realizing that her response could be for a random stranger , I’m wondering if it’s time to throw in the towel and just concentrate on my other adult children. I am willing to do anything but am growing weary. I haven’t seen her for 2 1/2 years. Is there anywhere to start? Or is the best thing just to walk away? There’s a meanness I don’t understand.
    • Andrew 6.2.2022
      I'm in a similar situation with my 18 year old. It seems like all the professional advice says to keep the communication open and try to stay positive because "one day" they might come around. I can relate to growing weary, though it's only been 4 years of only bitterMore text messages for me, it's hard to try to stay positive.
  • Bemar
    My son, his wife & twin granddaughters have been estranged from me for 7 years. I don't know what to do I am always sad.
  • Mary
    My daughter openly tells everyone she has BPD and is a recovering drug addiction, we share a large house with her children both of which have autism. She has recently met someone who in the beginning I liked moved him in as we are renters, and a falling out cameMore between my landlord and her boyfriend which in turn had us all evicted. With all said I have had issues with him now and she has chosen to move out with him, I saw that coming but what's hurting is the fact she is denying my 2 grandchildren from having anything to do with us. It hurts as I will hear my non verbal 3 yr. old granddaughter scream to come up and see us and my 10 yr. old grandson which I brought him up till he was 7 will try to make a little way or love you grandma if he can. I've tried to talk to my daughter due laughed in my face as I cried asking her not to put the kids in the middle, and I do worry as she has come so far she now works in addictions in shelters has built such a beautiful life for her and the kids. Which now I see her losing everything even her sobriety in the short 5 months of being with him oh I forgot to say she's pregnant and it was planned. In the beginning of her relationship after he moved in she found that he owed money after his new truck was repossed and she paid to get it back then not long after he drove his truck and dump trailer into the ditch and police impounded the truck and gave him a 3 month suspension from driving for DUI she would talk to me often about how stressful it was and how she's so close to breaking her sobriety...I was very empathetic to her worries of how she felt she was being used but did not put myself in the middle as I knew it had to be her choice, but when we got evicted I couldn't but blame him and now a home that the grandchildren love out in the country with a pool is now being taken away from us myself being disabled after back surgery having a adult DS daughter 1 yr. younger then her sister, now has disrupted our lives and cost us the home we have come to love. Sorry for rambling on but you had to understand all the circumstances around our falling out. I totally understand her feelings of being in love but she is missing all the red flags... I keep telling her I love her and always will be here for her ... I'm hoping that he doesn't break her sobriety because if she loses the children 1 more time she won't get them back, and I'm afraid of what that'll do to her. Help please how can I get her to allow the children to still be in our lives without me having to except the boyfriend?
  • RS

    My 27 year old son just recently cut us off. It was so sudden we didn’t see it coming. I was a single mother till my son was 14 yrs old. I left India with a 3 yr old , surviving domestic violence from mentally ill ex and family. Let everything go and started all over from zero in Australia. My family ostracized me for my decisions as it was a shame as per my culture. I met my husband in Australia 13 yrs ago. My son & him got along so well. We had a perfect family. My son left to do University in 2013, we supported him, after 30k out of pocket he dropped out. We accepted his decisions, worked in a club, met a girlfriend who was with him for 4 yrs. She warmed towards us. My son went back to do engineering, started a business, was slowly picking up his life when she broke up with him in 2020. Our son took it so hard almost had a nervous breakdown we brought him home. He was a changed man. He was disrespectful to us , everything was business transaction and he wanted to me to leave my husband. One day he became agresssive in Nov & we asked him to leave. He had completely cut us off. All venues to contact him, reach out to him has failed.

    27 years this child was my priority. Each time he messed up i held him close & helped him out, later my husband was a perfect father figure to him. We are so much at loss that he had nothing to do with us.

    I am so unable to handle the grief & pain. Struggling to cope with it. It is the first time I felt comfortable to express the feelings on a public forum. I am thankful for finding this page and sad but empowering that we are fellow travelers in these difficult times. Thankyou for your kindness and support

    • Flicker
      So sad! I get your heritage and your pain. I share it. My children's father died. I did not remarry because I was afraid of losing my children when they became adults due to having a stepparent. I had a stepmother who I felt was Evil and I did notMore want to do that to my children. As an adult, I don't believe the stepmother is Evil. But stepparents are competition for children. My stepmother back then was competition. My biological father is dead so I have left all that behind. Except to attend half-sibling events like weddings here and there, I have no contact with my father's second wife or his children with her. So yes, I did not remarry. Despite that sacrifice, only one of my children cares about me. The others either hate me or married someone who forces them to choose between their spouse and me. I understand that they choose their spouse and respect that choice. Best wishes.
  • Winnie
    My two adult children are estranged and it hurts me deeply as they are both headstrong.
  • Jen

    I have a daughter that’s 29,married with a child 5 years old.I miss them both so much.I haven’t seen my daughter&grandaughter in about a year.I’m new to this,and how do parents cope with not seeing their children?This is heart breaking,this is all because they wanted to move in with me and I said no.I would of said yes if it was just my daughter&grandaughter.Its a very long story,so she won’t talk to me because of this.I don’t know why she can’t move on and stop dwelling about this.It’s not her though,it’s my son-in-law,he won’t let her see me because of this.He wrecks relationships around him,he did this to his family.He’s very vindictive& controlling,not a nice person at all.

    My mom has tried to talk to her but she won’t listen to her,she misses them too.

    It’s very hard to live with this day by day,how do you cope with this.

  • Mel
    I have a daughter of 23 I haven't seen in 3 years, my 1st born. I feelbroken as she says she had an awful upbringing but my other 3 children disagree, however her feelings are valid and I tried to talk to her and understand where I went wrong butMore she won't entertain me. Where do u go for help? I'm in the UK
    • Denise Rowden, Parent CoachEP Coach

      THank you for reaching out to Empowering Parents. I'm so sorry you are going through this. I can only imagine how heartbreaking it would be. There is a resource in the UK that may be able to help: https://www.familylives.org.uk/

      I hope this helps. Be sure to check back and let us know how things are going. Take care.

  • Leslie
    I am estranged from my 28 yo son who decided my marriage to someone younger was upsetting to him so we have-not spoken in about a year now, he has a 3 yo son so my relationship with him is now challenging. We were incredibly close until this happened soMore the loss has been staggering. He has also stopped speaking to other family members for no reason so I suspect some mental illness may be an issue here :(
    • Victoria

      Dear Leslie,

      The first thing I can say thst your son is perfectly ok. His behaviour is not due to a mental problem as a physical desease, rather it is a desease or disorder of his internal and external world.

      In group dynamics we learn that when the group is joined or left by a member, the dynamics of the whole group changes immediately. So it dif in the worlds of your son.

      Your new wife is natural to yoyr workds and alien to the worlds of your son, especially if you wanted your son to taje these important changes for granted, or even expected your son to lime your new wife.

      8f you care for your son write him a letter where you can explain his importance to you, that he is irreplacable, and thst you want everyone to win in the new group. Listen to your son's feelings. Do not take him for granted.

      The change in the group also forced yor son to fall out of extended family as well, because his entire picture of tbe family has changed. Yoy with your new wife is a new element to tbe group, which is painful for your son.

      Tell him he is important. Tell him you love him. Tell him he can be your first priority as the case may be, that your new wife is not your first priority all the time. Also please invite your grandchild to spend time with you. Spend some time with your son without your new wife. Good luck!

  • McRufus
    Personally, I'm tired of the pain. There comes a point when you simply need to stop trying. To stop hoping. To stop waiting for a call on Christmas. There comes a time when you simply need to close the door and move on. I have my handle on the doorknob.
    • Marsha
      I hear ya!
  • Darlene

    I have always had a great relationship with my oldest son.things started to change after he got out 9r the army.

    He has PTSD and got counseling and help. However he doesn't want anything to do with menow. We have different ideas about life.

    I hope and pray someday he will come around. All I can do iss get on with my life. I am very close with my other kids and family.

  • Haily
    I am so depressed. My son has disappointed me time and time again. Refusing to go to school, get a real job etc... moved out about a year ago in anger due to me catching him in another lie... Now, He doesn't answer any of my calls or texts andMore only reaches out if he needs money or a favor. Basically to use me. I have fallen for it time and time again, he promises to pay me back and never does. He recently moved in with his girlfriend and I learned that she is the breadwinner and he can barely afford his share of the bills. I just dont know what did I do wrong in raising him to have him turn out this way. I also don't understand why he is so angry at me. I raised him as a single mom because his father was deported and not around due to criminal activity. I did everything I could for him; raising him alone. But now he could care less about me. I am really taking this hard. I need advice or help please.
  • Bean
    I have a daughter who is 28 and has recently cut off all contact with me. She has two children which means she has cut off my relationship with my grandchildren. Her father and I are having struggles in our marriage and it has been going down hill for theMore past 3 years. He has thrown himself into his work and was a stay at home mom then a stay at home grandma. I unfortunately turned to medication to help myself cope with my world that was falling apart. This lead to me turning to buying drugs from anybody that would sell them to me. My other granddaughter had started school last year so I was staying at home by myself most of the time. Would keep my grandkids occasionally on the weekends over the past 2 years. I ended up overdosing more than once. The daughter whom has cut off ties with me had came to spend the weekend with the kids and I couldn’t keep my eyes open from taking to many pills. I guess my daughter had seen enough and wrote me a cruel cruel letter and sent it to me through email. It’s been months since I have seen her or talked to her or my grandchildren. She only allows my husband to see the kids and will not come to my house if I am here. I have to leave for the weekend about once a month so she can come and spend the weekend with her dad. I’ve completed 45 days at an out of state rehab and I’m doing much better. But she still refuses to have anything to do with me. I was a stay at home mom for my kids all of their life’s. My husband traveled for business and would be gone for 2 weeks at a time the whole time my kids where growing up. It was always just me and my 3 girls. I did everything for them. She is my youngest and her and I were always so close but until about 7 months ago. I have cried and prayed and cried and prayed some more. What do I do and how can I repair our relationship? She acts as though she absolutely hates me know. She as well as my other two girls were always so close to me. Now since my husband and I are divorcing it’s like they just look for anything that I do that they can sit and just degrade me to each other. My other daughter said she doesn’t like being around them when they are together cause they just bad mouth me to each other constantly. I’m so lost and so heart broken.
  • confused
    Where can you find a group to deal with the pain of losing your adult child? My daughter moved to another state years ago, but kept the family in her life via phone and text. Until she lost her job and was needing help. Unfortunately I give herMore some money.. but eventually she kept asking for more and more. When I couldn't give anymore and finally said no... she cut me out of her life. I'm on a fixed income, and she now has a good paying job.
  • David
    After reading many of these articles, I am convinced that most of us here were really good parents. I think a lot of the offspring in our lives are mentally ill in some way.
    • Flicker
      Yes! And so we love them but like with fire, have to be careful to NOT get burnt!
  • Neciebugs

    Two of my adult children have me 100% on block. One is my daughter who abandoned my grandson with his dad during the pandemic... at first not intentionally, just so she could financially get back on her feet. She did. And he wouldn't let my grandson go back with her. She was intimidated, but apparently her new boyfriend didn't want him. Ultimately, she wanted to move home at 25. I said, fine, but she had to respect house rules. New boyfriend guilted her to move back out of state. I haven't heard from her since. Nor has my grandson's father. I have no contact with her. I send her a text weekly. My ex- husband, abusive - angry man, whom I reached out to in desperation gas lighted me, saying yes, she keeps in touch with him because she loves him and doesn't trust me. At least I know she is ok.

    My other child left because I wouldn't allow politics to be discussed in my home. He was very radical in his beliefs to the point of it scaring me. He left without a trace last October. Again, my ex-husband says the same thing... you won't hear from him.

    My youngest (22) is stymied. I am not abusive. I basically raised them with my significant other. During the separation and divorce from my ex YEARS ago, he would forget to pick them up, pay support, etc... they witnessed him smack me around, etc.. They had their needs more than met. I created a successful career, stable home, best that I could...

    I was tough on my daughter when she had my grandson because there were a slew of lies, and she made some really bad decisions. When I found her working at a house of ill repute, I forbade her from doing so, but allowed her to live with me freely... but she packed up and left to her dads. (He has since moved to another state also). Every time I tried to enforce house rules, she would run to daddy. This was always a pattern with her.

    My son... no clue, he was fine. No arguments other than not wanting to discuss politics so that we could have a mutual respect without confrontation.

    I suspect my ex husband has a part of this... but it still hurts me very deeply. I miss my children. I am ultimately alone now other than my significant other and my youngest son. My parents are gone. I have no extended family nearby.

    They clearly hate me for some reason. If i knew why, perhaps I could understand. But I do not.

    My youngest is flying to see his dad in a couple of months and i fear more than anything that he won't return either.

  • Kim
    I stumbled upon this article as I was searching for ideas for what to do for estranged daughters for Christmas.. While I am so sorry that many people are going through the same thing that I am, I would be lying if I didn't say that I took comfort inMore the fact that I'm not alone. Are there any reputable online support groups. I remarried 2 years ago after divorcing their father 13 years ago. I need to talk to people who are dealing with issue.
    • Miamella
      Kim - I am so sorry you are experiencing this, it's truly heartbreaking as I am also dealing with it. Have you been able to find any reputable online support groups? I think I am in need of one too.
  • Cmichie
    I lost my husband of 55 years in April 2021 have two sons that don’t speak to me and have treated me horrible and it breaks my heart I’m not sure how to handle all this
    • Denise Rowden, Parent CoachEP Coach

      I am so sorry for your loss. I can only imagine how devastating this must be. especially not having the support of your children. It may be helpful to see what types of local supports are available. If you are located within the US or Canada, the 211 National Helpline is a referral service available 24 hours a day, nationwide. They can give you information on the types of support services available in your area such as counselors, therapists, support groups/kinship services as well as various other resources. You can reach the Helpline by calling 1-800-273-6222 or by logging onto 211.org (211.ca in Canada).

      We appreciate you reaching out and wish you all the best moving forward. Take care.

  • Hurt
    So my daughter and I were close until she saw a therapist. Then on my birthday, after having dinner she started on me. Told me she felt like I never cared about her feelings in 24 yrs. I was in shock. I put her before everyone. Her step-dad and IMore used to fight over the fact I did too much for her and wouldn't let him discipline her. I got defensive and asked what I could do to fix things. She told me I can't. She had some facts wrong and I tried to tell her that. She said she didn't remember those conversations so therefore they didn't happen. But they did. I got defensive when she said I was gaslighting her, a narcissist and passive aggressive. She kicked me out of her house and hasn't spoken to me since. 4 months ago. I've tried saying I'm sorry for everything and what can I do to help, but she won't answer my calls or texts. She's 32 and married. I still store all her childhood things and pay her cellphone bill which is $100 a month. I barely have food in the house but I pay that. I have serious surgery coming up and I'd like to see her beforehand. How do I just stop being a mom. I have no other family and she was my world. This hurts worse than losing my mom, my husband, my dad, 3 friends in a car accident, losing my house and my job. It's devastating. What do I do?
    • Donna

      I stumbled on this site while searching for anything about why children cut (let’s be honest -abandon) their parents out of their live & I feel so fortunate. My 70 yr old husband (I’m 65) & I are distraught after getting her first text since June. It’s difficult to describe how this happened because it’s so unbelievable. Sara is 39. Her Dad & I married w/3 little boys between us (me-1, him-3). We couldn’t wait to have Sara. Because she’s a girl & 7 yrs after the last child, she got a lot of special “everything”. As she grew so did our financial stability & prosperity. She benefited from that 80% more than her 3 half brothers in almost every way. She was our baby girl. We really tried hard to compensate by being very doting grandparents to all our grandchildren. So there’s that.

      In June, my husband had a small stroke. It was time to move closer to one of the kids. #1’s mother told him this wasn’t his dad 🙄, so we finally cut ties 10 yrs ago. #2 (same mom as ⬆️) said come here, I have a whole tribe ready & wanting to help “ya’ll 💕. #3 my son disowned us last Mother’s Day. I have ZERO clue why. 🙁#4 Sara said you need to come here & buy a condo. 😑.

      When we told Sara we were moving to her brother’s area (1/2 the distance to visit her), she got so angry. So ugly. I blocked her. Her dad didn’t. Today we get the text in which she calls me by my first name & said she was cutting ties because we were so toxic to her, her entire life. Devastating. But final. I guess.

    • Denise Rowden, Parent CoachEP Coach

      I am so sorry you are experiencing estrangement from your daughter. I can only imagine how difficult that must be. It may be helpful to see what types of local supports are available to help you through this very difficult time. If you are in the US or Canada, the 211 National Helpline is a referral service available 24 hours a day, nationwide. They can give you information on the types of support services available in your area such as counselors, therapists, support groups/kinship services as well as various other resources. You can reach the Helpline by calling 1-800-273-6222 or by logging onto 211.org (211.ca in Canada.).

      We appreciate you sharing your story and wish you all the best moving forward. Take care.

  • Terry

    my ED talks about her therapist and how she is learning about "boundaries....and why I need to respect them.

    Interesting.

    Where were those boundaries when she announced she and BoyFriend were moving in with us? where were the boundaries when they needed money, or to borrow our car constantly?

  • Twyla
    Our daughter has been estranged for several years. I sent her emails several times. She finally answered and told us she wants nothing more to do with us. We are not to acknowledge her if we see her, even at family events, or she will involve the authorities! I knowMore I made mistakes as a parent and I blame myself. I am destroyed by this.
  • Karrie
    Just finding where my adult son is now living after him leaving town over 5 years ago. I have sent him a short apology letter, although am not sure if i hit the mark on it. But he did accept the Amazon egift card for his birthday that i sentMore which made me feel he’s not ignoring me at least. I also sent him a short i hope you’re doing good and love him always. Not sure if he opened it. What next?
  • Elizabeth
    My 25 year old daughter cut me off. We have not spoken since December of 2020. Prior to cutting me off she told me she did not want me to call but just to text only. Then she cut off her brother and told him that she did notMore want to speak to him again. Then Thanksgiving went by and then so did Christmas without hearing a word from her (not even Merry Christmas). I sent her a Christmas card with money but never heard a peep. Then I sent her a message asking her to help me understand what is happening as I am feeling distance between us. She writes me back and said things she never said to me before like I was a narcissist, manipulator, toxic parent, and bad for her mental health. My ex-husband and I got divorced over 10 years ago and he walked away from all of his children because they did not like his new girlfriend who he eventually married. I was both mother and father to my kids and did the best I could to raise them as a single parent. I always told my kids that I love them and always made sure they had what they needed. There is no instruction book on how to raise my kids but I was always there for them when they needed me growning up. Prior to cutting me off, she was having panic attacks and was trying to help her get on back on health insurance so she could get back on her medication for her anxiety. Her boyfriend messages me and tells that they do not want me to come. She had him message me instead of her messaging me. I felt very hurt. I feel very sad and depressed. Keep asking what I could have done different and blame myself for not knowing what I did wrong. I am very heart broken. It was especially hard on her birthday in August. Hearing other stories makes me feel like I am not alone. Sometimes it is so hard because I have no one to talk to.
    • denise
      Elizabeth; I feel your pain because I as well have the same pain. My son Michael cut me off last dec 2020. He is 30 yrs old. I have been thinking ahead about the holidays with much sadness; yet am trying to cope that they will not be the same.More I am depressed also regarding this. I have never had these kind of feelings before , & never been in this type of situation. My son has removed me on all platforms. I can go on & on. This is extremely painful , & as far as I’m concerned toxic. The article I just read here is Very helpful. I will reread it again. & again.
  • Sad Mom
    Thank you for this article. I never thought one of my children would not want to talk to me again and I am so heart broken. I gave everything to my children even at my own expense, because all I ever wanted was the best for them. This article reallyMore helps me understand what my daughter is going through and how to handle it when and if she does deicide to return to our lives. In the meantime I am going to miss her!
  • AnnaKate
    What a great article! Finally, one that makes sense.
    • Denise
      I agree AnnaKate.
  • Twyla
    I never thought this would happen to me. My 40-something daughter had estranged on and off, but this time might be for good. I tried to be the parent that I wished I had had; apparently, I failed. I go from feeling bad to wanting to just give up onMore our relationship.
    • Donna
      My last child (39) & only daughter cut us off on Mother’s Day. We did the very best we could but somehow it wasn’t enough. I go from sad to mad, mostly mad.
    • denise
      Twyla; I have felt like giving up also; it is so painful to live with this on my mind ; it’s something that never leaves my mind. My son instructed me he wants no communication from me. The article I just read here makes me understand more aboutMore what is happening. It’s even hard for me to write about this.
      • Twyla
        I hear you. I think about my daughter all day, every day, and wish I could fix this situation. I wrote her a heartfelt email but she claims not to have read it. She has since closed down her email, so I'm cut off. Now, she says she'll involve theMore authorities if I approach her, even at family events! I don't know who she is any more. Take care of yourself.
  • Mum sad
    I’m so sad to read there are so many broken hearted parents who feel such loss as I do. I was not a perfect parent and I got things wrong sometimes. I relied too heavily on my children when my marriage ended. But I have said I am sorrry overMore and over. Yet my kids seem unable to forgive and feel such deep resentment and anger. They have cut me out. I love them so dearly, they are my family but they have no interest in me or my life. I try to stop myself from calling because it hurts when they don’t return my calls. I send little messages of to say hi but they don’t often reply. This is the most painful experience. I’m trying to find a support group to help me through this. I live in New Zealand.
    • nomoreNZ
      I’m also in NZ and love to talk with you. Not sure how this can happen.
    • Heartbroken mum
      Mum sad,I'm live in nz and trying to find a support group,as I'm going through what everyone on here is experiencing.
    • Broken
      I'm also sad to hear these stories so similar to mine. My daughter, who was so close to me once, has shut me out of her life is appears permanently. She gradually drew away when she met a girl who convinced her she was a psychotherapy expert and after myMore daughter started to get some therapy. She began to talk about boundaries, that meant not to call or text her. I too have felt and said if I have done anything to hurt her, I am so sorry. No matter how many times I try to make ammends (for what I do not know), she says she will not talk to me. I too went through a very hard divorce when she was in high school. I am broken hearted that she can't understand the depth of a mother's love. I too, gave her everything she needed and much more than my other older 2 children. I was there for her through college, her first job, all of her hard times. I helped her decide where and how to get into grad school, helped to keep her spirits up when she wanted to quit. And now since she's met this person, she has pushed me away. I think of her every day, some days all day. I would feed her when I would go hungry after her father left. How could my sweet child change so much and not acknowledge my love. I faithfully stood by my father when he broke his neck at age 55 and helped my mom to get by and still help my mom to this day. My whole family is broken and I don't know where to turn, what to say or what to try to do anymore. This started 2018 and I haven't seen her in 2 and 1/2 years. The stories are all so sad. I am near Boston, MA.
      • Raven
        Broken, I understand. I’m heartbroken too. My daughter goes to therapy. She constantly goes on about boundaries. During any discussion that arises, she says, “Boundaries!” That’s my cue not to comment about the color of the sky or the birds that fly. I can’t be myself without a warning aboutMore boundaries. My comments earn an eye roll, sarcasm, or hurtful remark. She asks for help and sends me on my way once help is given. Since last weekend, I called her out undiplomatically. Since then she won’t respond. So very hurtful.
        • Kim
          Dear Raven, I hear what you're saying about the "Boundaries" word - it's the clue that I will be shut out if I don't respect her boundaries - which means I can't say anything that displeases her. Unfortunately this time, I can't look the other way and lieMore to myself or pretend that this is some phase she is going through and it will go away... my daughter is 35 years old, when do these "kids" grow up?
      • Donna
        Your story is exactly like mine. We couldn’t have all been “bad” parents.
    • denise
      Dear mum sad; reading your comment ; I am now crying. I wish we lived closer , we could be in support group together . I’m in San Francisco, California, USA • as far as I’m concerned, not forgiving is not ok. I have a mum who has beenMore so toxic to me; I’ve never cut her off. She’s family.. even though May be I should have. Listen to that; what I just said; this makes me understand more , how difficult these issues can be• I just always think there is a way to make things better; rather than stopping talking. I have apologized to my kids; but may be not enough to this son.
    • Polly

      I'm so sorry. It is awful, but you are not alone. There is a book "Sidelined by your adult children?"

      It saved my sanity. Keep reading, keep loving yourself.

      • Donna
        I saw this & im going to get it for my husband & I. Thank you.
      • denise
        Sidelined by your adult children. Ok I’m looking it up on Amazon right now.
  • Kiwi

    Since my 26-year-old daughter has met her boyfriend almost one year ago, she has been distant towards me. She has only connected with me on special occasions. She had surgery one month ago and when I call her she does not pick up. Only replies when I text. Says she has not been feeling well but will not always reply to my texts. Could someone give me advice?

    I can not sleep nights and feel very down about her distancing herself from me.

    • Kiwi2
      Hi there, my heart goes out to you. I am in a similar situation. I have two daughters and since my marriage ended they has slowly pulled away. I used to be very close to them but I think the sadness of loss got to them. They rarely talkMore or communicate. Sometimes it feels so deliberate. Refusing to reply to my calls, being just ‘polite’ but never expressing affection or love. It’s heart breaking.
  • noras
    My husband and I have been married 27 years and our 22 year old son (our only child) told us 8 months ago that he was dealing with extreme anxiety and he did not want us to call anymore, only text him. The only time we have seen himMore (3 times) is if he had no other option but to see us (IE, needed help moving, needed a ride etc.) He always texts me that he loves me when we text. He recently said that he needs to work through everything before he can talk to us. He has said that it is something that his father and I have done. We have always been a close family. We have supported him in all his decisions in life. We always had so much fun up until 8 months ago. We have been shocked. He does have a girlfriend that has a very unhealthy relationship with her parents and we often wonder if she is one of the reasons for this situation, but I will never ask or say that to him for fear that it will just be another strike against us. He told me as recently as a year ago that he was so thankful for his upbringing because he had no trauma or drama to deal with. Now we have this. He goes out of his way NOT to see us. It has been hurtful beyond belief. I have told him that I am heartbroken because we cannot fix what we don't know and that we are willing to sit at the table and listen and do whatever is necessary to work through this. There are times that I get so extremely low. I get scary low. I hate that anyone else is feeling this same pain, but I am comforted as I read all the comments to know I am not alone. We just cannot figure out what this is all about. He is in his senior year in college, has a guaranteed job upon graduation in computer science (his summer internship led to the job). My worst fear is that this will go on until graduation, he will move (his job is remote) and we will never get the opportunity to work this out. It feels like death, honestly. My husband and my relationship is strong and I don't think I'd make it without him and my mother in law to get through this. Without them I don't think I could make it, really. I pray all the time and I have tried to just give it to God because I can do nothing beyond reaching out. My heart breaks for him that he feels something so bad that he cannot face us. I also get so angry and hurt at times that I can't sleep, eat or function. I don't know if I should continue to hope or prepare to mourn the loss of our son. This is the worst thing to have ever happened to me in my life. I have not lost anyone close to me even in death at this point in my life. This pain is horrible. I am so sorry for everyone feeling this pain.
    • Denise
      Noras, I feel exactly like you just described here. This is the worst thing that has happened to me, & I have not lost anyone close to me even in death. This does feel like a death• it’s so draining it’s difficult to even talk about it. You areMore not alone. I need a support group, just don’t know where the relief can come from in a situation like this-
    • Delia
      Your story sounds exactly like mine. My son hasn’t spoken to me in almost 3 years. I don’t understand at all. His dad and I are divorced and I’m still single so that really doesn’t help when I start feeling down. I do have another son that I am veryMore close to. He is struggling with his brother as well. And my mom. My son doesn’t talk to her anymore either. That makes me so angry. She sends him money for holidays and he doesn’t even say thank you. I struggle so much between crippling grief, sadness, and anger. It’s so horrible. I wish you the best.
  • Sadmom
    It’s good to read the other comments here - I don’t feel so alone in my misery. My young adult son has completely rejected me. We had a close relationship when he was growing up and there’s never been a cross word between us. It’s inexplicable and very painful. DespiteMore what this article says my gut tells me it would be a mistake to continue reaching out. He had a birthday last month and has never l acknowledged the gifts I sent but surprisingly he agreed to meet for lunch only to deliberately stand me up. I cried for days. I haven’t seen him in 3 years and I’m beginning to realize that I’m permanently out of his life despite my having been a good and loving mother to him. My daughter (his sister) has seen him infrequently after he cut off contact with me but he seems to now be rejecting her as well. My head tells me to let him go and move on but my heart is broken into a thousand pieces. I have no idea why he’s rejecting me as he’s never once said anything the least bit negative about any aspect of his childhood - but his actions speak louder than his words ever could. I tell myself where there’s life there’s hope but I also think it would be better to give up hope because it prevents me from accepting the loss and letting go him go. It’s an open wound that doesn’t seem to heal.
    • Denise
      Open wound . If I think about this all the time I will become a vegetable, so down & depressed. I’m not busy in my life now; so it’s hard to not think about it. It’s just the most messed up thing I can think of .More There is nothing like your family. I am so hurt/ & so hurt for his hurt. HELP me, someone, help!
      • Twyla
        I agree with you. I have a daughter and I am "hurt for her hurt". I tried to be a loving, supportive mom and it's killing me that she feels let down by me to the point she chooses to stay away. I want her to be happy, but she'sMore angry instead.
  • Sandra Sangwin
    I have an only son. He is 43. I am 73. He has stopped contacting me because I am finding it hard to accept the woman he left his wife and 2 children for. It is breaking my heart
    • Andrew - June 2022

      I would say that you are right to not be accepting of his choice to leave his family. I was told once that infidelity is similar to death - meaning once your son chose infidelity over his wife and 2 children he chose to end that relationship which in turn forces you to have to chose how you will carry on your relationship with your son and his ex wife and two children (your grand children).

      I would set strong boundaries for your relationship with your son while trying to maintain a healthy supporting relationship with your grandchildren and their mother.

  • Inpaintothecore

    I am so thankful to find this site. My story :

    I have a 30 year old daughter who has slowly become estranged. In my opinion I’ve been and loving and supportive throughout her life and I’ve been searching for answers as to why this is occurring. She admitted several years ago that she was gay. I thought that caused the prior distancing on her part. Maybe I tried to hard to keep us close . She slowly drifted. Then most recently she admitted to a drinking problem. I again was supportive and tried to remain close. She rarely opens up as much as I try. I’ve cried, yelled hugged her sat in on meetings, nothing appears to work. She says she needs boundaries from me, but yet won’t explain what I’ve done. I am so heartbroken by this. She was my gift ,I was told that my chances of getting pregnant from my (2nd) husband were slim to none. I was thrilled beyond belief when I had a daughter. I cannot understand her behavior at all. I come from a very close knit Italian family and she has become a stranger to them. It appears she cares more about her friends and coworkers.

    • Broken
      This is a very similar story to mine with my daughter. I am and have always been a very catholic Irish family. Several years ago she told me she was gay and has slowly drifted further and further away. To the point now where she will not talk to meMore at all. Her birthday, Thanksgiving, Christmas's for 2 1/2 years not. My hear bleeds every dayl
    • David
      I was looking for a comment like this one. Your story is so similar to mine. I had a daughter who transititioned to a male. The whole process started at around 12 years of age. At first I thought she was a lesbian but things progressed from that pointMore on. I feel like I was extremely understanding throughout the whole process. Obviously it definitely wasn't easy but I tried my best to understand. I feel I was always a very understanding parent and very encouraging. If I have a fault it is that I feel like I was too soft on my children with regards to discipline. I just wanted them to be happy all the time and their childhood was filled with fun times, vacations and me always by their sides. My friends and family tell me that I was the best father they ever knew. Even when my then daughter was confused about her gender and taking every drug known to man and drinking heavily I still tried to be supportive and I wanted to be a safe place for her to fall. Just last year he decided to cut me out of his life. It was sudden and I really don't know the reason why. I have heard more than one reason from him from family members, and they keep changing. I also feel like he is dating someone who is very damaged and they might have a very negative influence on him. I have dealt with this in what I believe to be the healthiest way possible. I wanted to share this with you because it seems to be working. First and foremost I relinquish any guilt whatsoever. No parent is perfect and as I said I think I was just too soft with my children, but outside of that I sincerely don't think I did anything wrong. I lived for my children. I spent all my free time with them and loved them unconditionally. So I am at peace with that. Secondly, I decided not long ago that he is an adult now and is free to fly on his own. I have my own life and I am living it to the hilt. I take solace in the joy I had with all my children when they were growing up. The times we went to parks, the sports we played in the backyard, watching their dance recitals and sports games, the wonderful vacations, and just the fun we had in and around the home for years. No one can take that away from me or them. I also believe that time will heal these wounds and he will reach out to me at some point. One thing I will never do is burn any bridges. I will always be supportive and not play the blame game. He is still young and is entitled to play that game if he wants, but I won't go there. I will be ready for the prodigal son when he is ready to come back. I am at peace with all of this.
      • Broken
        I too was very understanding when she told me she was gay. She definitely seems to be trying to find her true self and with this person she may be happy. Although she told me she didn't know if they had enough in common to be married. My daughter isMore so healthy, and athletic and active. And this person, none of those things, had estrangement with her biological mother for years and she is inactive and into her psychotherapy/mental health stuff. She has changed my daughter and I don't even know her anymore. It scares me to the bone.
  • cesannbut
    My feelings don't even compute here. I am so hurt and offended by the estrangement of my son it isn't even funny. He calls his father, gives him birthday presents. He and his wife are trying to get my granddaughter to just say grandpa and not beMore interested in grandma. Hurt. Nah. That emotion doesn't even come close. Nice article, but I am not relating whatsoever. Anger doesn't even cut it anymore. I have given up and am not ever going to pursue a relationship further with my son. I am done.
    • denise
      I understand how you feel -. This is not ok. This is not the way things are handled. the healthy way is to TALK , it through.. seems like this is a new trend? & being accepted ?
      • Broken
        So true.
  • lasting trauma

    2021-07-19 is there anyway to know if I am posting comments on a page with recent visitors or 5 years old? I see Shelley, Hope and Carole… or anybody else. There is a Mrs Grace who says « Hurting souls with broken hearts need validation and comfort coming from others who have been down the same path… » I would love to exchange with.

    I do agree with many who mention that the subject is taboo and that support groups are rare. I am here even though English is a second language for me because I have not seen a single page in French where mothers can say what is being said here.

    I am estranged from my 52 years old daughter for the last 10 years. For 43 years, we were in the best of terms, vacationing together, I helped her in all her important steps in life including college, buying a house when she was in her thirties etc. Having been motherless at 7, with a childhood of total neglect, I did care not to repeat the pattern. I thought, and a few others too, that I had done a pretty good job, until :

    I am the one who flee the verbal abuse, agressivity, the roller coaster of a toxic relation she clang to. She would call sounding like on the verge of suicide, make me run day or night, until I was sick with worry, frustration, powerlessness, rejection. She would be out partying with the man 3 days later. I got the feeling that I was the crutch helping her to say with a man that any decent family would be ashamed or terrified to have in the family. But, she insisted on calling him « the one love of my life » . A few months after I had announced that I didn’t want to be called for help in those couple dramas, if she chose to stay (not even married) with him, she started being very rude, very money minded, very abusive verbally. « Mind your own business » had become her usual answer to « how do you do? ». Trying to tell her that she needed serious professionnal help was the worst insult I could utter. She did throw him out quite a few times to take him back a few weeks later and keep the damage deepening.

    I openly told my daughter that I did not want to see her anymore unless she came with a version of the crisis that didn’t paint me as the source of all her woes and that there has been some events and words that ask for another kind of treatment than « sweeping under the carpet ». So, I am openly the abuser, the one who closed the door, and she the victim who doesn’t understand why. It hurts a lot, everyday, but the few times she calls, once every 2 years, at midnight and for 3 hours, it’s to tell me she doesn’t read what I write to her and that she doesn’t understand… what I have made more than clear. If at 52 she doesn’t have the maturity, the emotional intelligence, the minimal dose of respect or gratitude for a mother who gave all she could, it is hopeless and I know it too well. Some notions of love and freedom that include the right to abuse, to hurt, would need serious examination. This is a very short version of the events, the clearest I can spell about the essential of the situation. I have little family left, one sister I love, almost 80, in good health, and sitting on a type of neutrality that is a bit challenging for my nerves. She definitely prefers not to hear about the story.

  • Shelley
    How does a mother do when both of her children have cut her off? (Due to partial truths distorted by another family member). It has been over 6 years now since I last spoke and saw my children. I was not perfect but I was totally devotedMore to both of my children - until I also most died from a surgery that left me in chronic pain. I was the best mom until I wasn't. I realize there is more to this story - I own parts that are mine to own - but what do I do when other family members (grandparents (my parents), aunts and uncles (my sisters) tell my adult children untruths and encourage the distancing? My husband (father) and I do not even know where my children live. Except for 1 hurtful email from each child over the past 6 1/2 yrs we have had zero contact. I can't breathe I am in so much emotional pain. It is crippling. I can't go on with this. I don't want to. How are you coping - anyone? My son is now 30 and daughter 28. They are both in relationships (that I know of) next engagements; marriage and babies. I am going to miss it all - most of all any type of relationship with 2 of the most important people in my life. I dedicated my life to my children. How can they believe so many lies?
    • Broken
      I think kids have their own perceptions and memories, that however distorted, they are their own and there is nothing we can do. I just don't understand, when I say I am sorry (for what I am not sure) they can't accept your sincere apology and move on like adults.More If I held a grudge for everything my parents did/did not do I'd have been crushed under that weight. I always forgave and moved on. This anger/hate... they carry I think will do much damage over time.
    • Love to all
      I am so sorry...im suffering also as Christmas approaches and one of mine lives far away and the other acts like we dont exist. We devoted our lives and get this.... its shameful...
  • Hope
    Alli, thank you for your comment, it’s made me look at things a little differently. It’s difficult to see or find a life without my son and grand-daughter in it. My whole life has been focused on being a wife and mother. I failed at marriage, myMore husband had an affair and left, still not sure what I did or didn’t do exactly and now this is the 3rd time my son has decided to cut me out of his life. I’m fairly certain he won’t be back this time and I think that’s ok, as long as he’s happy I guess. I’ve been thinking a lot about parents who have had a child die, how the pain of it all must stay with them forever. The difference here is the pain of knowing that a child you brought into the world who you loved and cared for unconditionally has decided to reject you. I’m not sure that I take comfort in knowing there are so many parents struggling. What a world! What a life! Keep moving forward and thank you
  • Carole
    I’m a single Mum and Grandma who divorced my two children’s father 20 years ago. My son came back into my life 2 years ago after being out of my life for 5 years. My daughter and he have been estranged for 10 years and she refuses toMore have anything to do with her brother. In her words “he is dead to me”. She has since married 7 years ago and they have my 2 beautiful grandchildren whom I moved 200 miles to be closer to. I was very close to my little granddaughter who is now 4 and my little grandson of 1 year old. For 2 years now I have suffered emotional abuse and blackmail from my daughter and her husband because I see my son once a week. I tried to avoid going to their home because it very quickly “turned ugly” and they would start on me again. For the sake of my health I didn’t want to visit their home as I wanted to avoid the stress. I have been suffering anxiety attacks, headaches and physical aches & pains as well as chronic insomnia throughout this whole period. I have no-one to talk to regarding this and am too ashamed of my daughter to talk to my friends or family about it. My daughter’s latest strategy is the silent treatment and I have not seen my grandchildren for several weeks now. I attempted to contact my daughter and asked if we could talk alone (her husband seems to join in with her when I’m being criticised by my daughter). She said she would come over but has not. Instead, she has barred me from seeing any photos of my grandchildren which means she is cutting me out of their lives. I’m utterly bereft and heartbroken. My son and daughter used to be incredibly close and supportive of each other. It makes me incredibly sad. Her husband’s family is huge but my two are all I have. I have told her we love her and will always be there for her but that’s all I can do. It’s very hard but I will need to look to my future now and try to enjoy the years I have left. I have spent 40 years loving, caring for, supporting, financing my children. What was it all about?
    • Broken
      I feel the same way and have the same insanity between my children. So stressful I had to quit work and retire earlier than I had planned. My health has deteriorated and I have trouble sleeping. Learning to take care of yourself after putting your children first for so manyMore years is so hard.
      • Flicker
        I put my children first for 20 years! Now they have to fly on their own, estranged or not. I'm grateful, like King Lear, for at least one child who always always loved me back. That is enough.
  • Lisa
    My daughter is almost 32 and recently cut me out of her life saying she was tired of our roller coaster relationship. Basically, she is blaming me for our problems. I know I have been critical and judgmental due to what I perceive as poor and irresponsible decisions she hasMore made. But, she lies to me and ignores me until she needs money. Then, she acts so sweet and caring. I, in turn, respond in anger. Our relationship has been toxic for me for a very long time and I hate to admit it, but she is right, we do need a break from each other. The thought of not seeing her breaks my heart and I pray we can have a better relationship some day.
  • Momof3
    I came across this site after my middle child and only daughter with my only grandchild has now cut me off for the second time. It’s heartbreaking to read these comments and I read all of them. My grandson’s birthday is in early July. He’ll be two. I knew someMore months ago she was getting ready to shut me out again. I’m not sure what I have done for this child to just erase me from her and her sons life. My boys and I have great relationships. While I am dealing with a great deal of depression this time, I’m not angry with her and am prepared for this time to be the long haul. It’s all so insanely trivial frankly and I know there’s no way I’m a bad mom to my middle child when my oldest and youngest have great relationships with me. It’s absolutely dumbfounding what this child is going through since she doesn’t really function at an adult level. Although I’ve spent the past couple weeks sleeping too much and dealing with some depressive issues, it’s not me. I’m quite sure her marriage is a disaster and I’m just the punching bag. However I will own the fact that staying for 26 years in a marriage with her emotionally, physically and verbally abusive father did nothing to show her how a woman should be treated in a relationship. I wish things were different but it’s out of my control. I have no voice with her and have no choice. I chased her last time and had to do it through her father whom I cannot tolerate. I will not do it again. I’m no one’s doormat. I gave everything for my children so they could be worthwhile adults. This is not about me, it’s about her inability to take control of her life.
  • Corn Pops
    I am confused too by this article. I was helping my son buy his first house, he was doing well then did t get a promotion he’d hoped for. Then he fell out with a brother and said he didn’t want to speak to him. I told him as adults,More I would respect his opinion and asked how I could help. He basically told me to tell his brother off. I felt I could mediate and support but that wasn’t enough for him. He’s gone and I’m worried about his state of mind. He wants no contact. I sent a message on his 30th birthday just a week later and N now prepared totally to stay away as long as he feels that’s best for him, sad as that makes me. My worry is that I believe he may have had thoughts about seif-harm. I hear what the adult children here are saying and their feelings are more important than mine (it’s agony btw) But please advise how I balance that with him being safe.
  • Sad dad
    My wife is bipolar, we have been married 49 years. Our daughter came out of the closet after divorcing and her 2 sons our grandchildren moved in with their father after our daughter got married to a drunk who abused them. My daughter for whom I gave up my careerMore so that she could be head girl of her senior school and who has a Bsc(Hon) degree has cut her mother and I completely out of her life. Our daughter is in Africa we have moved to the UK in our senior years.I fear i will die without being reconciled with my daughter. My grandson's want nothing to do with their mother but stay in contact with us.One at varsity and the other hoping to go next year. I guess we must be grateful that our grandson's love us but when I think back to the happy times my wife and I shared with our daughter, in spite of the bipolar,I am a very sad old man!
    • Polly
      I'm so sorry, Sad Dad. Read everything you can on estrangement. Forgive yourself. Hold on to the good. Let the bad go and pain go with it. You're not alone.
  • Ms G

    Often, if your child is empathetic he/she may be in a relationship with a very controlling, manipulative and lying person. This type of person often turns their partner against families and friends to isolate and continue to abuse them. They basically brainwash them and weaken their ability to fight for themself through tactics such as gaslighting.

    This appears to be the situation with my daughter, my only child. She met her husband at college and hasn't been the same since. She used to be kind and very encouraging to friends and family. She would light up a room. She and I got along well and she would call me a tell me what's going on in her life. More and more overtime she would complain about everyone, stop visiting friends, and snap at me about little things. This increased more and more over about 5 years, and the whole time I could see her boyfriend stirring the pot and planting seeds. He said he was a terror as a child, he stated he doesn't like people, he "can't" cry, and I can tell he has a lot of rage inside. (You know what this all describes.) I've witnessed the gaslighting and the lying. He lies to me with no conscience. I think my daughter walks on eggshells around him and so does their 3-year-old son. I hate it for them. He seems to have her confused and afraid, and I can't get to her to just give her a hug. She rarely calls and she doesn't visit.

    I guess it's true that the best thing to do is to pray for their peace and safety, and take care of yourself. If you believe in a higher power, then you should trust your prayers. (I keep telling myself that.)

    • Broken
      Yes I do. I pray and trust that miracles do happen every day! Keep the faith!
    • J Hitz
      This sounds like a mirror of my current situation. My son and I had a great relationship until he met his current wife. She did all the things you said your daughters SO did, and now my son is completely no contact. They even went so far as to tryMore to get a restraining order on me. Thankfully the judge realized they were trying to use the court system as a means of punishment and denied the order, but it still hurts and I don't contact them anyway because it's what they want. I don't know how to deal with the loss. It's like I'm in mourning. It's hard to read the nasty smear campaign and lies they are spreading, and know there's just nothing I can do to either defend myself or more to the point, reconcile and understand why they're doing all this in the first place. It's only been a few months for me since going no contact, and it's a miracle if I go a day without crying over not having him in my life anymore.
  • Jodi

    I was estranged of and on from my abusive and alcoholic mother up until her death. I raised two wonderful sons with no issues in sight - never imagining I would one day be here, looking for advice. My eldest is now 22 and think we are also now estranged. This article is probably dead on, regarding entanglement and his inability to deal with his emotions. I am very angry and hurt by his behavior and my own upbringing makes me want to push back and keep that door shut all while crying on the other side. I sacrificed everything for him, especially him, and he takes and takes and takes. Having a partner that helped me see that clearly helps, but it certainly doesn’t help with the pain of not hearing from your first born.

    As for giving gifts or small notes, if you visit the subreddit for children who have cut off their parents, they despise their parents for continuing to reach out. So, either they are lying in their posts and secretly like it, or it’s not a good move.

    I haven’t showered in 7 straight days and I have terrible dreams that all have to do with him being in peril. I think it’s time for me to get some therapy. Not to mention my partner has no idea what to say or how to help me.

  • Rick Z

    For some parents of estranged adult children, trying to have some kind of connection with the estranged child, is the right thing. But there are others like my wife and I who have been issued an ultimatum to not under any circumstances, try to contact our son and his wife. They have threatened to sue us for harassment if we ever try to make contact. My son in his teenage years was nothing but trouble. We spent a fortune on lawyers, counselors, psychiatrists, but to no avail. I had to kick him out of the house because he posed a threat. At some point he came to his senses in his 20’s and married a woman twice his age with 2 grown children.

    At one point they were destitute and we took them in to help them. They wound up staying for 2 years. We basically paid for everything.

    We went through our entire savings and were wiped out financially. After they got a place of their own, both of them started to accuse my wife of doing all kinds of awful things to them and spoke to her in a disgusting manner.

    My son said that he still wanted a relationship with me. I told him that his Mom and I are a team. If they were going to disconnect from her, then they’ll have to disconnect from me. That was 5 years ago. There was one nasty phone call attacking my wife again and I hung up. His behavior did not surprise me in the least. There are just some people who are bad seeds. Some people are hateful people. Some people are evil. I knew since my son was a teenager that he was an evil person. It took Mom a lot longer to cut the apron strings. After what they put my wife through, I have absolutely no affection for my son. I have nothing but disdain and contempt for him and his wife. Since they don’t want any contact, We are abiding by their demands.Thankfully my wife has recovered from the trauma.

    I know this might sound awful to some people. But I have ZERO love for my child.

    I wish him no harm. I am practicing compassion meditation in order to mitigate resent on my part. At the very least I have learned to not have any guilt or remorse.

    But I don’t respect him, I don’t like him and I certainly don’t love him. And I’m perfectly okay with that. And I feel that if there is no chance of reconciling, it’s okay to stop trying and get on with ones Life. It’s okay to reject the societal expectation to never give up. Not every child is worth it. If it’s done, it’s done. Do not feel any shame or guilt if you don’t love your kid. It’s more important to love oneself and ones spouse.

    • flicker
      In my life journey, I feel more like the son in the story of the Prodigal Father. Except that my son now has a child with his spouse which complicates his return.
    • David
      Thank you for your story. I can relate to some degree. Some people really are "bad seeds." I had an incredible relationship with my daughter until she was 12 years old and then she turned into a demon. She is now 25 years old and cut me out of herMore life last year. As far as I am concerned she did me a favor. The turbulence she caused in our home in her teenage years I wouldn't wish on anyone. I am completely at peace myself today while she tells everybody horrible lies that I was a bad father and so on. She had the best father in the world. My friends and family know that. I have no guilt at all. I just realize, like you do, that I had a "bad seed" child.
    • Polly
      Thank you. Big, deep breath.
  • Jacob
    After going down a worm hole looking for possible reasons our 19yr old son left home and makes no effort to stay in contact i was relived somewhat to the story about Joe. Its so clear every child handles life differently. I was talking to my wife about the timeMore his grades were slipping below passing at high school and we sat down had a chat with him and reaffirmed all he needed to do was pass. something he was very capable of doing. i remember him loosing it one night about all the pressure he was under and i was surprised. we didn't think asking him to pass basic high school grades was a massive ask. he went on to finish high school passing and we were happy for him. then the next issue came up! what was he going to do with his life. we tried to encourage him to get motivated in high school to get a part time job but that was really difficult. Same as getting his license. we didn't want him sitting in his room playing video games all day... He eventually got an apprenticeship as chef, and at my wife's push left home to gain some independence. We see him on birthdays and Christmas but apart from that he doesn't make any effort at all. He did come out at 16 years saying he was gay, we are progressive and fairly accepting of this. doing research it almost always pointed to some form of abuse, well this is not the case at all. was the pressure of contributing to the norms of society (job, being independent etc) to much in this case? i asked him quitely to please call his mum but he couldn't be bothered doing this and that hurts me.
  • Cyndy
    So many comments resonate. Just don’t know how to “think less” about my daughter and her family and still find support. I’m still so hurt and sometimes angry. My daughter is 40...many years of her cutting off and on. I’m tired and this last time I just want to giveMore up. Tired of jumping thru hoops only to fail at some point with no warning. I believe our problem is made much worse by her alcoholism. She has been drinking excessively for years. Tries to hide it.
  • Marg
    I haven’t seen my daughter or granddaughter for13 months. My daughter began to shut me out three years ago. And now she can’t respond - she doesn’t answer the phone, messages etc - time is precious- you get one chance. I feel devastated and so sad.
  • Jeannie

    As I read everybody’s stories my heart aches because I know the pain too well.

    My son is 24 and was an amazing kid growing up. We never had to punish him. He was a great student with tons of friends and a fantastic home life, we were very close to him.

    When he met his girlfriend (only and current girlfriend) and they started dating we excepted her and fell in love with her too. She was having what seemed like maybe some issues with school in another town and so we decided to let her move into our home to help her out. Things were fine at first until I discovered she came into my personal space on several occasions while I was away at work and stole some makeup from me. If she would have asked me for them I would have just given them to her or bought her some. We did everything for her, let her stay in our home rent free, she didn’t work, my husband replaced all four tires on her vehicle, worked on her car etc.

    I confronted her about the makeup and she lied about it. I was hoping so badly that she would just apologize and we could get past it, but it only got worse from there. She left that night and went to a friends house. She called from the friends house and told me that she took the makeup. When I told my son she admitted to taking the makeup he got very upset, I could see it hurt him that she lied to him, and that hurt me. I let her come back to our home because in a way I felt sorry for her and I loved her because my son loved her.

    The next day she was so happy and cheerful and acted like nothing happened. I thought, boy she gets over things fast. After that things stayed very, very awkward in the home up until my son moved away to college which is when he decides to tell me that she really didn’t take the makeup and the only reason she said she did was to try and calm the situation. I was in shock!! I had proof she took it. I know it’s just makeup, that’s not the problem. The problem is, that she came into our home and stole and then lied about it, said she took it, and then lied again. She was deceiving my son and he couldn’t see it.

    My son has been gone since August 2019 and I haven’t seen him since. We barely talk on the phone. I found out several times he was back in our town visiting his sisters and her family and never came by to see us. When I asked him why he said we aren’t ready for that. I feel I’ve lost him. It hurts so bad. I sit and cry a lot. I’ve become depressed over this. I know this seems childish, but I feel she is deliberately pulling him away from us, encouraging him not to speak to us. I just want to scream because I now believe he believes I was lying about the whole stealing incident.

    I am literally driving myself insane. Every time the phone rings I think it might be him, every text I hear I jump, every knock at the door. It’s no fun living your life hanging by a thread waiting just waiting to see if every little noise you hear might be them trying to contact you.

    Thank you for taking the time to read my story.

    I wish you all the best.

    • Flicker
      Any time a friend's son gets married, I now feel like I want to express condolences over their future daughter-in-law. Like a funeral for losing her son. A funeral for a young man who even once the fog of love clears and he sees what he has married and hadMore children with, he might see that he is forever trapped. What can we do for our trapped children? Not much really! Even when they hate us and want nothing to do with us? Or they beg us to help and free them? Fact is that as adult kids it is THEIR life and they have to figure it out. Our love alone is not enough to rescue them.
  • Lyssa

    My Daughter turned 22and decided to move out of state with her Aunt & Uncle.

    The more time that passed, the more distant she was. Now she has cut her Dad and I off completely. I have emailed, send letters, cards... With no response. She changed her phone number and we are not allowed to have it.

    She wants nothing to do with us.

    The family members she lives with support her in her decision to stop all communication with us. I believe they are partly to blame for her distancing herself.

    I hear she has eloped recently and my husband and I are terribly upset. She is two months from graduating nursing school. We hope she doesn't throw all her hard work and effort away.

    We are so lost about what led to her leaving in the first place. It has been a year now since we have spoken to her.

    I will continue to reach out. I will never give up. I'm hoping one day she will want to see us again. I still cry most days, in & off.

    I just can't help it. She is my only daughter and my youngest child of three.

    She dosent talk to my younger son and only speaks to my oldest son every know and then.

    She has cut the rest of the family off also.

    She has offered her phone number to my husband but only under the conditions that he not share it with me. He refused to that agreement so she cut him out. I don't know what else to do. I'm so sad that she has to be this way and not give us any reason why.

    Our relationship was rocky in her late teens but since moving away, it had gotten extremely aweful.

    I only hope she will reach out sometime.

  • Addict Son
    My son is an addict and I am the one usually cutting him off and we won’t take for months and we’ll talk and then it’s cut off again either by him or me. Cutting him off is how I protect myself from dealing with an addict. I think IMore might be the best thing so I don’t get hurt of his toxic behavior.
  • Upset Mom
    I have a 32 yr daughter that has turned very disrespectful use profanity and also now she has blocked my phone calls and said I’m fake and jealous of her. I’m like what. She has issues
  • Kate

    I am here hurting with you.

    I have an adult daughter who I miss so much. Our relationship changed when she was in her teens. Was up and down for awhile. But at a certain point, I told how her how I feel when she does things and says things that hurt me. We argued terribly. And I even said things I should not have said. I see her and my grandchildren once or twice year. She doesn't respond to texts or calls. I keep wondering if I should just give up and stay out of her life. Maybe that would help her and make her happy. I have apologized for the things I've said & done but it doesn't seem to matter. I pray about it everyday. I give gifts And cards but she doesn't say anything. And hopefully one day her heart will feel different. I go to God for advice. He told me "love never fails" love holds no records of wrong" love is patient" love is kind". Its easy to love someone when they love you back. But it takes genuine love to love the unlovable because it is painful.. It is hard and it is painful. Just like when Jesus went to the cross for all of us when He was being torchered, mocked, laughed at & spit on. Don't give up. God sees all. In order to be forgiven, we have to forgive. That is something we can teach our adult child by our example.

    I know it hurts. Believe me I know. Keep praying and never lose hope. Xo

    • Broken
      I agree completely. OX You are all in my prayers too.
  • Becky
    Thank you for writing an article that is not one sided toward the adult children. When a person googled estrangement and adult child very little comes up that represents the true reality of what is going on eith many of the parents of this awful epidemic that is attacking ourMore families. I am one year into my nightmare and am still existing in total shock. I do know I have hurt my children in my life as they have hurt me, but I do not understand we can not communicate our hurts and find grace for each other as we move through this world! This is so very Biblical! God be with us all
  • CookieMonster
    AYD,your situation sounds similar to mine. I still cry a lot. To add to my frustration, my oldest son is extremely rude to my husband (I am divorced from their dad), while my younger son is not. I rarely hear fro either of them. Very sad..
  • AYD

    My word, 856 comments. How sad is this, that so many parents are going through this. My eldest Son hasn’t spoken to me, called, nor texted for four years now. To say my heart is broken doesn’t even describe my pain. Some days it takes everything I have to get out of bed.

    Me and his Dad divorced after 30 years of marriage. I was miserable! My son was very angry that I left. He said he was blindsided by it and how did he not know anything about it. Well, he rarely came around!!!!! He got angry that I was “honest” with him.

    I know we are not supposed to get angry at our adult children. But let me tell you. The first years, I cried every day. The third I reached out constantly to him. Still nothing. He got married. That killed me. Now, well.....I’m angry. I’m tired of begging and pleading. I’m not asking forgiveness for moving on with my life! I deserve to be happy too.

    I’m sorry but we’ve raised a bunch of spoiled rotten brats that only think about themselves! Unless they were abused, physically or mentally they need to put on their grown panties and talk to us parents and work it out. EVERYTHING can be negotiated and EVERYTHING can be worked out if talked about sensibly and calmly. But it takes BOTH parties to be adults!!!!

    Sorry for the rant. But I sure feel better now! ☺️😂😅

  • lostinspace
    Not quite estranged yet but can see things going that way with my 21 year old daughter. She constantly tells me she hates me and is very disrespectful calling me names and insulting me. When I ask her why she hates me she tells me that I should know why.More I am the kind of Dad who has always been there but maybe in retrospect I may have been there physically but not emotionally. I am lost and have no idea how to reach her anymore. It has reached the point where I don't even know why she hates me anymore. I don't assume being forced to live at home due to her University being remote has helped things. The only good thing right now is that we have a large house and can retreat to separate corners of the house when things get bad. I swear I wake up everyday with the best of intentions to make things right with her but it usually devolves into something twisted and painful as she greets me with same f*** you attitude she gives me every day.
  • sewnewseeds
    Thankyou. I know I am not alone. It is a powerful hurt to experience. I finally stood up for myself and took a stand against the ongoing abuse. I think I let it go on too long. The silence is very painful. Some days easier than others. Dealing with birthdays,More and the pending birth of gr children you may never see is brutal.
  • clueless
    My 28 year old daughter suddenly stopped talking to me. no drugs, no divorce, no abuse. We had always been very close and she was planning her wedding. I reacted very badly out of hurt and frustration, but ultimately tried apologizing for anything/everything I could think of.More It's been almost 9 mos now. I did attend the wedding and she was polite to me while I was there, but it was not the amazing experience I had been looking forward to. I am so blown away by her ability to treat me with such cruelty. There is no explanation for whatever I might have done and no way to make amends. All this during Covid isolation does not help. Therapy, antidepressants, wine are getting me thru, plus a loving husband, sister and parents. Daughter has also stopped talking with her dad, aunt and grandparents. She was always the most empathetic of my kids, but she seems to be clueless as to how this affecting all of us. can't stop crying even after all this time, (but I am a cryer). I honestly feel like its something that could have been solved with a conversation.
    • shattered
      Wow, so similar to our situation. My daughter, my only child, who I was so close to just cut me and her father out of her life. This behavior has been getting worse for the past nine years. At first it was just a cold distancing from us.More She is now keeping from us, our two grandchildren who we were so close to. She Has just acted hateful and cruel with NO prior provocation. We have asked her why and what did we do. She has no real answer. We now have very little contact with her or the kids, or our son in law that we loved so so much. He seems to be a victim of her control and manipulation too. She had the best childhood, the very best of everything in a loving caring home.
  • Fiona
    Thank you for this article, in the dark days its good to understand you are not alone.
  • Foreverhurting
    My adult kids are shutting the door on me, my emotions are so raw and i dont know what to do fir the best
  • SadMom
    My 19 yr old left right after high school to move in with her biological dad who let her boyfriend live there too. He charged them a ridiculous amount of rent to live in a tiny garage. When she couldn't take it anymore she moved home. I tried to helpMore her get on track and paid her to help with her younger sisters. She was verbally disrespectful, refused to help around the house, said we didn't pay her enough but refused to get a job. She constantly talked to us with such disrespect that I couldn't take it anymore and I asked her to leave because the verbal abuse had begun to take a toll on me anf the younger kids. I reacted out of anger. She moved in with her boyfriend and has since tried to turn her sisters against me. She has obviously blocked me from the phone I continue to pay for and may even be pregnant. Im so depressed, I cry every day.
  • Hurtingbadly
    I am hurting so bad, I don’t know what to do. I feel like I have tried everything. My daughter and I were SO close until she got her 1st boyfriend and spent time with his family, who were better off than us financially, liked to trash us and encouragedMore our daughter to do the same which she did willingly. She is 20 years old , newly married and just had our first grandchild, who is the love of my life. My daughter uses the baby as a weapon and takes her away anytime she gets mad about something. This last time she took her away about 2 weeks ago because when I was babysitting for her, I couldn’t get the baby to nap, who is 9 months old and she said I need to just leave her in the crib and cry even if it’s 4 hours, which I refused to do. The baby is young enough that she will forget us and I have this anger towards my daughter because of that. Why would you take love away from your own baby? I will never understand or agree with that. I have tried everything, walking in egg shells, staying away, not being so available. She gets mad when I say “ If you and your husband want to go out for dinner or a movie I will watch the baby so you can have some alone time” That’s something I was never offered so I want to offer things but she sees that as me being annoying. She has a hate for me that runs deep. No abuse in our family, she never did drugs or got in trouble , I’m pretty sure there is mental health issues but she refuses to get help.
    • Sewnewseeds I had this happen to mean for years. I had to wait it out until she was old enough to go live with her father where I have all the access I want. It was a long wait, I would sneak over at the school to have a peek at her. Its nothing short of abuse. I feel for you
      I have suffered many heartbreaks and losses, none so painful as the silence of an estranged child. If you read the threads here and on other sites, it is practically an epidemic. I am surrounded by self help books on the topic, podcasts, friend support and a loving husbandMore yet somedays I have lead shoes on and cannot move... IF I allow that to happen. One of the best books on this topic and how to move forward and other considerations regarding illness, death, inheritance and all the stuff running through your mind all day as we age come from a book called "Done with Crying" by Sheri McGregor. Our perception of our time with this child is likely in direct contrast with theirs. They believe their truth and we believe ours. Stop torturing yourself. The small child with the puffy cute cheeks may no longer be the child you remember. Doesn't mean YOU did not do a good job as a parent. You are in love with a memory. This book will help you to understand. You have to live in the present, be grateful for all you have at this time. I get it! the birthdays, holidays, birth of a grand child you may never see, or a grandchild ripped from your world. It is up to YOU to stop the pain. Welcome the silence, Stop punishing yourselves. We are human, we cannot undo what has happened and stop apologizing for something you did not do. With the pandemic, it compounds the situation of loneliness. It is hard to understand the death of a relationship without the actual physical death. As Parents, we are fixer's, we are getting older, want peace and harmony, love and family. We see time slipping away with no resolve in sight. You did not abandon your post as a parent. Some think as parents, is is is our job to exhaust every possible effort for reconciliation. Think through your texts, letters or forms of contact. Let time pass. write the letter but do not mail it. If you are being disrespected, abused verbally, abused financially or grand babies are being used as a bargaining tool. THIS is not OK. Help yourself. Stay strong. Read the threads.. YOU are NOT alone.. Get the book.
      • Hurtingbadly
        Oh my God, thank you!! The book you mentioned is on the way! I am getting stronger every day.
  • Tiredmom
    My two adult daughters , 25 & 27, have shut me out. Oldest daughter put her dad and I through hell during her teenage years...drinking, drugging, promiscuity, stealing, disappearing, lying, etc. Her dad and I did everything we could to try to get her on the right path, to noMore avail. Younger daughter followed with much of the same behaviors. My daughters' dad passed away suddenly 1 month after my mom died, then both of my in-laws within the next two years. I suffered from ptsd after witnessing the death of my husband. Throughout these difficult times I supported my children emotionally and financially. A few months ago I told my daughters that my long term fiancé and I were eloping. I told them that I will always love their father, and that he would want me to be happy. They responded terribly, with disgusting evil comments that my therapist was even shocked by.Their words were directed at me, not my new husband. Their dad and I had a good, strong marriage for almost 26 years. I loved him more than I know how to say. We were college sweethearts and faithful. I responded to their awful comments calmly and told them that their words were unkind, rude, completely unacceptable. I told them that our problems are too big to handle on our own,that unless they agreed to family therapy, I didn't want to hear from them. Of course, I haven't heard from them, but this Thanksgiving was the first drama free holiday in years! I hope my daughters will agree to counseling, but in the meantime I am at peace.
  • mp

    Very interesting comments. I am struggling with the two extremes:

    1) Send the child who has cut you off occasional text messages, holiday gifts etc.

    OR

    2) Do not initiate any contact. They have chosen to cut you out. Leave them alone.

    Not sure which is best way to work on getting contact again.

    • DN
      I absolutely agree..it's impossible to know what to do, and trying stop aching for a response..
  • Be careful and try to heal
    This article contradicts itself in some of the advice provided, but I am glad it seemed to have started a discussion. There are online support groups for estranged parents if you seek them out. Also, be careful what therapist you go to - not all are good, some can makeMore it worse. Why is this such a huge problem? Is it due to people being so self-absorbed and individualistic in our current society? - My daughter suddenly left home one day right after turning 18, no explanation and cut me off. Then she got close with my estranged mother and sister who whe had very little to do with, but now they share the same drink and be merry live in the moment lifestyle. I look her up online just to see her, because I miss her so much, but I don;t know that person. I have no idea who my daughter is. It is like she died, and I am grieving. The response from most people/my pastor was well she's an adult now, so you just have to leave her alone." Wow. Until it happens to you people have no idea.
  • Jim
    Me and my wife are in the process of separating. I have two daughters that for the last year don’t even acknowledge my existence the 19 year old asks her mother to ask me if I will sign another college loan. She won’t even talk to me. Well in myMore eyes she’s an adult. No I am not going to sign my name on a loan for a person that does not even acknowledge my existence. I’m going to give them a couple of years to sort themselves out. After that I will reciprocate the same to them they gave me. As far as I am concerned I am not going to let them hurt me anymore.
  • Betty
    My life is accumulation of a little bit of all of the comments here. I was a young mother wit two children at 21. I loved my husband and children in the only way I knew how with all my heart. As time went on we divorced andMore kids stayed with me. Long story short. My son 50 has been estranged from me for 6 years. He confronted me about being ashamed of his upbringing and where he gre up and rather put it all behind him. Apparently seeing me was a bitter memory of what he wanted to forget. We live a country apart. He chopped a chunk out of my heart that day and I have lived with the heartache ever since. Now my daughter divorced her husband and her children are estranged from her. Her children are quite close to me 22 and 26. She I think is jealous of our relationships and now won’t take to me accusing me of getting the kids on my side. I’m so sick of all this toxic communication.
  • Terry
    My wife and I had to kick our daughter out at the age of 17. Drug abuse, stealing and lying to use. Disrespect and even a physical altercation that caused us to call the cops. That has been about 2 years ago. We are saddened that sheMore refuses to speak to us but our life is better without her living here. My wife and I have grown closer and have enjoyed life. There is no more stress and tension in our house. We continue to pray for her and that's about all we can do.
  • Sadbutnothingtodo
    My adult son estranged himself at age 28 in 2017. Before this , it was a tumultuous 10 years of drug and alcohol use, car accidents and college drop outs . Towards the end, he brought home a girl ( who I found out later was a heroin addict) thatMore humiliated me using lies on FB. I was devastated that my son would allow this. He defended her saying I was stalking her online when I told him that I found out she posted and reposted to her friends ( asking to share). All this was because he asked for money and I said no more- to become responsible and get a job. We had a fallout because of this before the FB incident and he moved out and miraculously found a place and job. All this came with a consequence to me - total estrangement. I was devastated . It’s been a hard three years because he is my only child. I’m on therapy and meds to try and handle this situation ; but the hurt comes and goes ( this is how I ended on this site). Does it get better? Not for me. Not yet. But, I do my daily routines etc. I’ve tried to contact him via email and his response is always : “Working.” Even when he’s not. I know this because I know someone close to me who works with him and tells me when I question myself if he’s actually working. He tells me that it seems that my son is happy. We had our differences and yes I was strict at times, but never a bad parent. On the contrary, I overcompensated because of raising him as a single parent. His father was never in the picture. Too busy having kids with multiple women. I am embarrassed that this is happening. I feel Im being judged behind my back by family members; especially since they would call him my “golden child”. Bottom line, I’m sad even if to the world I’m smiling and joking.
  • Mandi
    Have just read this article and am both amazed and Sad at how common this is ! Have also just read “Diana’s” comments about her Son, and it was almost like text book as to what happened with both my Sons! Love 💕 and hugs sent to all you ParentsMore of Estranged Children and Thankyou for helping me understand, that it wasn’t because I was a bad Mum, (totally the opposite) but a Mum that was too entangled with my Children through love (I never had a mother that cared, so I poured all my love into my Children) 🌈❤️ Xx
  • Diana
    I'm so glad I found this page and I feel so much better already. My eldest son began to "cut me off" as young as 16 years old, pretending he didn't know me at a bus stop once, unfriending me on FB, changing his mobile number and giving it toMore everyone but me. Although I was extremely hurt by this, I put it down to the "terrible teens" (even though my youngest has never demonstrated any similar behaviour). Time went on and while I was upset and bewildered by his exclusion of me, I continued to offer love and support in the hope that maturity would prevail and he would "snap" out of it. Seven years later however, he still shows what I can only describe as apathy towards me. I continually asked myself what on earth could I have done to deserve his obvious indifference. In the end my feelings of sadness and rejection turned into anger culminating in an argument between the two of us resulting in my ordering him out of my house. Although I feel hurt and frustrated I truly believe the removal of toxic/negative family members, children included, can only be beneficial in the grand scheme of things. I have to keep reminding myself that I did my utmost for us to have a loving relationship, but the realist in me says it's not happening and I too, have a life to lead and if that means detaching myself from my son who obviously no longer wants or values my presence, then so be it. Love and peace to all.
    • Mandi
      I feel your pain Diana, and please don’t feel your alone in all this, I too made the conscious decision to shut the door after continuous Upset and hurt, I was also not allowed to my first Grandchild’s Birthday parties as it would have meant bumping into my Ex andMore other Son (My Ex was a terrible father after the separation and never cared about the children) And so I had to see her either before the party or after! I decided in the end that my Granddaughter would pick up on this and history would repeat, so I got my self esteem and respect and walked away, and thought I would rather be alone than watch my Sons walk in and then out of my life as and when they felt the need ! Hurtful doesn’t even cover it ! But there is life after, we just have to look and find it ❤️ Love sent to you XX
  • Colleen
    I’m heart broken my daughter has had her first baby, I was so excited but now feel like I’m a burden and the hired help more than a loving grandma 😢 it’s emotionally tearing me up
  • Royann
    I have only read a fraction of the comments left on this article and already feel better. 16 months ago my son quit talking to me because at almost 30 years old I was finally going to say enough and stop giving him money every time he asked I didMore handle it poorly and quickly apologized for handling it poorly but the intent was good the execution was poor. In spite of my profuse and repeated apology my son has cut me off from his life and refuses to have contact. I should add to this though that he has a good job makes more money than his father we’re still borrowing hundreds of dollars from us on a regular basis, that he He claims to be a Christian attends church several times a week and is studying to be a minister. Yet he has no forgiveness in his heart and it breaks mine! Every single day I struggle with why and feeling so very alone and while it completely and totally sucks that there any of us have to deal with this I feel a little less alone after reading some of your comments.
    • Black Ice
      @Royann I share your pain and despair. In almost identical circumstances to yours, my son has cut me and my partner off. The incident occurred 14 months ago, and like you, I apologised if we didn't handle it well, only to be snubbed. From what used to be an almostMore weekly family Sunday dinner where we would share belly laughs and good times, we are now reduced to a stony silence and the occasional visit by him and his wife. They now have a child that I see once a fortnight if he is in a generous mood. No text messages, phone calls, or any other form of communication in the interim. When this incident occurred he was 32 years old. Looking back, and now that the pain has somewhat dulled, and with prayer and meditation, I have come to the realisation that, we were just a convenience and a material resource to him, and the thought of that convenience being no longer available to him, hurt his pride, and brought out the worst in him. But I thank God that I was able to see the real, true side to him. To everyone else he is the perfect human being. Kind, decent, helpful and supportive. But to us, who nurtured and supported every dream and aspiration of his, we are now useless and therefore, worthless. We were just being used. So, chin up, don't waste the rest of your life mulling over an ungrateful child. You will always love him and be there for him if and when he falls, but stop beating yourself up about it and get on with your life. It has taken me 14 months to arrive at this mindset and I thank God and my friends for their kind words and support advising me to forgive, forget and move on. I wish you love, peace and happiness.
  • justwanthappy

    First, thank you to the author who generously shares her insights and to all the parents and adult children who comment here to support each other and allow others to read. Came across this article as so many have, just turning to the internet for some answers to fill in the sad and confusing wait time until my 24 year old daughter checks back in. You may laugh but it has only been a day and a half. And yet of course it is not the first time and is a sad pattern since she was 16 that I have always thought she would grow out of with a combination of maturity and from feeling more stability in her life. This time it was the way she left back to the city where she lives just two hours away that scares me.

    It was what she said.

    We had had a visit at home for a day and a half and we had just had a fun day together with lots of laughs and conversation. I know I slipped and made some poorly articulated responses to a couple things but I would explain I hadn’t expressed my thought well right away when she would be sensitive to it and I do sometimes speak too fast and come out with the wrong words. I walk on egg shells on the topic of her career. What happened was that suddenly in the car on the way to go home to collect her things for her bus ride back to her apartment which is just two hours from home, I innocently started asking if she wanted to stop for coffee. But I tend to tip toe because I knew she as in an anxious mood as she was headed back so I acted goofy and introduced my question with “may I ask you something?” She snapped at me and said “NO! I’m not answering any questions!” And I quickly told her it was about coffee and made light of it but she remained angry. Then we arrived home and as we were getting ready to drive to the bus I pressed her as to why she was so mad. She suddenly shouted that she had had her limit with the time she could spend with me also listening to the “little dumb remarks” I make and how she couldn’t take it anymore. And then said she had had enough of our trying to be like we are “best friends” and that I am her mom. This came completely out of the blue. I was so shocked and sad. We hadn’t had any bad feelings during our happy day. I’m very attuned to our relationship and this wasn’t a day that seems like it was in decline at all. I know she was having her period. I know she can be moody She can turn on a dime sometimes but these remarks to me this time really really hurt. It’s so confusing to me and I feel like I don’t know when she started just putting up with me that day. It made me wonder if I was being patronized for the last hour or maybe two? I feel like a fool. I have enough low level self esteem issues that her acceptance means a lot to me I will admit. I admire her for many reasons based on her hard work growing up and adore her and she knows it. I don’t understand how she doesn’t realize how hurtful what she said was. She can be very cold when she is angry. Yet she is an empathetic thoughtful girl. I feel like I can’t trust the next time we have our fun outings. I hadn’t even asked her or begged her to be with me as I try not to be annoying. Even though “annoying” is a word she calls me often. At the same time she is grateful I know and shows me love and says in touch very regularly.

    It was a mutual decision to go out together and do a little shopping. I bought her a lipstick she needed. I just feel horrible because we do share a similar outlook on the world when we’re together and have the same tastes and laugh so much, have such a history of understanding as a mother does... I should give a background here as I already partly know how this will be explained. Yet despite our history it is wrenching to me to wonder if she sees me as an old weird pest now and if I am actually so blind to it, despite all the fun times we have together. It’s scary and makes me so sad.

    We see each other often and many would probably say that I am entangled with her emotionally/enmeshed because of the intense career she chose to train for beginning at the age of three and with her own drive continued through young adulthood, a similar training to what an Olympian athlete goes through. Because of the difficult and unforgiving training and ultimately controlled and ultimately cruel professional context that is this career where the student lands once the low percentage who do succeed in achieving their dream, parents have become pretty enmeshed in trying to be the emotional and financial support and they have taken this journey parallel running alongside with their child for years. There have been physical injuries requiring support as well as emotional roller coasters and her natural resilience tested. There were gaps where she was recovering from injury and sat in a dark place with depression for a few months but came out each time and holds her head high. She has travelled the world during her brief professional career and lives as a product of its inevitable tiny niche of specialized experience. And because the niche is small her true emotional support is very limited with many peers having no concept of what her life has been like She is trying to make a transition to a new field and return to school and has been accepted to a wonderful program, though still can’t see if the outcome from it will give her stability. She is financially still mostly dependent on my husband and I and we do not resent it and are supportive as she tries to do what she can with the skills she has for jobs while pursuing school. Therefore I’m sure her lack of self esteem continues and with that comes resentment and wanting to not be reminded of her dependence by being with me.

    Nevertheless whether obvious reasons or not as to why this has happened, I love her and want to feel loved back and I also worry that I have because of concerns for her me tal health and regular forgiveness somehow enabled and normalized her behavior. There have been many instances over the years where she turns on me this way. I am worried she will think it’s fine to treat others the same and it will backfire and she won’t know why they don’t trust her. I am so confused. Sorry for rambling. Ultimately we just want to know we didn’t screw up our own kids.

  • Disrespected Mom

    To all the estranged children on here, you'll never understand all of estrangement until YOU are the parent and your adult child is disconnecting or cut ties completely with you. I get a lot of bad stuff happened with your parents. I saw my grandmother move in and out of our house and cuss out my mother each time she did. My grandmother would then run off with my uncle who would spend every dime my grandmother saved by living on my parents. When my grandmother was broke again, my uncle would pack her up and send her broke butt back to my mother and father to build up her bank account again.

    My mother in turn had her children cuss her, deny her seeing the grandchildren and trashed her verbally in our small town. They sure didn't hate or crap on her when they needed money or drugs. When they got their way, be it financially or emotionally, they let her see the grandkids, visited and acted like mature adults.

    I am going through estrangement with my daughter. She gave me the silent treatment and disrespected me until I exploded with anger. She lived with me until she was 24 RENT, UTILITIES AND FOOD FREE for 4.5 years. I paid for her 3 cell phones and she would still tell me to give her mine. I paid for her and my granddaughter's gas for school also.

    I made the mistake of letting her boyfriend move in, who btw got kicked out for not paying rent with his roommate. He brought a gun in my house WITHOUT MY KNOWLEDGE OR PERMISSION. He refused to lock the doors on my house (one of my 3 rules I gave them) but locked his car up in my yard. My granddaughter, who I have supported from birth, has autism and I specifically said I never wanted guns in my house due to her issues. I told them to move out when I found out they were making 1500 dollars more than me a month...letting me foot all their bills and needs so they could buy whatever they want. Pretty nice of me, huh? After all the silent treatment and financial abuse, I exploded. She hasn't talked to me since the 1st of August and I haven't seen her or my granddaughter since the 1st of October. I miss them both but I definitely feel relief both emotionally and financially since they left. I didn't realize how much my daughter was abusing my wallet until I, on average, had about 800 dollars more a month. I have very poor boundaries with money and people I love.

    So, don't demand that the author, who is more qualified in understanding estrangement than any of us on here, change what she stated just because it doesn't apply to your situation. No one's story is the same. And you'll more than likely experience the other side estrangement, no matter how good of a parent you are.

  • Munimula
    My 20 year old daughter (who lives at home) has shunned me for over two years now. She barely speaks to me, pretends she doesn’t hear me, avoids me by only entering a room when I leave it, and keeps her back to me. I have tried to “comeMore clean” and accept my own behavior (overreacting, emotional outbursts), apologizing, not reacting, yet, she continues to shun me. My husband (to whim she speaks) has tried talking and reasoning with no avail. My other daughter (23) doesn’t want to talk about/deal with it. I am basically shunned and left out. It feels like a daily nightmare. She lives at home, going to college, and her dad (my husband) pays for her school and car. I am alone and just despondent. I am at the point where I feel driven insane with grief. This article is helpful.
  • Estranged Child
    Speaking from the estranged perspective, this article is giving false hope in all aspects to those that absolutely have no intentions of ever including their previous family in their life again. I agree with several commenters stating that the gifts and messages only make the estranged feel uncomfortable and inMore a situation where the estranged parent(s) have the opportunity to bait with photos, words in cards and or sentimental gifts in order to get back in their life. It is a horrible feeling to see on your doorstep on special holidays or even your birthday. You are reminded of the past you chose to leave behind for the greater good of yourself most of the time with that intense decision being made with sound mind. It was incredibly insulting to read that distancing behavior is the "only way these estranged persons deal with anxiety because they know no other way". Disgusting and obviously biased view especially discussing amongst a vulnerable audience. Author should revise.
    • DN
      I read what you wrote and I think I get it from your perspective. Not everyone would see those gestures as "bait", a term I found disturbing. What happened you, I have no idea of course. There will be many reasons why you and others similar have made the choiceMore you have. I think what this vulnerable audience, (at least me) would like is to reach a plateau of understanding, being able to truly understand why this has happened, and accepting it, maybe gradually changing it. Learning to let go of hope, is painful. I am old enough to know and own my mistakes, to believe communication is key, and somehow gain some peace, peace before anything else.
  • Slowly Healing
    I have stopped speaking with both of my parents in my 40's. They are both terrible people. Why? My father has an explosive temper and I never knew how he would be from one minute to the next. He would say anything he could to break you down emotionally andMore hurt you to your core...imagine telling a child that they are no good (that wasn't even the worst, far from it). I was terrified of him as a child. My mother took a lot of physical abuse from him that I had witnessed as well...one time I thought he was going to kill her and saw it happen. They spilt up soon after that and my mother left me with him, fully knowing how abusive he could be. Well, she got custody of my sister and met a drunken child molester that would go on to molest my sister. The worst thing about this is when my sister tried to tell my mother what was happening, my mother beat her and wouldn't believe her, even though she knew...she didn't want to accept it. So the abuse went on for a few more years until my sister just couldn't cope with it anymore and told someone else. My mother still tried to keep her relationship with the drunken child molester going even when he was sentenced to serve weekends in jail and with my sister still living there. I had inner turmoil about this for many years and it was never spoken of...I just can't wrap my head around it. Both of my parents are abusive and toxic people that I would have never wanted to be born to if I had been given the chance. Yes, they are broken people. Do you know who else is broken? All three of their adult children. My sister is not doing well, my brother is doing alright, but there is a lot for him to get through before he will be where he want's to be. I am doing the best I can with the cards that life has dealt me...I need to for my children and wife because they do not deserve to relive what I had been through. I will stop the cycle of abuse.
  • T&T
    The advice given in this article re: to keep sending cards, letters and reaching out is terrible. By continuing to do that, you are demonstrating your clear lack of boundaries when it comes to your child. It is horrible advice. Any card or letter that you send has no meaningMore as long as you ignore the root causes of the relationship breakdown. Adult children who estranged themselves from parents usually have no other way to break the dysfunctional dynamic. Estrangement is a last resort. If your adult child no longer wants contact with you, think about what boundaries you have crossed. I am willing to bet that the adult children have said many times what the issues are. The parents either refuse to think there is a problem or don't think the child's problem is serious enough. Maybe the reaction you have is, "I didn't mean it that way" or "You are being dramatic," or "That's not what happened." By being dismissive you are lacking empathy. If you continually do that, it is too exhausting to continue the charade and the relationship breaks down.
    • Broken

      You may be right that the cards are not being accepted. But when one has apologized and then sends their love, there is no wrong there. The love is there for the taking. That is all.

      The other does not forgive. And so does not feel that wonderful weight lifted off of them. Love is freeing. Love heals all.

      By giving loving, you can do no wrong.

    • Pam Constable
      Well that being the case, but when what my daughter telling me never happened. Then she makes lies about her childhood to others and they hate me too. How do I deal with lies?
    • LAMS
      So in other words you have no communication with the ensteanged adult child. As your told you are dead. But the mother although may have overstepped her boundries but realized it should not so much as send a birthday card or holiday card of any kind. How is that childMore supposed to know how sorry you are for what was said. Their is no book out there that tells you how to be a good parent, when that parent had no real good up bringing and had to wing it. I was a over protective mother who was every kind of abuse there was from their father that gave that chance for the child to go with us when we were throwed out of the house. After he demanded a divorce after his liver transplant. The once life I gave to their dad all those years and to end in take your retarted daughter with you and get out. I hugged my son and said me and his sister wouldn't be there when he got home from school. I didn't have the choice to move around the corner that my only family I had to take my daughter and I in was across country. We have been living in hell on earth ever since. Their dad never took the money I sent and used it on that child. The child was told I abandoned them. I'm not making to much sense as after almost twenty years I still am devastated that I could not get across to this child that after they married and had their first child to hurt me let me know my grandchild every bit of nine months then nothing. Four years later I'm told I did it to myself. So much has gone on and a lot of miscommunication that my health is bad, the sister is ill and have no one left that all my siblings are passed now that's four siblings of mine that took us in that they all are gone. No contact nothing. This isn't a lack of empaty on our part but a lack on theres. Today's children have a lack of empaty that as a protective parent against violence towards the spouses is wrong. No way was my child ever abused nor disrespected in any way. The only thing that this child experienced is a lack of love from their dad, who by the way has five children, two before our two, then one after. The only one he talks to are my one child and his child after my children, after he said he no longer wanted any more children met a lady got her pregnant and had asked me should I think he tell her to get rid of it. I told him he needed to accept the responsibility for his actions. At fifty three he had his last child. This is after he made sure I never would have children again because he didn't want anymore. My child was misguided by their dad. I never ever told my child I was dead that since his dads dad passed away at a early age that he did okay with just his mother. I'm not dead. I'm very much alive. There is no charade. There is no covering up what has happened read what empathy means, how its used in a sentence. Apply that to your situation. Your not the only one suffering. What your going through so is the absent parent that held you in her stomach for nine months and raised you the best she knew how to when no one taught her how to grow up and be responsible adult that parents to make mistakes and do pay for that every day. I've got a Olympic size pool of tears I own a kleenex company for the past almost twenty years all she ever wanted was for the family to come together as one unit not as four across the country. My condolences to you 🙏✝️❤️
  • Nightnurse

    Hello,

    I am so grateful to have found this site. For a moment, I began to question my status as a mother. I have a 31 year old daughter from a previous marriage. I’m shaking my head as I write this. I still can’t believe I’m here.

    In as much of a nutshell as possible, I was active duty in the Navy when her father and I divorced. Because I was on sea duty, physical custody was given to him. I was deploying. It wasn’t long before she realized she can play one parent against the other. He would give her anything in the beginning so she would want to stay with him.

    I recall my visitation, driving two hours from San Diego to an empty house. I’d wait for hours. Call, only to get his voicemail. He’d finally show up with her late in the evening. After a two hour drive back, you could say my first day of visitation was shot. This keep away game went on for years until finally I requested the court mandate a neutral pick up and drop off point. They did. It was the Sheriff station, blocks from the house.

    There was finally a third party that could document if she was not there when I was to pick her up. To document when I dropped her off and he wasn’t there. One of his favorite things to do was hand me wait until he finished a swing shift at 11:30 pm. Sitting in my car or Denny’s with our daughter for hours. I still had to commute two hours back to San Diego.

    Due to the intervention of the Sheriff Dept, things got old. The immediate thrill of abusing my time was no longer. He began placing boundaries on this child who was spoiled and out of control. She would call, crying, begging to live with me. Please mommy, please. Three times, in total, I would have the attorney file papers requesting a change of physical custody. Each time she would appear in court and say, I want to stay with my dad. Each time stung more than the last.

    I met someone, remarried and had two amazing sons. They filled that painful void in my soul with a joy o haven’t felt in years. Fast forward to today. December 2018, she was arrested for a DUI. Her bond was $220,000. I thought she hit and injured someone.

    No! Turns out it was her second DUI at 30 years of age. Unpaid traffic tickets up and down Los Angeles county. She spent two weeks in jail, being transferred from one to the next. After a year of fines, community service, I had the bright idea thinking a change of venue would help her get her act together. She was living with her father all her adult life.

    She enrolled in college part-time. Found a part-time job. Things appeared great. Not three weeks after moving in, she began coming home between 2-3 am pissy drunk. Lying, giving the silent treatment to her two brothers and myself. I didn’t notice at first but she began a passive aggressive behavior of gaslighting.

    It was little things. Knocking over my toothbrush in its holder, knocking over personal things on my dresser, putting her soaking wet wash cloth on top my dry towel after her shower. I’d call her on every event. The tension was building. I began to see she was doing these things deliberately to push my buttons. It continued over a month. During the summer in Las Vegas, I have the thermostat set to cool at 73•, to return home after a 12 hour night shift to find the patio doors wide open. The unit running all night.

    I was so on edge. Dreading the moment I’d hear her key in the lock. I was at my wits end. The harmony in the house was now tension. This past Tuesday I returned from work to find she placed a dirty pair of her panties on top of my scrubs I keep in the bathroom to wear again.

    I can’t remember if I was still breathing. I stood unable to move for a moment. I put the panties in the trash, washed my scrubs and decided that was it. She returned early that evening looking for the confrontation that became the norm. She was met with silence. She went to the bathroom to find the basket empty. She thought, she must have seen my panties? She casually walked around my presence as if to look for something provoking the opportunity for me to attack. No, not tonight.

    I was unable to sleep I was so angry and disgusted. The next morning I went to the Constables office at the court house. I paid and filed for a 5 day eviction notice. It was served the next day. She saw the notice when she came in after 2am. She said nothing. I had every light on on this house and was wide awake, I was ready for whatever scene she wanted to cause. She did nothing.

    The next morning she called friends and others to cry in despair that I served her a eviction notice. I began receiving phone calls and pleas to try and work with her. My foot! She is out. If she violates the 5 days, I won’t hesitate to pay for them to physically remove her. Thanks to articles like this one, I know I deserve better. We all deserve better. At the very least I deserve her respect, I am her mother! I wish her well but she will never be welcomed in my home again.

    Nightnurse

    • Polly
      @Nightnurse. You're an amazing woman. You have helped me today more than you'll ever know. Keep being your bad ass self! Love, respect and light to you. 💜
  • Linda
    I’m so grateful I found this site with all you amazing parents sharing your pain. I have never felt so alone and discarded in my life and and in such agonizing pain and I’m quite sure the few friends I have left are tired of hearing about my estrangedMore son. I was a divorced mom since my two angel is coming back from iiijjiiiiijboys were 5 and 7 niadtee the father of my 2
  • Cinders

    It's been 7 years since my daughters cut me off. I left my husband in 2012 after 26 years of marriage. He was a 'functioning' alcoholic who had added secretive gambling to the mix. Embezzled money from his business and the very last straw was cheating. Both my daughters were living with their partners and did not know their dad was coming home at 3am in the mornings. One work day he went off to work and did not return until the following evening. That is when I decided to leave.

    I explained why and they seemed to understand. They were 22 and 25 at the time.

    I was an emotional mess at the time. Had no support at all from my older brothers. No other relatives. Had some wonderful friends who helped me.

    My husband kept saying he wanted to work on the marriage... but nothing changed.

    6 months after I left I received a nasty email from my eldest daughter saying she wanted nothing to do with me because I had told her things about her father such as the embezzlement, gambling and cheating to help her understand why I was leaving him even though I loved him, but she said I was trying to turn her against her father and then started harking back to things she did as a teenager and my "rules". Never heard another word from her and she blocked me on all social media. Changed her mobile # immediately as well.

    My youngest daughter just stopped all contact 3 months after her sister. Absolutely no idea why.

    I have tried reaching out numerous times to both over the years. Letters, cards etc... I send to their Nan's address.

    Silence for 7 years. No response or acknowledgment whatsoever.

    It is tortuous, a living hell. A large part of my heart has died.

    I am living my life and am with a lovely man for 4 years now. He has 2 daughters 25 & 28 that he is close to... but there is a part of me that feels such grief, loss and sadness when I see all the text msgs and chats and coffee catchups, lunches 'in jokes' they share between them... its like salt into a wound, but I could never tell him that!!!

    And of course that under current of 'she MUST have done something dreadful for both her daughters to have cut her off like that'

    Even my brother asked me once, saying 'you can tell me, you must have done something!'

    That is what everyone thinks!!

    Its such a cruel punishment.

    My eldest got married last week. Found out from my nephew who went to the wedding. She's 33 now, do guess a baby will be next.

    Can't recapture those precious moments that have been missed. Just adds fire to the pain.

    I have no answers 😭

    • David
      Sorry for your situation. I can relate to some degree. What has helped me more than anything is to remember the great times when they were young and no one can take those times away from me. Kids move on anyway in adulthood even in the best of situations. JustMore cling on to those incredible loving happy memories. It is what I do and it makes all the difference in the world.
    • Cookie Monster
      I really feel for you. My ex had a bad case of narcissistic personality disorder and lied and turned my son's against me. All you can do is work on getting better for you. I am now married to a wonderful man. Life can go on. Adult children have noMore idea, it seems, that they will answer for disrespectful behavior to God. We reap what we sow, and one day they will be experiencing the same thing.I pray daily for my sons' souls.
  • JJ

    I haven't seen my daughter in a year now, and I don't know when or if I ever will again. This is heartbreaking--I think about her constantly and I don't know how to get past it. Life has moved on for everyone else, but I am stuck here in pain. I would say that we are 50/50 at fault--she knew how to cut me to the core and get a response out of me. I allowed myself to get so emotional when I was the parent and should have controlled it better. Now she doesn't even talk to her little sister. I never thought this would happen--we were so close before she hit 14, then mental health became an issue and she fought our help every step of the way. She was doing great for a while as an adult, but then her "friend" convinced her to get off of her medication and within a year, she cut off almost the whole family. I was first, though. She said she doesn't want me in her life ever again.

    I know I am rambling, but it is hard to make sense of any of it.

    • Barbie

      Your situation is very similar to my own. The trouble with my estranged daughter began when she was 14. That was when her father was cheating on me and left to be with that woman. My daughter blamed me for not being able to keep him from leaving.

      She, too, began to suffer from mental illness and began beating me up on a regular basis. I had our entire family in counseling at the time, but it wasn't doing much good.

      Our doctor said that my daughter needed to be on physciatric medication and she did take the medicine for about a year, starting at 16. Then, she, too, decided she no longer needed the medicine. Things were worse than ever. She was not only hitting me, but hitting her older and younger siblings as well. She also started calling me all kinds of terrible names. Next, the accusations began.

      She would tell me I loved my three other children more than I loved her and that I allowed them to "pick" on her mentally and did nothing to stop them.

      This behavior has continued up to this very day, and she is now 43 years old. She is estranged from all of her siblings, having said such horrible things to each one of them that one by one, they stopped speaking to her.

      She has stopped speaking to me more times than I can count, but now, there is more of a finality in her saying she doesn't want to speak to me. This time, she used the words, "for good."

      In the past, I'd always continue to text her on occasion, telling her how much I love her each time. This time, I'm going to leave her alone for a while. It hurts my heart more than I can bear, but she has asked me to"respect her wishes," so I will.

      I don't know exactly how I'm going to handle the future with her, but I know that only intense counseling and medication on her part are the only things that can truly bring about a change.

      I'm sorry that you are hurting, too, and I find it so sad that there are so many of us out there.

  • MR
    Hi everyone ... I'm relatively new this. It's the sense of rejection and betrayal that is most devastating for me. My daughter and I have had a close relationship when she was growing up. I think we may have spoiled her too much... I don't know. We provided her withMore everything that she needed or wanted, and, until she hit puberty, was a happy, well-adjusted, gifted child. Then her teenage years hit, and she became moody and troubled and resentful of a lot of things in her life. She didn't really have close friends. Then, during her college years, she realized she was gay. I was supportive to her the entire time, but when she came out to the rest of the family a couple of years ago, they decided that her partner was not welcome at our house. She now blames me for staying with her dad and "supporting his homophobia." She first asked for a "few months" of silence to deal with her anxiety around this, but, when I sent her a couple of emails during that time told me that she felt I wasn't respecting her request, and has now asked for six months of silence. I feel like I can't bear it, at times. I've taken on a full time position at a new school - and this busyness has helped me to not be obsessed with not hearing or seeing my daughter, but I find the silence horrible to bear whenever I'm not super busy. Weekends are the worst. I'm afraid that her partner has influenced her to make this separation, and I'm afraid that at six months, she may say that the separation has helped her anxiety and may want a permanent one. That terrifies me. I don't know if others here have the same feelings of utter betrayal and stupefied disbelief.... that this child whom I have loved and nurtured and supported and encouraged since the moment I knew she existed, would choose to just cut that off and reject me is devastating.
    • Han

      Child estrangement is epidemic. Oscar Wilde is quoted as saying, "When your children are little they love you, but when they grow up they judge you."

      This is what has occurred with you and many other parents. Leave her alone. Do not burden her with calls, courtesies or overtures.

      I know it's a shame, but it's common, and you must realize she doesn't see you because she doesn't want to. Then you must realize you don't want to see someone who doesn't want to see you.

      Remember, if you never hear from her again, she's the one with the problem, not you.

    • JJ

      I feel you. I too am devastated about being cut off from my daughter because we were so close at one time. Like you, the teen years are when everything went downhill. I feel ashamed that this has happened--like I am a broken parent. The worst thing is that I know everyone automatically assumes I did awful things as a parent for this to happen.

      Peace to you <3

  • so blue
    I am in so much pain right now with my daughter, I am just glad I found a place to be,and I am sitting here reading every comment. God bless.
  • Aimee
    Thank goodness I found this group. I’ve been going through this alone for so many years. My daughter is 38. She’s walked away three times in 22 years, resulting in a loss of 16 years. At this point I don’t really want a relationship with her. She killed that. However,More my two granddaughters are being deprived of a wonderful grandmother. Sometimes the heart ache is more than I can handle. She’s a very strong and dominant personality and has even persuaded my other weaker daughter to do the same thing. She’s pure evil. There. I said it. No respect, no love, no consideration for anyone but herself. It would have never even occurred to me do that to my mother, no matter how much we disagreed. It’s a new, sick and evil world.
  • I did the majority of the parenting of my two children, ages 25 and 29. My daughter began "ghosting" me when she turned 18 and it has continued to this day 11 years later. I do have a grandson but I am not allowed to see him and even though he was a huge part of my life up until the age of 5, he now does not know if he still love and care for him because she has abruptly ended all communication with her and him. I know I should move on and continue to live my life and I have tried counseling and treating it as grief, but I am also ridden with anxiety and think I "see" him when I am in public places but he is not really there, just a boy that looks like him or is the same age or height. Is this normal? How can children that have received so many actions of love, help, and support turn away and try to hurt parents? No explanations, no conversations, no understanding and forgiveness on their part. My son has now decided that he would like to join this no contact club and has asked me not to communicate with him either. I thought the first one hurt, but this one has numbed me.
    Lost
  • smb
    My daughter has said she does not want to hear from me: no texts, no emails, calls from me have always gone directly to her voice mail where she scans them and may or may not respond. She may or may not have blocked me so I have no ideaMore if she has even seen the couple texts I've sent or not. If not blocked already, going against her stated desire that I not contact her might prompt her to block me closing the only portal between us other than us mail - which she might simply refuse to open. Do I risk contacting her occasionally and prompting her to formally block me? On the other hand, does it matter?
    • Lost
      I find it easier to just let it be because when I reach out, the reply is normally mean and hurtful. She wants to be in control of the "when" we communicate so I accepted that.
  • CM

    Someone said a book called Mothers with difficult daughters?

    That made me laugh!

    I could write my own book about that.. Only nine would be Daughters with Difficult Mothers!

  • Deborah
    Our son has not had anything to do with us going on four years now and we have two grandchildren that we rarely talk to or see all due to his wife that has never cared for us
  • WhatHappened
    4 years ago in a matter of months, I found out my husband of 26 years was a high-functioning alcoholic and left me, my son graduated high school and left for college and now barely speaks to me and my daughter graduated college and moved across the country and stoppedMore speaking to me. In one fell swoop my entire nuclear family left (that same year, my mother, grandmother and stepfather and my dog died). I have been healing and in therapy and working through the pain of my marriage ending. Grieving all the death that occurred. But worse than all of that combined, is my daughter never speaking to me again and me having no idea why. All she ever said was she needs space from me. Both kids speak to their alcoholic father who left me for another woman because he pays all of their bills. I am now taking him to court as he is not paying me what he owes me. I have tried texting my daughter, emailing, calling. I've tried leaving her alone. I get nowhere. She was my baby girl. I miss her terribly. I saw her from afar at my son's graduation and she looked so different. I thought how I don't even know who she is any more. Some people tell me this is "normal" for twentysomethings. I don't see anybody else in my life, friends and family, having this issue with their twentysomethings. I am so heartbroken over this. I am trying very hard to get on with my life as a single woman after 26 years of marriage. That alone is very painful. But my kids cutting me off makes it very hard to go on each day.
    • Broken
      I have had similar series of events in my life. You are not alone. Be strong, it will get better.
    • Mother in mourning
      Ur story is very similar to mine.. It's freaking agonizing!! I'm so sorry! Reading all these comments makes me sad yet I also feel a lil relief knowing I'm not alone.. People prepare u for the Terrible Twos and the Teen years but no one ever tells u about adultMore children and how mean they can be.. This Sucks!! I'm so lost and broken without my kids and grand babies..
    • Golightly
      I am sorry you are going through so Much! It is a terribly draining emotional burden for you. You are not alone, you have tools to overcome this. Have you tried Alanon? It helped/helps me tremendously, I get to focus on me and take care of me. The burnout ofMore caring for others all these years is too much and I need to finally and at last, take care of me. I too am estranged from my daughter and no solid idea of why. It is a choice they make and we can choose to engage with all this pain or find a way out. It's all temporary anyway... Good luck! I am sorry.
      • Lori
        After living with a alcoholic for the past ten years and struggling with the constant lies I am divorcing after 28 years. We had five children of which two were together. Our oldest daughter who is 27 who I’ve always been the closest to began rejecting me in December. SheMore blocked me on phone and social media platforms. I have went to her house and knocked and hear the grandkids saying mamaw is here and she won’t answer the door. She has a new baby I have never seen. All this because after her dad I separated in October I began talking to another man. She is supportive of her dad and communicates with him and her siblings. This is tearing me apart, it breaks my heart. She gave me a choice before she stopped communicating with me, it was to choose her or the other man. I would not make a choice although she would have been the obvious one, I did not want to give her that type of control on my life and I now I lost a daughter, son in law and three precious grandkids.
    • Tonya
      I understand your pain sister
  • PatientNoMore

    My child is not yet an adult, and has cut me off (for a variety of reasons I suppose, though none were life threatening, just minor misunderstandings and such) - but the main reason is she’s transgender (or at the very least, a lesbian, which doesn’t bother me, as you don’t need to change sex as a lesbian). She hasn’t had hormones or medical treatments as far as I know. She’s what I would term ROGD (rapid onset gender dysphoria), as this started much later than other kids.

    She moved in with her dad 3 years ago, only because I had financial issues, but still maintained some contact with me, up until last year, when slowly but surely our relationship was reduced to nothing (her choice, not mine). This separation is worse than when my ex and I split, and that was because of his infidelity. She’s my only child, and I can’t bear this estrangement. I’m tired of being patient, so I’m planning on making a gentle reconciliation request very soon.

    Life is too short, and because I am dealing with major health problems I really need to try.

  • Wen

    My daughter is 27 and moved to her fathers state. She went. Ack and forth as an adult living between us running up bills. I said no more as her father did. She kept her relationship with her father and shut me out. Would not say why to anyone anywhere. She attempted suicide and I trie to help. It’s been 3 years and I finally sent her a text, I found her number on an old phone. She asked two days ago to leave her alone and that her life is perfect without me.

    I’m at a loss.

    Dying in Texas.

    • Disrespected Mom
      I would give her what she wants. Let go and take care of yourself. She is saying things because she is hurt and doesn't have the coping skills to deal with it. Those skills come with maturity. Until she grows up, be good to yourself. Much love...
  • Sassy
    I need to find a way to let go the pain of her games has become debilitating. How do any of you get on with your lives.
    • Disrespected Mom
      Occupy yourself with things you love to do. Distraction is the only way to survive at some points in this life, even more so when dealing with an estranged AC. I had plenty of hobbies before, but now they aren't just hobbies. They are my life! I'd love to seeMore my granddaughter but since I can't, I do things for myself that she loved to do with me. Much love...
      • DN
        I get that..some things we cannot change, and I have almost lost hope...distraction is key, although it sounds a bit naff...the time passes with some creativity, and you realize that helps..
  • TS
    So how does a parent stay in contact with an adult child when the child closes all known email accounts, doesn't provide a phone number, doesn't provide an address, and blocks the parent (me) on every known social media account? All of this applies to the parent's family andMore friends too. Any ideas?
    • LAMS
      Not a clue. Same happened here.
  • Hurting
    I never thought this could happen to me, i was always there for all my children. I noticed a change in our daughter around junior high, drama set in. She would get upset, bring it to me, when i empathized with her, gave her my opinion, she wouldMore get mad at me, maybe that was where it started. She picked crappy guys to date, but we were always the bad ones when we tried to get her to see she could do better. When she was dating her husband, we tried to tell her she could do better, she got engaged, and because they didnt get our blessing, she moved out. The guys a jerk, but his mom was so supportive, of course she would be, she was getting a gem, we were getting crap! He was a screw up, he and his Dad werent close, but his mom eas his enabler, she stuck to them like glue, went so far as getting a job where my daughter worked. Funny thinf was, i always felt she stayed so close so she could stop him from messing up. They married, we put our feelings aside and accepted him, after a few years thinking, well at least hes treating her well. Then a year ago he got caught cheating!! She and the kids moved home with us,he wanted a divorce! After two weeks, they suddenly got back together. (His mom had something to do with that) She has been mean to us since, saying you didnt like him before, i should have known better to come to you, you arent going to be supportive! Duh, of course not, but the worst thing is, she doesnt even give us the respect to listen to us. I wasnt sure at first what i thought or felt, until i heard how cruel he was and it was more than one woman. Now she minimizes it, i cant for the life of me understand how she can take back a lying cheating husband and dump her parents who were right about him all along!! This hurts so much. She expects us to just take him back and never discuss it, or our feelings or thoughts or what we know. Shes being blind and naive and expects us to do the same. I dont trust him at all, yet we are being forced and bullied into accepting him in order to see her or the grandkids. She cant see how arrogant he is. In fact a coworker told someone he made the comment, "wow, this turned out pretty good, i got some on the side and got rid of her parents in the process, win-win!" Ive never told her this, cause it was told to me in confindence, and she doesnt want to hear what we have to say anyway, so it wouldnt matter. This is horrible and is effecting my health, i dont know what to do??
  • mastik8
    Interesting to me that some religious parents will reject a child when they marry outside the faith and sometimes even grieve as though a death has occurred. Other parents will throw a child on the street when they find out they're gay. Yet I would imagine that both those groupsMore view that as different from what these children are doing to their parents and I think therein lies a very big problem.
  • Rey Lopez
    I Was A Single Dad From When My Daughter was 8 Months Old till the age of 13 She Walked Out Of My Life And Decided To Go Live With Her Mother As soon as that happened I lost my daughter her mom brainwashed her severely and our relationship wentMore down the tubes I tried reaching out to her all I get is blocked it’s going two years that I haven’t heard or seen her I’m too a point I no longer want her in my life the betrayal and the false accusations Shattered my heart even in the future if she comes around I don’t think I Could Handle her being by side the trust is gone and she never gave me a chance to tell my Side Of The Story But it hurts because she’s my one and only Daughter.
  • Woobee

    Hello all, thank you for sharing your stories. Those of you who have relationships with some children and not others, do they have relationships with each other? How do you do holidays?

    I find myself pulling back standing invitations to big family events. I don’t won’t the one estranged child to feel left out when everyone else is here. I don’t want to feel the the absence of the one, so I just avoid the day. I’m pulling away from my other kids too. I don’t want to put them between. I don’t want divided loyalties, guilt or obligation. I want to put a condemned sign on my mothering experience and walk away.

    • Sharayah
      Wooboo I feel you! Holidays are the most painful of all. My sons have a relationship with me and and with her. They have one Christmas with her and one Christmas with me. I know it's shameful but I don't feel like she deserves to have a special Christmas withMore them when she is the one who rejected me. She is always invited here but she doesn't come. This will be my fourth Christmas without her. I dread Christmas and we don't bother with Thanksgiving anymore. I have a wonderful relationship with my sons and I don't understand why she distances herself. She always was a difficult child but I did my very best. It's so painful to watch other parents make way worse mistakes than I ever did and their children still love them. Why, why why?
    • Icantsurfgood
      I do the very same thing, and I know it's not healthy.
  • Heartbroken VA Mom

    I have found that the past 3 years of estrangement, mixed in with angry, accusatory, wrong & hurtful accusations from my oldest daughter, that I no longer want her in my life. It all started when she failed out of college. Somehow it was my fault she didn’t bother attend class.

    I love my daughter, don’t get me wrong. But when she isn’t accusing me of being the worst mother in the world, she uses me as her own personal ATM. She is not the girl I raised. The entitled person she has become makes me not want to be around her. As a mother, that makes me feel like a terrible person.

    As parents, we teach our kids that they are not required to continue to remain open and affectionate to those who continue to mistreat or reject us. I have continued to try to ensure no stone unturned, but at some point for my own sanity I know I have to stop trying.

    • Disrespected Mom
      I think we have the same daughter 😳
    • Margaret
      My daughter is 32, and similarly, accuses me of being a terrible mother; abusive behavior when she was in high school, etc. etc. It is absolutely gut wrenching. I have been in therapy for a while now. I take medication. And so, yes, I came to the same conclusionMore -- that I have to stop trying to regain a relationship with her for my own sanity. Every time I try to reach out, I have my heart pulled out of my chest. My saving grace is that her two younger brothers love me, and reassure me about being a good mom, etc. etc.
      • shattered
        My 33 year old daughter is the same as yours Margaret. She has memories of abusive parenting by me that never happened. She just turned on us viciously. Further, she claims I am not fit as a grandparent and wont let me see my two young grands.More My husband and I are very loving, caring, gentle parents. None of her cruelty is warranted. Unfortunately, I am retired at 63 and have no health insurance. I can't afford to get help. And sadly...she is our only child. Sorry, I am not trying to out do anyone's circumstances. Everyone in this chat seems to be hurting parents that don't deserve this treatment.
      • Sharayah
        Wow, I feel like you just told my story. In fact I had to check the name wondering if I had written it and forgotten. The only difference is my daughter is 30. My heart goes out to you.
    • Laurie
      Thank you for sharing your post. I am now going thru this with my daughter.
      • Golightly
        I have been estranged for years now and the hurt does not abate. I know my 29 y/o has unresolved feeling of anger over 1 event. I know she got the stubborn "blame others" gene from me. I do take it on and feel responsible. I do want to letMore her go and move on but it is impossible as the connection is always so strong to your kids. Thankfully my son is kind to me and shows me a great deal of love and compassion. When it first happen it felt like a death, my own...
  • TAMMY
    What a pleasure to explore a new insight to a persuasive as well as expansive moment in time for parents. Unfortunately I have been estranged from my adult daughter for over 22 years. These insights have restored my intentions as well as my hopes to once again know THE MOSTMore PRECIOUS GIFT I HAVE EVER KNOWN.I feel inspired by your work. Thank you
    • Icantsurfgood
      It has been well over 10 years for me and some days I have completely lost hope of reconciliation.
  • May
    THis cutting me off is a pattern of my daughter whenever there is any form of disagreement or even a discussion; it truly is heart wrenching and at times, I feel so overwhelmed that I am sick to my stomach. I feel unable to persevere. Just when I think theMore pattern is broken...she does it again. It is hurtful when she ignores events like birthdays, Christmas and possibility now her wedding in June....I bought her the wedding dress when " things were good "....she promised me that she would find other ways to deal with her anxiety instead of cutting me off. I trusted that as I had no other choice. I am at the point where I don't know if I can ever trust her again ; or just forget the concept of trust and if she again opens up, just receive her in love. She is going on 30 years of age....this distance dance is taking its toll on me...I am going on 65...I have no spouse , I work in an isolated area and I see my son from time to time...He is very reserved so there is no support there, aside from the fact that he sees me and we keep in contact via FB messenger. Deep down I feel that if I asked him about his sister, that he would also cut the cord....living with this conditional love is affecting me.
    • Brenda
      I’m in the same boat. Heart wrenching. I did the best I could raising my children alone.
  • Alli
    In my great grandparents time, people often left home to seek better jobs or get married in another place. It was assumed they wouldn't see their parents again, because of the travel expense and shorter lifespans. People wrote letters. Maybe we should just lower our expectations and be happyMore we have time left to do our own thing. I am still working through it, but I am pretty happy because I choose to accept the situation rather than wait for permission to live. And no, I don't want to talk to a voicemail and send unanswered messages for the rest of my life just so what? they don't have to feel bad feelings?
  • Nel
    I am an estranged mother of 3 out of 4 children for now 16 plus years. I telephoned the one at Christmas 2002 to wish them happy Christmas and the telephone was slammed down. I still have no idea why. I can guess at this and that but nothing actuallyMore makes sense. I divorced their father many years ago and at the time he said that he would make sure they would never have anything to do with me once they grew up. I found out he told my oldest son's girlfriend that I hated her. I certainly didn't. This young lady eventually deserted my son on one Christmas eve but not before telling me that I was not my son's mother and that I would grow old with all my children's hatred. So that is two of them predicting this and then comes number 3. My brother. That was so bad that on my own mother's death who I cared for during her last illness arranged a separate after funeral gathering that everyone went to except a few neighbors and my cousins. The neighbors were truly shocked as I had carried out my mother's wishes to hold the after gathering at her chosen venue which was printed on the funeral order of service. I assume whatever has been said about me by all three is absolutely nothing I can do about. I tried keeping in touch at birthdays and Christmas but after all these years there no longer seems any point, it just punishes me further. One person here commented that it is like a death and that is how I have come to view it. I have one grandchild I have never seen only heard about and I am pretty sure my son's father has said I am dead I don't know that for sure but in the absence of any information its more than plausible. Or maybe I have been made out to be some mythical ogre. I have come to accept that I will never see any of them again and so view them as dead and just get on with my own life. Animals and birds are the children I don't have they don't hurt anybody. I certainly don't blame myself, I have tried to leave the door open but the door is now closed. At some point you have to stop beating yourself up over what you have no control over. I look at it this way, it is their loss.
    • Icantsurfgood
      I'm where you're at. It was like a death. My door is shut-I don't try anymore. I just focus on trying to create a good future for myself.
    • Cheistine
      It sounds we have the same ex-husband. He always said, “I’ll take those boys away from you”. He couldn’t get custody in court but he surely did poison the well. It’s heartbreaking. I’m not having much luck getting over it.
  • Roxella

    I read an article that said some estrangement comes when the daughter/son gets married. Here is my story. My 32 year old daughter and I were I thought close until she met her now husband. We would speak on the phone a couple times a day and things were good.

    She met this man who I instantly in my gut did not like, but pretended for her sake. One night he butt dialed me with her phone and he not realizing i was listening was calling her a bitch.slut, whore, liar, cheater, stupid etc. She was just sobbing and i was screaming on the phone to him but he didn't hear me. She came over afterwards and said she was going back to him. I just walked away after begging her not to go back to this abuser.

    Time goes on...3 kids later. Now she has quit her high paying job because he told her to. He has had 18 jobs in the last 3 years and its always someone elses fault that he leaves.

    She has to go to beg dhs and everybody else for money for the kids.

    He held a gun to her head. She put him in jail and 2 weeks later she bails him out.

    He has introduced heroine into the family and now they both steal to get money. She has several charges as well as him for theft. No decent car, no insurance, child protective services were called and said it is ok to have a generator to have electricity as long as there is food in the cupboards.

    stupidely, I gave her 2K to get a lawyer and fix her charges after I took her to clean up and detox and now...she didn't go to the lawyer, blew the 2K on who knows what.

    Today I found out that her daughter had a Christmas pagent at school of which his mom, dad were invited but not me.

    We were to go shopping for the kids for Christmas today and once the husband found out threw a fit to her and said no....we are going....not your mom.

    She either is so abused and scared to argue.

    Or doesn't care how I feel. I have decided I am done. Lies, gossip, cannot hold my head up in the small town we live in because of the thefts.

    Not completely blaming the guy she is married to because she has her own mind, but things in her life were fine before this man who has banned everyone but his family from the house and lets his wife beg the state or other people for money because someone else should support the family. Working is just something he is not fond of and with her record now not a soul would hire her. If the cops stopped the car she would end up in jail and has 3 small kids.

    I am done. She is old enough. Never this unthoughtful and hurtful. Abused, no self esteem. But I cannot fathom having a relationship with a man who does this to my daughter and she loves him.

    Just hurt and venting. Thanks for listening.

    • Peace seeker
      Roxella - My husband and I also have a daughter who continually enters into relationships with highly abusive men. She is currently on her fourth such relationship. We entirely (and probably stupidly) spent down our retirement accounts to pay her legal fees (and other expenses) when she wasMore escaping her prior abusive husband. We did it to protect her and her child, and to help her get back on her feet. We thought perhaps she was turning a corner, but then she abruptly entered another abusive relationship and has, once again, cut us off completely. There has been nothing but silence from her for the last five years. I worry about her and, especially, about the safety (both physical and emotional) of the children. But, there is nothing more we can do. Now we need to focus on recovering financially from all that we gave to her so that we can retire -- we are both in our 60's. We also need to focus on our four other wonderful children and three other grandchildren. Still, the grief does not go away, especially for me.
  • Joanette
    Just found this site. Thank God I am not alone in going through the heartache of being estranged from my children.
  • Heidi
    My 27 year old daughter moved home 2.5 years ago to go to college. Her dad was not in her life as a child but he and I have been reunited for 8 years now much to our daughter's dismay. She recently revealed that she has onlyMore been "going along with it" for my sake - I've always known that she would never truly open up to him but had hopes that they could at least get a long. Nope. She has recently caused so much tension in our home and her presence alone hinders him and I from being our true loving selves in our relationship knowing how she dislikes him so - I tend to distance myself from him when she is around. I've been balancing the two of them for so long I'm exhausted and have made the decision to not let her control my life anymore. I've let her know she does not get to dictate to me who I love or who I allow in my own home. She'll be moving in with my parents (who support me in not letting her run roughshod over my life). But as a result she has told me "Mom if you let him stay you will never see me again". We have yet to have a face to face conversation at this point as this has all just fallen apart in the last 5 days - but I will be seeing her tomorrow to talk things out - that's if she will even talk with me. But I will be making it clear how much I love her and that I will always be there for her - but that it is time for her to go live her life and let me live mine. That my hope is to not have this schism take place... but she needs to separate her life from mine. My heart breaks. Her dad - although went through some problems with addiction during her childhood years... has been on the right track and doing well for over 10 years. He and I are happy as a couple. But our family dynamic between the 3 of us is in the gutter. She just refuses to open herself to him. She's been through counseling over the years. I thought it had helped cuz she seemed ok with him and I being together for a while... turns out she had just figured out how to fake it.
  • JusHero
    If you treat estrangement like a death, you will eventually heal. In a death, it can be sudden, hard to deal with and can not be undone. You still love the person, but you know you can never see them again, hold them again, hear them talk to you again.More Which all means, life must go on. Any 2 adults should realize that there is NO guarantee in life as adult minded people goes. You can not make someone change, love you or want to be in your life. This also works both ways. If we get caught up in the things we can not change, then we allow circumstances to control us, in which we will hinder our own way of living. For me, I have closed the door, but once in a while I see the estrange'r peak back in. It gets old and opens the wounds from time to time, but then I end up shutting that cracked door again, so she can not peak in.
    • Peace seeker
      JusHero, I too need to treat the estranger with great caution. I've had two heart attacks, both diagnosed as "broken heart syndrome." There is nothing physiologically wrong with my heart, but it is susceptible to failing when I'm exposed to extreme grief. I love this "child"More with all my heart and soul, which is why she is able to exact such a toll on me. Unfortunately, she has become dangerous to me. If I want to stay alive for the rest of my loving family - and for myself - I must be very, very cautious.
  • 2 adult kids @ home w/1spouse
    Hi im married 35 years and my husband has cheated many times and the last major time blamed me. things are better with him and I but he has helped to lay a poor foundation for our adult kids (society already pushes them to hate parents). I haveMore had enough and have threatened to leave. I'm tired of being on eggshells. I also want a divorce even though our relationship is better than its ever been. but I have to explain to him that the kids are ignoring me and he says he doesn't see it. so its abusive all around for me. not sure how I will leave, looking for a room to rent.
  • Heartbroken and alive
    My 30yr old daughter has been almost estranged from me for over 8 years. I say almost, because she does respond to a text once in awhile. My son and I are close. They were raised the same. I loved and love both of them, I raised them alone. MyMore family was not involved, children were a bother to them. Now that my daughter is older, she has chosen, in her words, to build a close relationship with my mom and sister, and not me. She has made up things about me to purposefully hurt me, and the three of them now make plans without me. We all live in separate states. This puts even more months between the time we do get to see each other, which is typically when she announces when she will be at my mothers, and i can plan to see her then. My ex, her dad, completed suicide in 2010. It was horrible, we were divorced when she was 4, he was a drug addict, loved us, and saw her annually until she lived with him for 6 months at 17. My daughter became more estranged with me after this. She is 30 now and is getting married next July. She told her fiance's family a year ago, without my knowledge, that i could not afford her wedding. This is not true, and i have yet to even meet them. They then gave a huge sum of money to the kids, to pay for their wedding and then some. This year was the 2nd year in a row my daughter did not acknowledge me on mothers day. She has been in a lot of therapy over the years, I have been as well. I agree that no amount of therapy today can help with estrangement. I have been told to cut her off, etc. I do not bother her, i do text every week, to say i love her, and hope all is well with her. Sometimes she responds, sometimes she doesnt. I grieve our loss of closeness almost daily. More months go by. I then turn to the reasons i have to live, and try not to project this grief on my son, who is very close to me, and has lived in the middle of this for a long time, it hurts him very much too. I try to focus on the fact that i did the best i could, and that my daughter is doing pretty well, getting ready to graduate and get married. I am invited to her wedding, and am not sure whether or not to go. I feel she thinks she has to invite me, not that she even likes me or wants me there. I have 2 young women on my team at work who are getting married too. They are so excited to share everthing with me, and are both including their moms in the planning, etc. I feel like an outsider with my daughter. I know i will regret not going, and will go and try to just hold it together, and not make it at all about me and the estrangement, so that my daughter can enjoy her day, and be thankful i was even invited. Im sorry this is so long. For parents who have tried so hard, worked hard to support their kids, actually love kids, especially their own, and are later treated by the person they raised like she doesnt even know them, my heart breaks for you. It will never heal. And there is no relief. Just one day at a time existing, and trying to push the sadness aside when you have the opportunity to spend time with your other child/children. For now, i am choosing to be thankful for having my daughter in my life as long as i did, and try to be happy knowing i did the best i could to raise her into a strong, independent, woman, and that she seems to be doing well. I hope the best for all parents going through this, and that you find some comfort in knowing you are not alone. My dream was to marry, have a bunch of children, and be a close, loving family. I cant even make up the reality that became my actual young life. 30 years later, it is my choice how to continue to live without my daughter in my life. And it is very much, one slow day at a time. Best to all.
    • MimiDee
      I’m sorry for your pain and the confusion that accompanies being cutoff with no explanation. As your mama heart is breaking I too am feeling the same pain. My only answer and peace come when I seek comfort from my husband and when I share my grief with other women.More Lastly and moreover I know my daughter is a Christian and eventually God will fix this. This is my hope and prayer for you.
    • JusHero
      Heartbroken, your story sounds like mine, except my daughter cut me off after the marriage. She got her Masters, got married and had a child. She threw me through the loop when my dad was on his death bed. Talk about kicking me when we were all down. Grandpa endedMore up surviving, but the relationship has been on the outs for almost 2 years now. My grandchild is now 1.5 years old and I have seen him less that 1 handful of times. I gave up about a year ago and out of the blue she calls me and we saw each other a couple times and then it started again, but more like walking on eggshells situation. Had a sense of do as I say or I will do it again. So, I decided to just go ahead and punish myself again and I stay very distant. When and if, and that is a big fat if she decides to come back into our lives, she will have to come back very apologetic and there will be some reserve until she proves herself. Am I missing out on being a grandparent? To me, NO! Can not be a grandparent when the child does not want you to be. I do not wrap up my mind on the what if's. Life must go on and it will! Do not focus on what you lost, but what you have and try to forget the things you do not have. I am still somewhat hurt, but I despise it to define who I am and what life I have left to live.
      • Icantsurfgood
        Jushero, I completely agree with you. Though painful, I've also moved on. Im focusing on joy and wonderful friends now!
  • firehart
    I was the one who cut my daughter out. She is addicted to drugs. She has ripped me off enough. I told her not to come back until she gets help. It's been years now. I know she is often homeless. I pray for her, but she is 40, soMore until she wants help, not much I can actually do.
  • Lori
    OMG the fact that there are 758 comments to this article says it all. The first time ever I’ve ever seen support for my situation and understanding. I’ve been living in guilt, shame and confusion accepting all the blame for my 18 year old daughters complaints about me.More I have been enmeshed, trying to “fix” and “rescue” my daughter from emotional pain, support her, tried to take responsibility for helping her manage her emotions, given her so much, tried to do so many mother-daughter things, trips, massage, pedicures etc, accepted the blame for her pain and short comings, fought her battles, didn’t argue her complaints against me knowing that they were her reality, understood the underdeveloped ability to cope in the adolescent brain, unfortuanately gave in when chores weren’t done etc, offered much praise for things not well done, always told her how much I loved her and how amazing she was, and I’ve been reported for child abuse! While I’ve tried to re-examine what I did wrong, I see I’ve raised a child who I tried to make happy and who is angry at me for not making her happy. I can’t handle any more blame, shame, and criticism and have completely shut down - this is not like me and it’s not voluntary. I’ve been told by a counsellor to “get over it”. Maybe this site can help me to get through this and manage in a way that my heart is not bleeding all over the place. I’ve sucked it up and turned the other cheek so many times that there’s none left.
    • Morgan12
      I am glad that I have found people who have a estranged or messed up relationship with a child I will later talk about mine relationship wit my daughter but it is so good to have a place to let it all out
    • Icantsurfgood
      It is so sad that this messageboard exists-but I am so glad it does! I am reading every message and it is helping me to deal with the pain and the shame. My heart goes out to every person here, wish I could give each and everyone on here aMore big hug!
  • findingmeaning

    I too am a parent who has experienced cut off from an adult child. I have a very close relationship with my two other children, my parents, and extended family and in-laws. My family did not understand the cut-off and so my son cut them off as well. He currently does not speak to anyone in our family or to many of his friends. The cut off happened after he married his current wife when he was 31 years old. Prior to that, we had a very close relationship. His wife appears to be fairly insecure and accused me of doing things that I did not do. She accused me of doing things at the wedding that were not true and I did get angry and told my son to stay out of my life if he and she were going to be disrespectful. He did that, even though I did not mean it and said it out of anger and have apologized many times since. There were problems with the dynamic with his new wife and that blew up at the wedding. We loved her and accepted her but she assumed negative things that were not true.

    This situation has been very painful for me and disruptive as well. Probably one of the most challenging things I have ever dealt with. So, I have been trying to use it to learn and to grow as a person. One thing I have been thinking about is the fact that I really did not want to have children. However, when it happened, I really made my children everything in my life. I did everything for them and was always there for them. They had everything they ever needed, bought them cars, paid for college, helped them buy houses and always gave money when needed. But, I wonder about my feelings of not wanting children and a resentment that my son does not appreciate all that I have done for him. He and his new wife were very disrespectful to me at their wedding but I should not have reacted in such an angry manner. Could my deep resentment have come out? I hate to think of that because me relationship with my two other children and my grandson are the most important in my life other than with my husband. These feelings are so conflicting and confusing.

    After thinking a long time on this and then after I read the comments by Jake on this thread, I do think that the selfish entitlement of some young adults is aggravating to many baby boomers who lavished so much on their children. We spoiled them, lets' face it. We were going to be the very best of parents, giving them everything, a trophy for every game mentality. I do resent my son for not appreciating all that I did. Also, I resent him because I could have had my own life but I chose to raise him instead and sacrifice all I could have done with my life to give him everything.

    I write this because I wonder if all the hurt and devastation we feel when our adult, entitled, self absorbed, millennial children cut us off is really a favor to us? We are old but we still have some years to have our own lives without dealing with all of their drama and needs. There is still time for us to enjoy what we want and to focus on ourselves for a change. Perhaps the emphasis on having your children in your life is constructed by our society. It is really to their benefit if you think about it. I don't need him to take care of me and there are so many other people in the world who would be thankful for what I might offer to them.

    I have decided to change the narrative of our society. We need to let our children go and live their own lives. We created them as selfish and entitled and now we have to live with that. They will never be there for us in the way we have been for our own parents. But, that is okay because their demands are through the roof and their lack of respect soul draining. We take responsibility for it and live to enjoy what we missed by having and raising them. Maybe that is a rationalization but I wonder more and more if it is not a more reasonable way to deal with this type of behavior.

    The narrative of parents needing to have adult children in their lives desperately puts our adult children in a position of power. Since they are entitle, self absorbed, arrogant individuals they take full advantage of the power and punish us if we don't conform to what they want. This power differential is ridiculous! What are we thinking?? This is just more of the same of what we did by pampering them so much as children. We all need to break this cycle of co-dependence. I for one am working to re-focus my brain on my own life. I admit it is tough after 35 years of focusing solely on the well-being of my children but I have faith in myself that I can do it and get back to that idealistic person who was 22 and had so many plans for her life!

    • racecar

      What is a more constructive way to say this? I've reached out in early June and July about visiting my daughter. She had never responded. I know she checks email and other social media hourly! These are my RAW feelings:

      Unless you have changed your email, which I doubt, I get it; I’m not stupid.

      As much as it pains me to say this, from now on out, why don’t I let you initiate any visits and conversations. If you want us to come, let us know; I won’t ask to come. We won’t bother you as this is what I feel I am to you.. a bother. I would really like to be involved as I can in X, Y and Z’s lives and yours as well. You don’t stop loving and wanting the best for your kids when they reach a certain age. Try to imagine yourself in 20 years. Try to imagine the relationship you have with me as the relationship you have with one of your children…. YEAH… it sucks.

      I can no longer handle the pain of your rejection or indifference. So… I’m no longer going to try. If you want this relationship, you need to reach out for it yourself.

      I love you and want to be in your life. The door has always been open… just walk through it.

      Mom

      NOTE to community; I have no clue what I did to make my daughter not want to be with us. I don't get it. She was given everything she wanted (maybe that was it). As far as I know, there were no negative influences from my husband or myself (no abuse, no alcoholism, no other junk -- just loving, supportive parents who had their own flaws -- NORMAL)

    • Margaret

      This is an interesting perspective. My 32-yr-old daughter turned on me, hates me, etc. The thing is I am def not a codependent type. I have two other sons. I don't need to be in constant touch or know everything they're doing. But to have my daughter speak real hate to me (from California; I'm in CT) is devastating.

      I've done a lot of soul searching about what I expected of my kids. I want them to be happy. That's it. I want them to live their own lives. They all are. But my daughter reaches back from time to time with all kinds of twisted accusations. My own therapist suspects she has developed a personality disorder.

      It just hurts. But I take your point. The only thing we can do -- is to move on. Thanks.

    • Nickyboy130
      I too feel exactly as you described I lived my life through them my son now feels that entitlement, I feel I have no power to change this it hurts like hell being cut off, he called me a soul sucker, for loving him and doing what was best forMore him I feel so mentally drained trying to do right I feel what you said changing narrative is best option now.
    • Nicole
      This is probably the best advise I have heard from the same situation that I have. I am copying and pasting it. These kids are out of co control and I am not feeding into their narcissistic behavior.
  • JusHero

    After dealing with some time of an estranged daughter, I come to realize, its all in the situation of the child what matters most. If your child is self sustaining their life and have their life in order, then let them be. Live and let live. Most of the pain is in your head, meaning you are creating the pain. You had a life before them and you should have a life after them, when it comes to estrangement. You can't do anything about it and trying, will most likely make things worse. Leaving them alone and time will tell. It hurts (as I know and am still going through it. Daughter comes back in at times and then distances herself. Seems to rinse and repeat.), but it is an adult life you are dealing with. They have final say, just as you do for your life only. It takes some time to get use to it, but if you realize anything, life continues on, No Matter What.

    For my ongoing situation. I do not walk on eggshells, nor will I beg to be in my daughters (grandson's) life. I leave her alone and at times do not think about her, until someone brings her up. I keep on living my life and focus on my wife and son. For this, at times she wants back into my life. Each time I am reluctant, but I still let her in (its my child and now also grandson), then for some out of the blue reason, she distances herself again and keeps herself and the grandson away. I just continue to live my life and let her be. It took awhile, but I (at most times) do not let it bother me anymore and come to accept it. Its hard to get close to my grandchild, when she decides that she wants me in her life, because I know she will make it where we do not see each other for long periods of time. Like I said, I learned to not let it consume my life, as my life has much more importance than someone who does not want to be in it. I have another child (who gives me the love that is lost from the other), a wife, a job, which all leads to "A Life", outside of an estrangement. Keep your head up and don't make your adult child your only thing in your life worth living for.

    • Morgan12
      Thank you for what you had to say I am in the same situation in and out with my daughter and my new 8 month old grand daughter that after 8 months of see and helping take care of she quits job and movies back in with her grand parentsMore this has been her pattern since she was 16
  • Twilight Zone Mom

    Keep reaching out on holidays and letting them know you care got me an order of protection! I am in total shock over all of this.

    To begin my son is married and his wife hates me. I have tried to do things to let her know I feel welcome her into our family but she comes from total dysfunction. A mom who overdosed on cocaine twice and a nut job father who created his own religion. My son along with his 2 brothers and I were really close and had a wonderful relationship. The relationships with my other 2 are still wonderful. But the oldest married a highly insecure and controlling woman who said she would cut me out of their lives and followed through. She told that to a mutual Friend a couple of years ago.

    So he stopped communicator with us before thanksgiving. I left them a voice mail a invited them to at least have dessert with us. Not response. Christmas came, I left a voice mail asking if we could get together and talk, nothing. I left him and her Christmas presents and cookies on their door stoop. No response. His birthday, I sent a card and called. Again nothing. Then in April, while walking my dog I stopped at their gate as their dogs were out. They had moved into my neighborhood, where I have lived f or almost 10 years. I said hi to the dogs and went home. The wife then started texting me telling me to stay away and if I ever came by again, she would call the cops. I did not go by their house again. A week later, I got served with an order of protection. One of the allegations was that I left Christmas presents and cookies! This is so absurd even I acne believe it. The worst part was the stupid judge granted him the order of protection. I am now appealing it. But am left bewildered at this turn of events. I feel that my son has been brainwashed or is mentally ill. I am so confused how this happened. So telling someone to stay in contact may backfire on you

  • stickaforkinme

    My relationship with my daughter has always been a struggle. She has betrayed me many times since she was a young adult. During an awful custody battle, she served as a mole for my ex and wrote a letter full of lies to help my ex get full custody of my 10 year old son. He did get custody and the letter she wrote told of how miserable my child was in the home and how poorly he was treated. (Mind you, she lived in my home and so did my oldest son; but they were almost grown, I made good money, and he wanted to go after the youngest one, so he could get child support). The letter was the item that made the judges mind. And my ex was awarded full custody and $1000 a month in child support. I was devastated. She did this because he promised to send her half of what he collected in child support. She resented my new husband, who had NOTHING to do with the breakup. I didn't remarry for six years after I divorced my first husband. She got angry for being put on restriction for sneaking out of the house and accused my new husband of staring at her in a sexual way, when actually he went in the room to see if she was actually asleep, as she would go to bed fully dressed and slip out when we fell asleep. I asked my husband if any of this was true and he said no. I believed him, because she was trying to stir issues with us. I almost cut her off for good when she worked with her father to savage my family.

    Years passed and their were so many times, for no apparent reason, she would get angry with me and just stop talking to me. She was cheating on her husband and she knew I didn't approve. I told her she should leave if she wasn't happy, as her husband was a great guy. He ended up keeping their daughter for a few months when he finally told her to leave. But that is another story.

    Now, she has made up some bs story about my youngest son, her half brother, who helped her and my other son constantly with their children. It's so disgusting and of course, none of it is true. If she isn't lashing out at me or trying to ruin her brothers lives, she isn't happy. My oldest son cut her off years ago.

    The advice to reach out and always keep lines of communication open won't work for me. I am done with this. It has affected my ability to even want to socialize and frankly, she almost broke my spirit this time. I gave my all. I helped her with her daughter, I even paid for private school for my grand daughter. I still have great relationships with my oldest and youngest sons. I will be thankful for them and never look back. I can't do this anymore and frankly, we only get so many spins around the sun. The energy I am giving isn't matching on the other side, it's time to let go.

    • 99%Pure
      Good for you. Heh. An interesting twice would be to sue them for defamation of character, and libel if one had endless legal resources - but that's a "respite" fantasy, and you don't need it. Good for you.
    • Icantsurfgood
      I'm with you, I've shut the door. Reaching out backfired for me too.
  • Alienatedmommy
    My kids chose to leave me 4.5 years ago. It was exceptionally cruel and demeaning, they lied for their dad to get custody, court did nothing to prevent this tragedy and their narcissistic father has blocked them from me this entire time. But 2 of themMore are 18 now and although my oldest suddenly claims I am just a hideous person, when she was originally the one who wanted to see me in therapy, my middle daughter has flat out said she would see me but she would lose her dad and she knows that is wrong, but it is how it is and she doesnt want to be abandoned by him like I was, regardless. They wanted to be free and it caused them to have to grow up really fast in a home where they are neglected. Everything they lied about and accused me of became their reality. But they are so wrapped up in their twisted fathers control they are basically displaying stockholm syndrome. My youngest wants to come home, I know it with our last secret contact having now been a year ago, but I know my daughter and I feel her sadness even at a distance. New attorney, but he is slowly playing the courtroom game and it would be alot easier if one of my older daughters would even talk to me and give me more current information, and I have had no luck. I am tired of waiting. I miss them so much. Their little sister misses them so much.
  • naturewoman

    HELLO. New here to this site. I am estranged from both my son and daughter. Although, I occasionally have contact. From what I read here by the author/Dr., I realize it was great advice. But, I'm having an issue, with being able to do it. Keeping that door open, keep on trying. It is very stressful, and it keeps me from living my life. I'm in knots all the time. I have panic attacks, all the time. Especially, when I'm trying to fall asleep. Lack of good sleep and healthy eating, makes me so tired all day. So, tired I can't accomplish anything. Can't exercise, work, or have fun.

    When speaking to my kids, about issues in the relationship or how I feel deeply disrespected, I make sure to be calm and not attack them. I just tell how what they did hurt me. But, it is always is turned around on me. Or they say they DON'T remember. They have also yelled back at me. Here's just an example. Mother's day. I'm not into gifts, but like to hear from them, and say 'Happy Mother's Day MOM'. Once, I DIDN'T hear from my son. (at least I thought that). It was later in the day, so my husband and I just went out. 4:30pm he calls. I just felt bad, that he forgot. I DIDN'T get mad. Just wanted to express myself. He yelled at me and said, 'well, I guess I need to call first thing In the morning'. This is just 1 example of how it is with him. It's very hurtful. An example of my daughter. We planned a trip TOGETHER. I was going to fly up to her, rent a car. I was going to meet her boyfriend. I suggested to my daughter, making dinner for him. This trip was planned by us both. We had no issues at that time. I was so excited. No sooner did I get there, my daughter ask if she could swing by TO see her boyfriend. ?? I thought that was strange. But, I said SURE...I wanted to be easy going, to get along. Then she called me to ask if she can borrow my rental to take her boyfriend's MOM OUT to dinner?????? Not even inviting me....that was our first day together. This is what I deal with my kids. THRY are n o w 32 & 28. Same things like THat happens. So, naturally it's something THat is so painful, I DON't know how to have them in my life.

    • stickaforkinme

      Your daughter sounds as heartless as my daughter. The only reason I was ever invited to do anything with her or my middle son was so I could foot the bill. The didn't talk to me or interact with me. They left me with the kids while they would go outside and smoke. When dinner was over, the kids were dumped on me so they could go out and see a movie, shop or have drinks at a bar.

      I don't need it in my life. I am over it. You don't need it. I don't need it.

  • LBH
    My 20-year old daughter is living with her boyfriend and his toxic low life family. She has been mocking and ridiculing her family for 3 years. We took it and took it and took it, and finally we could not take it anymore. We were a normal family of 4,More where she had everything handed to her on a silver platter. She moved out at 18 1/2, saying her childhood was so awful. The worst thing that we did was sat her down at 17 years old when she got into pot and a toxic crowd and warned her that she was destroying her life, which according to her, was awful since experimenting with drugs was "normal". Well, we were right. She has completely destroyed her life due to her disastrous decisions and is now estranged from her family because of her constant mocking. She has just said that she wants no part of this "psycho" family. She has no job, no college, living in a toxic environment, lies in bed all day. She blames us because she has no car - which we had bought her one year ago - (which her boyfriend totaled due to being under the influence). She says we have the means to help her and won't although I have offered to give her rides until her and her boyfriend earn enough for a car but she said she does not want to be treated like a 15-year old. She has also made awful and untrue accusations against her father and which she's never apologized although she admitted to her brother and myself they were a lie. She calls me up and half the time she is nice and half the time she is cruel. I'm being bullied by my own daughter, yet I still love her deeply because I know she is troubled. She refuses therapy, although she is going to a quack doctor who graduated from a 2nd rate Caribbean university and who is prescribing her all this medication - whatever she wants. I told her to get a second opinion from a real professional but she refuses that also. This is affecting me physically as I have lost a lot of weight and my head is spinning with anxiety everyday. I cry everyday that she will see the light and get help. The holidays are coming up and that is stressing me out even more as my husband wants nothing to do with her. He just wants her to get therapy and then when she is better, he will accept her back in the family. Can anyone offer any advice on this situation?
    • 99%Pure

      Posted May 27, 2022. Not so good that your husbands wanted nothing more to do with her. ALWAYS back on the mother. Depending on whether or not the situation has changed since you wrote, if you are certain about the quack doctor, you could report him or her to your State Board of Licensure.

      I think your daughter's behavior parallel's mine, (minus the drugs), at that age. One thing would have helped: being hired by the company that had employed my father, instead of being told to go to college first - (not necessary for a beginning job there) - yes - that's a big one; and even one person having faith in me and that I could do something with my life - at that point, someone unrelated - not a therapist. Therapy came later, too late, and of course it never helped replace many lost years - actually a full life lost that needn't have been lost. I feel for you both.

  • DaytonaNative
    After 10 years of the estrangement game, her coming and going in my life, I have finally said, "Enough" when she turned 30 and at the lowest point in my life, estranged herself again. I have finally decided that she is mature enough to now have to bear theMore consequences of her choices. I also cannot handle the repeated heartache and living death grieving that I go through every time she has done this. It still hurts, but I have chosen to finally start to move forward in my life without her, I have finally resigned that she will no longer know about me until the day she receives news of my death and then I won't be there to hurt anymore. I gotten a book that is helping me, called "Done With The Crying", Help and Healing for Mothers (and for fathers) of Adult Estranged Children, by Sheri McGregor, as well as being on several online support groups. I have begged my child for forgiveness several times in the times that were good and we were talking and asked for her to never estrange again, yet again, it happens. I openly admit that there might have been times that in discipline, I spoke to her too harshly and spanked her too much, but there have been many more times I have loved her, indulged her, encouraged her and told her that no matter what she did (she could be a serial killer) that I would always love her. She chooses to only remember what bad parts and the only explanation I have ever gotten from her is that I cause her anxiety, which falls in line with some of the points in your article. I have decided that if there is ever a reconciling, that it will have to be her to come and make the steps...after several years of trying and behaviors repeating on me in spite of all that I have tried to listen, be accountable and affirm how I made her feel, it has made no difference. I am not a controlling mom, the first time she told me to butt out of her life, I did, because I had a controlling mother and I remembered how I felt when she tried to micromanage my life and I vowed then, that I would never do that to my daughters. I am not a dramatic person who wants attention 24/7 or anything near a narcissist, but I have gone through a lot of personal struggles as I was abused growing up and never loved by my own father, so I looked for love in relationships so it was always chaos in that manner. She was loved by her father and always had him an active part of her life as I made sure of that, knowing what it feels like to not have a father who loved me. It still did not matter. Life has no instruction manual, you don't get a say in the family you are born into and you deal the best with the hand you have been given and sometimes hurt people, hurt other people. My mother hurt me, yet I never estranged myself from her, I respected her and loved her and was able to forgive her over years of my own struggle as an adult figuring out that not everything is black and white and she was also a recipient of abuse on many levels, so she also did not have an idealic training to which she could pass onto me. But I must be expected to be the June Cleaver of parents or else all the year of love, sacrifice and dreams get taken from me by an entitled child who feels that I owed her June Cleaver, even though I never got June Cleaver for a mom and was able to be something that I was not taught, groomed or trained to be! I am imperfect, I have made mistakes but I never have abused my daughter, if anything, I stood up for her, gave her things that I never got and loved her with my deepest ability to love, only to have to face growing old alone and shunned and not to be able to know my grandson. This is something that does need to come out and be spoken about, just like the other injustices and things that happen in our society, in hopes that we can maybe one day make this epidemic something that is history and not current reality for most of us. I am thankful for blogs like this, groups like this.....Thank you for letting me share!
    • T-town Mum

      My experiences were similar. She was always very attached and had overpowering separation anxiety from the day of her birth. Consequently we did everything together. I tried my best to help her be brave... sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn't. I felt I was always neglecting her older brother because she was intensely attached. While she was in elementary school she hung out with her brother. Bless him. As an adult man we have a strong respectful relationship. He is 31 and she is 29.

      I tried my best to be June Cleaver but June didn't have a full time job outside the home, nor a husband with bi-polar issues and with an obsessive disorder so my time was more limited but I still managed to be on her sports committees, drive her everywhere and make her childhood and teenhood as smooth as possible. I even switched school districts to be closer to home in hopes this would bring down her anxiety. She was in grade 6. And it did.

      Her father had an affair and consequently we split up after 27 years together - she was 22 and living with her husband. Five years ago I met a lovely man and we got married 2 years ago. I am very happy. She is not happy with my re-marriage. My son has embraced my husband because he sees how good he is to me. She has not and cringes everytime I try to make her understand that this relationship is "God sent" for me. One of my husband's sons also treats me the way my daughter treats my husband... distant, tolerant, restraint and suspicious. Most people say it is about inheritance and having a “step parent” means "everything is split one more time" - it goes much deeper than that though. It seems this is also quite "normal" among my friends who have remarried after a long former marriage but that is a whole other conversation.

      She is very controlling. I am only allowed to text. I cannot have Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner with her husband’s family but I am allowed to go to ball games or go out for a casual lunch with them. Sometimes I think it is about her mom in law – mom in law is frustrated with ‘lack of grandchildren”. Other times I think it is her embarrassment about me. I really don’t know why I am embarrassing though. I am educated, pretty, kind, friendly, and happy. I love deeply and cry easily. I love her and her husband. My heart hurts knowing she doesn’t like me. When she left home, I told her that as an adult woman I met my mum once a week for dinner and we talked all the time. I enjoyed being a friend with her and knowing her as a woman not just in the role of my mum. She replied, “we will never be friends”. I truly don’t know why.

  • H Mum
    Hello it's our ED 21st Birthday very soon and her first one since we became estranged (her choice, not ours) we have bought birthday cards from us and he younger Brother which was really hard due to the verses in them but I'm wondering whether to sends them as sheMore sent a text to bet Brother this week refering to us (her parents) as your Mum and Dad, any advice would be appreciated please, just to add it's only been seven months
  • Trina
    Candace-you have posted a response in relation to this article. comment back in March. As a sponsor in a support group (for estranged parents) what advice would you give to an estranged parent, since you disagree with this authors advice? I am estranged from both of my adult children andMore would like to hear some affective and alternative solutions. Each situation is different, I know, but all of here are estranged. You don't believe in these specific techniques. Then what is it that you would incorporate with your group? Shall we leave them alone forever?
    • Candace
      I recommend in my support group that estranged parents focus on themselves, and those family members and friends that have stuck by them. Work on self-awareness (knowing who you are). Doing that will remove the stigma of estrangement that society puts on you....other parents are afraid it will happen toMore them, and so they judge you or evade the subject. As I have said before, do not "chase" adult children who refuse to communicate. If you do receive any intermittent communication, do not accept any conversation that does not show mutual respect. Tell them you will be happy to talk to them when they can be respectful. If the estrangement is caused by a daughter-in-law/son-in-law, it is a sign your adult child is in a bad marriage. That will be your adult child's problem to solve. It is a pathological dance between your adult child and his/her spouse. If you know (and you do know) if you have been a good parent over-all, (all parents make mistakes) then it is not necessary to accept blame from an errant child. It is mature to admit to mistakes, but it is not productive in any relationship to be the fall guy. This only leads to the accusing person having more power over you, and you will be walking on eggshells all over again...leading into episodic estrangement that can be more heartbreaking than no contact estrangement. And I will tell you this, the mental health field is still in the dark ages when it comes to family estrangement and parental alienation. They often give more bad advice than good. I don't recommend therapy for understanding estrangement. I recommend peer support from others who have lived through estrangement.
      • where is your support group
        im in california south county
  • JusHero

    I read a lot of your stories and share the pain and sorrow you all have. As each circumstances are a little different, most have the same outcome. Never the less, raising a child you loved and cared for, will always hurt when they selfishly disown a parent or parents. Is it me, is it you? I say no, it is society and it is a sign of the times. It does seem that it generally is the daughter (but not always) who is doing the disowning.

    As a dad, I deal with it every day and I come to realize, there is not a lot I can do, except live my life and care for the one's who are in it and want to be in it.

    For me, it is my daughter. I have been in her life, from the day she was born. Her mom and I divorced when she was 5 years old (my fault = cheating), but her mom and I have been in her life equally ever since. I went to all school function, church functions (1st baptism and such), had her couple nights a week and every other weekend, paid for college for her to get her masters, paid for her wedding and then 2 years later, she outed me out of her life.

    A few things came out, that she holds onto = Her junior and senior year, I might of missed 2-3 swim meets, out of close to 100 throughout her swimming life. I did miss a 2nd baptism when she got out of college and met her husband and decided to get baptized in a different religion. Over a year ago Grandpa was on his deathbed from heart failure and I was called to come see him and my daughter went too. On that day, my daughter decided to have it out with me and from there the disowning started. Most stems from $ (when she got married at 25, I told her now her husband is financially responsible for her and them) and the other is my personality is what she has told me. She also mentions the few things I missed and then tells me that I did not go to nothing of hers, all but a few things. When I say I was there for my daughter, I was there for her on most everything and deep down inside she knows this.

    Fast forward to now. She since has had a baby and we have only seen him once. She also has disengaged from most of my family on my side, as they were there for her, while she was growing up. Her brother who is 16, she has nothing to do with and we all question what her motives are.

    I tried and tried and since then I have stepped back and I give her, her space. I decided that I still have a life and a child who needs my love. I do not think of the grandchild much, as it is my way of coping with it. Kind of like, out of sight, out of mind.

    She does still see and talk to her mom, but she has been known to turn on her before, so she walks on eggshells around her.

    Life is too short and I call her the spoiled apple and I do not want her to spoil the whole orchard, so I let be, what it is. I love her and will be here for her, if she ever gets past this, but for me, I Moved On and I am still living life.

    P.S. I am not an alcoholic, drug user and I did not molest her in any way, so we are unsure what has made her this way. We speculate her mom might be the one or the husband and his family, that has pushed her into this, but my daughter is real head strong and no one can make her do anything she didn't want to do.

  • ginger

    I was a shy kid so did not make friends easily. My mother was always very outgoing. When I was inside the house instead of playing outside with other kids, my mother repeatedly told me I was "a zero", I just "sat in the house all day and did nothing", and it was "no wonder nobody likes you". I knew my quiet nature got on her nerves. I used to avoid her. One day when I was 12, I yelled back at her that I thought her constantly saying those things to me was terrible and she just made me feel bad. It stopped her at that moment, but her negative view of me remained at showed in other ways.

    My sister was more outgoing like our mom. As I got older, I saw how my mom deferred to her opinions over mine. If we were ordering a pizza to share and my sister liked olives and I didn't, my mom would just tell me "you can eat around them" instead of choosing a topping we all liked. Even recently I was late to my mom's house when we were all going to a movie so my sister and our mom left without me. When I arrived, my dad drove me over to the theater and I met them inside. I was only 7 minutes late. My point in all this is that my mom was dismissive of me from an early age and still is. My dad never made any effort to correct her. It just became our family dynamic.

    I am in my 40's now but several years ago I asked my mother if she remembers telling me I was "a zero, and that nobody would ever like me." She said she has no memory of it.

    In my experience, my mom never thought she did anything wrong or hurtful to me. She still doesn't see how her actions are wrong. I've told her, but she just shrugs like I'm being too sensitive.

    Through all of my hurt, I will not cut her off. I could, but I won't. It's partly love, but partly out of guilt that I remain in her life. The irony is it seems all the parents who have kids that don't speak to them anymore never think they've done anything wrong. All the kids who cut parents off say they indeed have told their parents why. Where is the disconnect?

  • Freta
    Your article is skewed in favor of the adult child.
  • Freta
    Don't know why mine didn't post, but I do think your article is skewed in favor of the child.
  • Freta

    My 35 year old daughter abandoned me, her daddy and her baby brother, who is now 31. I find your article, though repeatedly claiming to be neutral, is very skewed in favor of the adult child who has left. We nurtured, loved and cared for our children the best way we knew how, without the aid of computers and chat rooms. We were good parents. More than anything, we loved unconditionally. Now that we are getting older and closer to a time where we may need our children to return some of that back to us, they use their computers and chat rooms to help them decide if being in a relationship with their parent is best for them or not.

    We raised them to be responsible adults. They need to act like it and honor and show unconditional love to their parents as we've done to them.

  • LINDA
    support groups? what support groups? being with held from your grand children is hard and they need support groups for parents who gave their children the world, even went into debt for, my oldest as soon as she went to college she turned into a monster, we were notMore invited to her graduation, her wedding, we have not seen any of her 4 children, she has lied and accused us of abuse, she has never been spanked in her life, i guess thats why she is like this now. she was even contemplating on getting an attorney and suing us because she said we stole her college money because we got refunds in our name from a loan we took out, she moved out of her dorm and into an apartment with her boyfriend so we got money back because she didnt have a dorm expense anymore. i say if your going to play grown up, own it and pay your own way like adults do.
  • LINDA
    GETTING CUT OUT OF THEIR LIFE IS TOUGH, MY OLDEST ACCUSED US OF STEALING HER COLLEGE MONEY AND THEN LIED ABOUT BEING ABUSED SO SHE COULD GET MORE STUDENT LOAN MONEY, THEY DIDNT EVEN CHECK TO SEE IF SHE HAD BEEN ABUSED THEY JUST UPPED THE AMOUNT SHE WAS GETTING.More IF OVER SPOILING IS ABUSE THEN I GUESS WE ARE GUILTY. THE SECOND DAUGHTER, I HAVE NO CLUE, I GUESS SHE IS JUST AFRAID TO STAND UP TO HER HUSBAND WHO IS ABUSIVE TO THE KIDS, NOT SEVERELY, HE JUST GRABS THEM AROUND THE NECK AND HEAD.IF HE WAS MY HUSBAND HIS BUTT WOULD HAVE BEEN GONE! I DO EVERYTHING FOR HER, TAKE KIDS TO SCHOOL, PICK THEM UP, CLEAN HER HOUSE TOP TO BOTTOM EVERY WEEK AND NEVER GET OFFERED ANY MONEY FOR GAS, OR HELP WHEN I NEED IT.
  • Not Relevant

    What about situations with a toxic parent who has been given numerous opportunities and conversations to stop a damaging pattern of behaviour e.g. manipulating, always focused on the negative and willing to fight, arguing over minute things, physically abusing the other parent and emotionally abusing their son's wife, stirring things to cause frequent discord and harassing their son's wife parents for having a different lifestyle?

    All of which is impossible to fix because of a reluctance to change their attitude after being made very aware of their actions on their family, seeing a therapist to no avail and even being arrested for their actions?

    You address the only one extreme of the spectrum, whereby the adult child is the horrible person. What about those children who are literally left with no option, and still care so much that they spend time researching how being cutoff from contact will affect them.

    Parents need to have a hightened level of self-awareness to know where they may have gone wrong. Yes, there are adult children out there who can't be helped, but they are a minority. Most people want to remain as connected to their parents as they can - this becomes impossible when the relationship is untenable despite countless attempts to rectify the situation and give more to them than is equitable is any healthy relationship.

    A parents actions have consequences just as an adult child's actions have consequences. I don't believe parents should be able to think they are completely innocent and absolved of responsibility.

    • Zelda
      I cannot agree with this comment more! I am an adult child that had to sever a relationship with a narcissistic parent who is unable to take ANY responsibility for their own actions. If your adult child tells you to back off, for God's sake, LISTEN TO THEM! Adult childrenMore are ADULTS capable of making their own decisions, even if parents don't agree with them. I, for one, felt like my toxic parent was trying to force/bully me into relationships through continued contact, AFTER I clearly stated that I would reach out to THEM when I was ready to talk. I had to file for a protection order and be dragged into court when the toxic parent contested it. Even though you will always be their parent, you are no longer the sole person that dictates the terms of the parent/adult child relationship.
  • Elizabeth
    My son and his family separated themselves after they stopped payments on the home I was selling to them. Six months of free housing, while he was in an academy for Corrections, caused enough debt for the foreclosure of my home. They didn't tell me they changed theirMore plans. Then they lied to family and friends, making me the bad guy. For six years, my grandchildren learned to fear me. I never said anything all that time, until we were all at a family function. My granddaughter was not just cold, she was flat out rude. Her parents emotionally abused her. Next day, I texted them and laid it out. No more was I going to not only be estranged, and vilified, too! I have had enough. Running from their responsibilities for their actions is hurting everyone, not just me. I will probably not hear from them again. But I will not alter reality. A Corrections Officer needs reality. So do children. Tough love bites. But it doesn't live on lies. I finally had enough courage to face up to their bullying. They wielded estrangement like bullies. Being nice only gave them more to trash. My home was not important enough for six months of free housing. That's messed up. The living of lies to cover their fraudulent actions is so much worse. They let their children bear the cost of their convenient lies. That is all I can stand. It sure feels good to clear the air and stand up and say, "STOP".
  • Carlo Licchi
    There really is no support out there, especially for thrown away fathers. In many cases we've simply been replaced with a stepdad or another father like figure, who's allowed daily access to your child. Also there is literally no care oriented support for men, unlike the plethora of women's supportMore groups, that are sponsored and funded. If you're willing to pay, you can find someone willing to sell you a book or their professional time. There are seemingly no answers though. The 800 pound gorilla in the room answer that will cut to the heart of the matter will NEVER be openly discussed or acted upon. A thrown away former noncustodial father (or sometimes a mother too) is torn apart, your heartache never stops, your rejection is there every day, you've been reduced to an open checkbook by the government/state/family court system, and then the child learns from the mother to treat you with the same entitled disrespect, without the honor or return of love you give them. Even your own family will get on with their own lives, their children/grandchildren, spouses family, whatever. They expect you to get over it, move on, as if you've lost a pet dog, and not the child you helped and hoped for all their life. Is there some real pointed guidance about how to get through your days and nights after having lost a child to this living death? If so, it's like trying to find truffles in the dark with a tablespoon. Where is the support for the long rejected and yet still grieving?
    • Icantsurfgood
      Carlo Licchi, I also wish there was a magic pill. If I ever discover one, I will share it with you.
  • Barbara
    This site seems to excuse childlike behavior and shows the disrespect they exhibit today with any type authority, even though parents no longer show authority and allow children to grow up. So in my humble opinion, I feel this results in the snowflake effect and sites such as thisMore encourage and enables the continual disrespect such as we see on the streets marching today. Go back to the drawing board people.
  • ACoNJosh

    Or maybe the parent was horrible to the child and they cut the parent out to get rid of a toxic human being.

    How can you say that it has nothing to do with the parent? That is ridiculous.

  • Chantalle

    Wow reading this has given me the confirmation I was kind of on the right track. Thanks so much for writing this for those that seek help.

    I'm estranged from my teenage boys and as a Mum it's been a heart breaking road to travel. I myself distanced from my father as a young child for his physical abuse to my mother who he had left as a 7 month pregnant solo mother. And then I also shut him out of my life again as a teen girl, I have since tried to reconnect and have my say as to why I did those things. But I also have been rejected by him 22 years later.

    I have struggled with having been in their shoes but for very different reasons.

    They chose to live full time with their father and his then wife to be and their twin girls. The struggle for me started here, on the parent side. I gave in to what was the easiest way without any aggression. I know realise this was not the way to go. No not a physical aggression a mental aggression as to what was best for us all as a blended family, not was convenient way for them. I sacrificed my own voice and wants. Thanks again for writing this and sorry for the novel.

  • Candace

    The more you send cards and letters, and the more you "chase" them, it simply empowers them to feel their punishment is working, and they have you under their control. It is manipulation. It also is not respecting their boundaries to have a chance to work out their problems. They want to be left along, then leave them alone.

    And as far as them coming through your door and you not defending yourself, everyone has a right to their personal boundaries including parents of adult children. Most estrangers have made accusations that are not true or exaggerated, so I don't recommend any parent agree to false accusations. I run a support group for estranged parents and many times a third party has caused the estrangement like an ex-spouse, a new son-in-law, daughter-in-law who is insecure and jealous. Your advice is centered on the young adult child and not in consideration of the parents who spent much sacrifice to raise children who grew up with the media, education, and government influencing them against family values and encouraging them to disrespect their parents. I would not recommend some of your advice to anyone.

    • Karen
      Candace, I would like to discuss your support group with you. How can we get in touch with one another?
      • Candace
        Here is a link to my Facebook. You can ask that I add you as a friend and I can tell you more about my support group. https://www.facebook.com/candace.orr?fref=gm&dti=1591772914446569&hc_location=group
        • Kecia
          Candace, Not sure how long ago this was posted but I can't find your support group on FB.
  • Sue
    I am not sure I agree with this article. My eldest daughter aged 32 psychologically abused me the more she knew I 'would always be there'. I was the one who had to say no more for my sanity and completely cut ties. I have 4 adult children. The youngestMore at 19 has been showing copycat behaviour of his elder sister. For two years he has made me feel like something under his shoe, but has expected I would still be there for him. These two are extremely manipulative and both have caused me to become severely depressed to the point of contemplating suicide. I have now just cut this son off. There are exceptions when for your own health and sanity you must draw a line.
  • Tammy Phillips
    May I add, I've been to several therapists, and I got the same answer! Forgive myself. But that has not brought my children any closer to me!!!
  • Tammy Phillips
    I got into drugs 18 yrs ago, and my ex-husband was doing them also. He decided to quit immediately, and I wasn't ready. He kicked me out of our home, and had two small children. Our son was 6, and daughter was 4. He was granted custody. In the meantime,More I got myself clean. But, unfortunately he, and his mother, and other family members poisoned our children, telling them, that I was a crack head! Mind you, my ex never took responsibility for his addiction. Now my children are 18, and 21. I've been in a relationship for 13yrs with a wonderful man. The ONLY time I hear from my children is when they want money! That's it! No Happy Birthday Mom, no Merry Christmas Mom, etc. If they aren't satisfied with the amount of money I can afford to give them, I don't hear from them for maybe, another 6 months. I'm 55 yrs old, and tired of beating myself up! Idk what to do anymore!!! Please help! Tammy.
  • maryswitzer2
    I have posted here as a devastated mum to a adult son of 30, and I post today to offer you all hope, my only child cut off all contact two and a half years ago, but last week he text to say hi how are you, we'veMore exchanged four text, I'm nervous overjoyed there is a glimpse of hope, the past couple of years have taught me how delicate bonds are to respect the different world of my son it's small steps to ensure that I can show him love without strings or obligation please all keep the door open to let them walk home im so happy x
  • JIm

    Interesting article - but where does that leave a 'deserted dad' wife kidnapped daughter at 3 and took her 450 miles away contrary to agreement. nasty divorce where mother wanted 80% of everything plus me to pay the legal bills in top. I sent daughter stamped addressed envelopes and paper - she never got them... now she is 35 just had my first and only grandson she is my only child. ( I could never risk loosing another child ) when I last saw her, she lives 150 plus miles away - half way between her mother and I - I asked her straight out do you want me in your life? (I've seen her less than 500 days throughout her whole life - circumstance and distance -. she answered 'don't know. At her wedding her step Aunt made the comment - if anyone in the world brought up your daughter other than that woman she would have not suffered so - Apparently every time she went to her mother with a problem she made it worse!.

    The divorce was not of my doing and my daughter has suffered at the 'mental hands' of my ex wife - with distances I had little option to even know of the school play was on let alone if my daughter was in the play.

    Now some three months since the birth of My grandson - I have still not been permitted to visit, (nor has her mother) she has 'mementoes' of me in her home (but not from her mother) suggesting she does want to be reminded of me but, the refusal to commit to a visit is simply grinding me down to 'total severance' while all around me say don't give up... after 30 plus years of trying and mostly 'clicking' when we are together - I am at a loss to know and am in tears ....where do I go from here...

  • Pamela
    Thank you for writing this! I SO appreciate feeling understood, and understanding!! But, what to do about the grandkids?! I feel that I am needed by them, especially while my daughter just divorced their dad. My daughter has asked for space.
  • Kelley
    What about the parents doing it to the adult kids ????
  • Let them say goodbye
    Much of all of this seems to relate to "instant gratification" and a sense of "power over another" where there is lack of self esteem. Successful adult children who are comfortable in their life path do not abuse others for self gratification.
  • Lori
    I have a now 26 year old daughter that i havent talked or seen in a year. Her sister broke her arms she never even called her. My son is 24 and says that she will only talk to my 10 year old which is her sister if and whenMore i die
  • Let them say goodbye
    You cannot give love to those who are not willing to receive it.
    • stickaforkinme
      You can love from a safe distance without having any involvement at all. I love my estranged children but I don't like their behavior. They are too old to parent, so I keep my distance and my life now has peace. You only have so many spinsMore around the sun. Love yourself and accept what you can't change.
    • maryswitzer2
      You can
  • Let them say goodbye
    When your adult children cut off ties with you accept it and move on. Do not expect them to spend time with you or care for you in your old age because we live in a narcissistic society where everyone blames everyone else for their own failings and areMore spoiled from being given so much. Look around at other countries where multiple generations care for each other. What a sorry state families in the United States find themselves in when adult children estrange themselves from parents who love them and have willingly given up so much for them. Take your children out of your will and donate to a wonderful charity of your choice instead. Give your time and attention to strangers who are kind and loving in return. Self centered adult children can come from wonderful parents and vice versa. Stop begging and indulging your immature children. Therapists attempt to figure out reasons for behaviors but perhaps it's more the "luck of the draw" than we realize.
    • DN
      I love what you've said...Not just USA...maybe all western countries...here in NZ we have those issues too...
    • AListener
      It is not a switch to be turned off and on. I suppose if everyone affected by estrangement could simply and easily do as you suggest, articles like this would not be written, and comments would not be posted. Just looking at the numerous comments to this article, itMore appears there are a large number of folks feeling the emotional burdens of estrangement, and struggling to come to terms with it.
    • Candace
      It is not just in the United States. Estrangement is an epidemic in all western countries. I run an international support group for parents of estranged adult children and alienated grandchildren, as I am one of them, and worked in behavioral health as well. The media, government, and educational systemsMore have empowered children to the point that they reject and throw away family at alarming rates.
  • Luv thy self
    As with any emotional event that occurs in one's life there are stages to process, learn, and move forward. I use sayings to empower myself, such as, "if you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything". Im aware that I'm dealing with adults who are making choices/decisions whether theirMore right or wrong, whether I like them or not it's their journey. I've been told that God has no grandchildren...and that if I'm in fear/worry, than I'm not in faith. My mom use to tell me, "I know what it is to be young, you don't know what it is to be old"... which brings me to the saying, "do not judge your neighbor until you have walked two moons in his moccasins". My parents were here long before me, my parents had parents. Some good things get passed down, some not so good. My belief is that this generation of childrens morals & values (if any) are not of love, respect, compassion, etc. It is materialistic, selfish, greedy, rude, inconsiderate, disrespectful, etc.etc.etc. No more taking your hat off at the table, no more getting up for the elderly or a woman to sit down, always talking back, always "i know" when your getting the lecture, and ,"I dunno" when being scolded...which is it? I heard a story once where a young man always complained of what his father wasn't and one day the father addressed him, "your always saying g what kind of father I was, what kind of son were you?" I cannot spend the rest of my years living in regret, and sorrow, I will not carry my children's resentments and punishments. I will listen, and I will always love them. My mom taught me you can live with a broken heart, "live and let live", and "let go, and let God".
    • New to this
      Your words really helped me with getting through a really rough time dealing with the situation with my 28 y o daughter. Thank you.
  • arlene fazio
    what type of support group would be useful for such issues - can you recommend
    • Rebecca Wolfenden, Parent Coach
      Thank you for your question. Many of our readers have found helpful forms of support online, whether here in our commenting forum, or elsewhere. If you are looking for in-person support in your community, you can try contacting the 211 Helpline at 1-800-273-6222. 211 isMore a service which connects people with resources available in their community. Please let us know if you have any additional questions. Take care.
  • Neverwillgetit
    I have done all I can and I will never understand how the bond I had has been so badly destroyed. My daughter was the one person I thought would always be there. No one understands her now and so many people adored her! When I hear people statingMore their disappointment in her I feel so bad. Everyone says it's her husband but I can buy that completely. It's the biggest disappointment of my life because I always wanted her to have the best especially in life. She does just without her need for me being in her life.
    • The Scribe
      Neverwillgetit You will not feel so shattered if you can accept that marriage can either make "bad" children good and vice-versa. A very rebellious child could suddenly become an angel after marriage or he/she might turn into a monster overnight LOL so it all depends on your luck. Who he/sheMore marries makes all the difference. I've observed many such cases. The spouse could either be a positive or negative influence. The in-laws do play a role too. If your child is foolish enough to listen to devilish in-laws that's it. Feel so sorry for you but it's best you look after your health etc.
  • Neverwillgetit
    So sad as I too had great times and laughs with my only child, my cherished daughter. Over 2 1/2 years of no response from her and my gradson is is 2 1/2. I have begged, pleaded, apologized a zillion times, cried and think of her throughout the day everyMore day. I am a widow who has struggled since my husband passed away when I was 46 and 13 years ago. My daughter was my life! I have lost them both and struggle to get through life as I never ever dreamed this is how life would turn out. How can your only child who has been cherished ( and yes we didn't always agree but my love and the hurt from her was deep) turn their back on her mom. I prided myself on being a great mom however after my husband died and my daughter left for college I was treading water and yet I don't think she understood how scary my world became. I have a heavy heart for all the times missed with her and my grandson ( who from pictures through family, he's adorable) I am not acknowledged or given any pictures, correspondence, understanding of forgiveness. Yet I have begged her to come back in my life. I will never be whole again with out her. She has never checked on me once. Knows I have no holidays, sometimes little food in the house, recently assulted by a family member and have concussion and have been in other medical concerns or without a job. My best time of my life was bringing her up and now nothing. Just so hurt and disappointed. Yes, her husband doesn't like me. And has been disrespectful to me yet I apologized for my part but he hates me. But I stand by this. if he loved her he would at least encourage my daughter to see me. Just don't know if I will ever get to be in her life again or see my grandson ever. It hurts me to the core. Missed so much with my grandson of the fun things I did with my daughter. She is intelligent and is a high school guidance counselor so I don't understand or ever get it as long as I am alive. I miss her so much it's aged me I am sure. But Ivan die knowing I tried so hard to reunite with her but unfortunately it doesn't take my daily pain away. I love and miss her desperately. I pray all the time. Sorry so long but heartbroken in so many ways.
  • Pj3b

    My 20yr old daughter resents me cos I spent slot of time in hospital or working wen she was growing up and she stayed I am only her mother cos I gave birth to her

    I asked her to be my friend and she don't want that either

    I am hurt and angry

  • tseats
    Where would one find a support group for this?
    • RebeccaW_ParentalSupport
      tseats Thank you for your question.  It can be difficult at times to find support for issues like estrangement, and I’m glad that you are reaching out here to our online community.  In addition to talking with other readers here in our comments section, some have found additional internet-based supportMore groups which address these issues.  You can read through the comments here to find more information on helpful resources, and perhaps some of the other readers will also share resources which have been helpful for them.  If you are interested in a local support group, or talking with others face-to-face, I encourage you to contact the http://www.211.org at 1-800-273-6222.  211 is a service which connects people with resources available in their community.  Please let us know if you have any additional questions; take care.
  • lcjantzi

    I haven't been on this website for awhile do to illness.

    I read some responses to adult child "Jake" that really helped me. It will be three years in March that my adult children estranged me; " Do not contact us. We will contact you when we are ready." A lot of the replies to "Jake" were cathartic for me because they verbalized a lot of my questioning thoughts, i.e. 'It seems the 10000 good things done for a child are wiped out by one mistake, wrong or misunderstanding.'

    Also, I've fight guilt from time to time because I'm enjoying my life without them. I had let them tear me down to the point of deteriorating my physical health. I have a better life now and I'm happier without their drama interfering in my marriage and other relationships.

    I hope and pray that they are happy and wie can put this behind us.

    Thanks.

    • Pj3b
      Wish I had your courage and strength but I hurt and feel guilty every minute of the day
      • lcjantzi

        Dear Pj3b,

        Give yourself some time. Being rejected by our child(ren) is a hurtful experience. It takes time to get some objectivity. How would you comfort a friend if they came to you with the same situation? Be your own best friend and be kind. Your daughter has much to learn about life if she doesn't see how your job provided for her needs growing up. It may take some time or she may not choose to acknowledge this. Meanwhile, it's time to let her follow her own journey in this life and focus on being good to yourself; healing and becoming all you can be. I'm sure this isn't the first hard thing in life that you have experienced. You came through other tough circumstances and you will get through this one too.

        Like most of us on this website, you were a good and caring parent. This thing our children have done blindsides us and we're confused for a bit. Take your time, be patient with yourself. Read through the stories here that others have experienced and you will find comfort, hope for yourself and strength. I stand with you...lcjantzi

        • Neverwillgetit
          Thank you for your kind words. What bothers me the most is I will never get this time back with my daughter and my grandson. Even though I have done everything possible to get our relationship back I worry more for her if anything happens to me. Guilt andMore regrets could make her a dysfunctional adult and I truly worry about this especially if she had to make a choice me or her husband. I always told her growing up your husband comes first but I didn't mean to cut her own family out. She is the only grandchild and my dad who is 92 adores her and she doesn't even make much time for him. I brought her up that family was very important and my husband and I provided a very loving and stable life for her. Her husband's mom died when he was 5. He was an oops but did very well and is very intelligent but is a grudge holder which my daughter and one of his friends have told me. I just hope my daughter doesn't fall victim to this someday especially after I am gone. Thank u again for your kindness. It's so appreciated.
  • SheriM

    Or the parents did not nag and yell. They were patient and kind. with "Joe." And he chose to leave despite their caring patience. When faced with that, they have no control over their adult child. And to remain forever stuck, waiting for his return, does nobody good.

    Sheri McGregor

    Author of Done With The Crying: Help and Healing for Mothers of Estranged Adult Children

  • AbusedandConfused

    My 22 year old who had some emotional difficulties beginning at around age 16 did a semester abroad to finish college and reluctantly came home to help me after a life threatening removal of a tumor from my ear. (i had no one else to drive me home from the hospital.) She was already done with all of her academic requirements. 

    From the moment she arrived she was emotionally abusive, would not even help me move my head bandage or ever got me a cup of tea or something to eat. Immediately after the surgery, when I was exhausted and barely able to walk she was verbally abusive and cruel. By the fourth day she physically attacked me in public and I had to run away from her. I did go to the police but did not press charges. 

    I sought out her FB friends (she was never active on FB before) and met with them. they were two nasty young women who  made it clear they wanted her to get rid of me and were very rude and disrespectful to me. One (she has only known my daughter 3 months) acted like she owned my daughter and  and controlled her completely. My daughter is leaving for Europe in 2 days. (I have not seen her since she attacked me when of course I asked her to leave my home). She has been communicating by e-mail and blames me for ?????  She has refused all mental health treatment although i did get her to go see a therapist with me the day before the attack and the therapist witnessed some very strange behaviors and statements made by my daughter. She is preparing a thorough written report.  My daughter has told me she hates me, told me I pushed her away, etc. 

    I am wondering if anyone has had a child come under some kind of strange control by other people. The two women acted like cult leaders and it was creepy sitting with them. They had no emotion, were very physically obese for young ladies, their eyes were vacant and cold. My daughter had a suicide attempt in Ireland and in trying to get information about what happened everyone is treating me like i am the enemy: these creepy girls, her international coordinator at her university, a semi-boyfriend in Ireland. Everyone has either lied to me or refused to answer my questions.  Again has anyone had a complete change of personality in their child after getting involved with a new group of people?

    I am feeling very sad. My daughter was once my closest friend and while she was showing some signs of deterioration before she went abroad, nothing like this.

  • Healing Heart

    @ Jake

    In response to your post: My last point is: Good, they should be in pain and they will remain in pain until they shape up. I have one life, and I will not be controlled, manipulated, or told what to do.

    They may have used the same EXACt words about you and you shaped up and got your crap together boot camp style, the way many of us had to! They also have one life to live and shouldn't be controlled or manipulated hence you cutting them off with intent of pain.

    I hope you're happy, healthy, and living well indeed as that would be their happiness, I'm sure they will let go of any pain and not hang on to the past, they deserve to be enjoying life just as much as you do. Understand when you're a parent and then grandparent, that full circle of life will give you Better vision...you'll see more clearly.

    When they are gone you'll really know how justified or not you were for distancing yourself. My husband didn't talk to his dad for ten years, he parked it and kept saying I'll call him but one day he got the call that he was gone....regrets! And me, my mom used to let me down but the balance of her good didn't make me cut her off thank God because she is now gone and I miss her everyday but less regret!

    Good luck on your journey, live well and make amends if possible, it doesn't mean daily talks but just words of I am okay and know I love you can be so healing to all involved. Just do what you can live with and look in the mirror to say I'm not pride driven but living with a heart of love. Take care!

  • Acer Xpress

    @Jake

    To each its own, reading your two post it sounds so entitled- your parents had No obligation to pay your way through college and that's that even if they were millionaires..

    Then the one about hoping they are suffering, sounds like bitterness and very cold.

    I hope they are late living well and have accepted who you are and your choice.

    This site is more intended for those parents as yours to lean against each other, you may want to move along to a site more geared towards your peer group Of similar emotions. best of luck with your stand...share the "payed your own way" bit to potential employers but save the "cut off hoping they're hurting " because that will demo only that you can't handle rules, and go to extreme with conflict.

    In all..,be happy ? and live well.

    • mastik8
      Acer Xpress His parents said, My way or the highway, which is their right. Correct? He chose the highway. That's his right, correct? He handles the rules just fine thank you very much. It sounds like his parents cannot handle it when their bluff is called.
      • Healing Heart
        It sounds like that was the problem, he didn't want to follow the rules. It sounds like he can't handle their bluff because he's the one that cut them off. But anyway he sounds well grounded respectively and is living well so with that his parents probably happy just toMore know that and are happy too.
    • RobertStrankman

      Acer Xpress No progress can be made on this awful subject if all we have are people patting our backs and telling us that we were in the right.  There are groups for that, they can be very helpful, but they only get one side of this cultural phenomenon.  The fact that Jake would put explain his reasoning in a place where there is an overwhelming opposition to the very subject is not a bad thing.  Even if you disagree with him, give him some credit for at least trying to have an opposing view and opening himself up to antagonism.

      Of course he is bitter.  He's hurt.  He was abandoned by his parents -remember they threatened to cut him out of their lives first.  I agree with you that his parents can do whatever they want with their stuff and put whatever strings upon him they please.  It's the golden rule, right?  He who has the gold makes the rules?  But expecting him to not be furious about that means you must be possessed of a purity of kindness and spirit that exists once in a generation.

      • Healing Heart

        @ Robert

        every me is entitled to their own opinion, mine was that just as he can heal so can his parents. That even though he denies his suffering and because he wishes them agony, even more that he may be hurting...hence being on this site. There is nothing wrong with patting people on the back to make progress...in home and at work for trying to improve "a pat on back" does make people feel good, provides support. After all this is why we are on this site. Not all our kids are jake, mine has other issues and I see my part in it because of the distance. But yes, she is no jake and I wasn't at that age either in our culture we paid our own way and it was not expected of our parents so if it was about money then that's superficial.

        But to humanize Jake and his parents and everyone on this site, I praise all that try to find meaning from this challenge of separation. It's only an opinion and I don't go with that golden rule about money but the real one that's "treat others as you yourself would like to be treated"

        For these type of things I never meant to convey anyone was right or wrong just that this site is for aching parents and some with fresh wounds. Hence I wouldn't go to an AA meeting with a case of beer ?

      • AListener
        RobertStrankman Acer Xpress "abandoned by his parents"--no, in Mr. Jake did not say that.  His parents set conditions as a prerequisite to providing needed (apparently) funds for Mr. Jake's education.  Conditions that Mr. Jake apparently could not accept.  And then Mr. Jake cut his parents loose. Mr. Jake does not stateMore that his parents threatened to cut him out of his life--he said they threatened to "kick him out"--which sounds in requiring Mr. Jake to move out and start supporting himself.  Big difference.
      • oldhagggg
        RobertStrankman He said they told him they'd kick him out of their house, not cut him out of their lives.  He was an adult living in their home, eating their food, using their utilities, and wanted them to also give him money under his terms (not theirs).  He was not "abandonedMore by his parents" he was unwilling to take their money under their terms and decided to punish them for setting those terms.  No, he should not be "furious" for their reasoning.  He's under no obligation to take their money or live in their house but reasonable adults don't go to these lengths to punish their parents for not handing them cash when they want it and how they want it.
  • debimon
    My son is almost 30 and most of his life he's been into drugs and alcohol. I have been in pain much of his life, ans it continued to get worse. Now he's living with a girl that hates her mom, has abandoned herMore own children and her mom is raising them. They are doing drugs but my son lies to me about it and blames me for not trusting him that he's not doing drugs anymore even tho is painfully obvious they are. He maX out my credit cards. They won't work. Now, because I told him how angry I am because of all this and because he has nothing to do worth his family anymore he won't soak to me at all. He lives in a house in my name but we've been paying the mortgage worth a disability settlement he got. Nite it's almost gone and I don't know what to do because I can't afford to pay his mortgage and they refuse to work. It's tearing my marriage apart and I cry every day to see my son slowly dying. It's worse now that he won't even speak to me. Everyone says to kick him out of the house but I can't, I've lost 3 people I lived to drugs once I didn't help them any more. I feel I'm drowning along with him. .
    • RobertStrankman
      debimon You are better than this.  In one paragraph I can tell because you are willing to sacrifice your own life for him.  You did your part though.  You actually went well and beyond doing your part.  Not only did you raise him, but you've spent a decade since tryingMore to give him opportunities and resources to get out of the situation he's in.  I'm painfully jealous of him because he had a mother like you. But you can't let him take you down with him, not emotionally, financially...or legally.  If they are doing drugs in a home in your name in America police can seize your property, even potentially charging you with some sort of supporting crime if there's a prosecutor willing to go that far.  If there is a line to be drawn somewhere, it has to be somewhere near an unrepentant willingness to risk putting a family member in jail for one's own behavior.  Kicking him out would be an act of love towards someone who has shown themselves to be infinitely deserving of it: you.
  • Acer Xpress

    @Jake

    Most parents want their kids to succeed and sometimes the approach can seem controlling. It's great that you paid your own way, that's probably the best way as it teaches us to grow up faster and own up to the independent lives we're meant to live. I'm sure your parents have an underlined sense of pride that you did it after all they did their part by not giving you up and encouraging higher education in the first place.

    It all worked out, they have a little extra for their retirement and you've done well and probably have a better appreciation which is bragging right in interviews.

    If they didn't threaten your life, then cutting them off may be extreme. At the end of the day I'm sure they have a pain of not having you around just as much as you also be suffering???

    But I'm sure they are just content knowing you're well, financially and independent and out of harms way. Good luck, live well

  • Acer Xpress
    That's extreme, reminds me of my mother in law but not quite drastic. Sometimes distance is the only thing you can do if both both of you are on board..,that is justified
  • Acer Xpress

    It's admirable that you paid your way through college, got a full time job, and expedited your independent life, that's the way it should . You've got a better prideful story to tell during job interviews and will appreciate it more because you paid your own way. Entitlement seems to be a thing going around these days. I'm sure they are proud of your choice today.

    They did their job of raising you. If they threatened your life that's one thing but most of the time everything is a threat from child-parent But then everything is rebellion as a parent. Once grandparents we understand the whole reasoning....there's always two sides to a story, hopefully they are happy living their lives and enjoying their years after raising their son. It seems it all worked out for you all but I'm sure they hurt as much as you, to deny that would be robotic ?

  • Roadtohappiness
    I permanently cut my parents out after my mother sent an email about me to my husbands work (due to his line of work, was accessible to everyone...especially since it mentioned the word, gun). After everything else & all the trouble my mother had caused leading up to this, itMore was the last straw. Some people are so consumed in themselves and self centred they just can't see beyond their own stupid actions. I'm happy, living a successfully life with my husband, children & friends...without my parents and that's my entitlement.
    • The Scribe

      Roadtohappiness

      Good for you too. Perhaps you could ask yourself WHY your mom did what she did. She could have done it out of desperation. Many young people do stuff to their parents yet are ashamed to let their relatives and frens know they did such terrible things to their parents. There are those children who get married and then compare their in-laws to their parents. 

      Of course,their in-laws are a novelty bcs they treat the young son-in-law/daughter-in-law differently from the way their parents treat them. The parents take things for granted. So do the children.

      • Roadtohappiness

        Why, did my mother do what she did ( send that email specifically)? Because she could. Was she desperate? I believe she was angry...tring to hurt me, my family. Will she be able to do it again? No, as she is now blocked from sending us any emails or messages.

        What terrible things did I do to my parents? As a teenager I had some boyfriends my parents didn't like ?, I enjoyed going to parties with friends, when I was 18... I went night clubbing with friends ( drunk sometimes). I'm sure there are allot of other terrible things I did to them ( that my mother has told the rest of my relatives and all her friends). The thing is, I use to care about what she said or told others about me, but I now no longer care what she says about me.

        As for my in-laws...I get along with them well, along with the rest of my husbands side of the family who I love just as much.

        People cut off others for many reasons. I tried very hard to get along with my mother, as I would have loved to have a close relationship with her...but we just never got along. We never had that close mother and daughter relationship, where we spent time together or did things together. On a positive note, I have learnt allot from her (what, not to do) when raising a family. I now have a teenage myself who, goes to parties, has girlfriends ( ones I like, others not so much), get angry at me sometimes, slams doors sometimes, swears occasionally, gets fantastic school marks ( with my support)... Whom I get along fantastically with and I love very much. I have allot of time for my children, my priority!!!

        Home is where my husband is....& we have have a great one. Anyone that comes into my life that causes allot of trouble within the things that matter to me the most..doesn't have a place in my life.

      • Roadtohappiness

        I actually get along fantastically with my in-laws. They are top people, whom I love very much...along with all my husbands side of the family.

        Why, did my mother send that email? Because she could. The email wasn't specifically about me, but also my father (whom she divorced many years ago). Personal family stuff. Will she ever be able to do it again? No, because she is now blocked from all our emails. If she wasn't DESPERATE before, I'm sure she is even more desperate now!!

        What terrible things did I do to my parents? I had a boyfriend/s ....a few... while I was a teenager ( whom my parents didn't like)?...I went to parties with friends, I moved out and lived with my Nana & Pop during my teenage years (who basically raised my sister and me anyway)...while she was dating, going to university, doing what's important to her. I'm sure there are plenty of other terrible things my mother could tell you about and have already told all my other relatives and all her friends. The thing is- I use to care about what she said, but now I don't.

        On a positive note, I'v learnt ALLOT from my mother (on what...not to do). I now have a teenage son, & daughter....who go to parties with friends, have girlfriends, get angry at times with me, slam doors sometimes, get fantastic school marks & best off all, has a great relationship with me. My husband and I have raised our children ourselves. Where my husband is ( is where my home is)...and people that cause trouble within my immediate family...do not have a place in my life.

        • The Scribe

          Roadtohappiness Hmmm good for you. Wish you all the best. I'm sure you won't make the same mistakes your mom made. Good luck that all will turn out well and that history does not repeat itself bcs for no good reason your own children might simply turn on you one day and cut you off the way you did your mom. 

          Kids say and do the darnest things LOL. Have you ever heard this chinese folk tale? Being chinese kindly allow me to tell you this story. A man carried his very old and feeble father up the mountain in a basket tied to his back. His young son went along. The man left his father on the mountain. As they were about to leave his young son said to the man, 

          "Father,do not forget to bring the basket home so that I can use it to carry you up here when you grow old like grandpa".

          • Roadtohappiness

            @The Scribe

            And if I do still stay in contact with my mother....yes, My own children could one day STILL cut off me also...

            It was actually a joint decision to cut off my mother ( my husband and I made). Yes, it was a big decision and a hard one, but we decided the best decision was to put our relationship and children first. Both my husband, and I could write a long list of reasons to back that decision (which we did). My own mother once rang my husband and chat to him (degrading me) then saying....please don't tell my daughter (me), I rang you!!!! My mother had no boundaries.

            As for my mother growing old and being looked after, she has plenty of money/ superannuation to pay my sister to do that. My sister is her beneficiary. She has already sorted that. ? How do I know that? Because she told me.

            It's a win/ win situation in my circumstance. As I wrote before, I tried, would have loved a great relationship with my mother...but unfortunately thats not how society works anymore.

            On a positive note, I now have a great and close relationship with my father (whom my mother divorced many years ago).

  • JakeGoodale
    Personally I cut my parents off when they kept threatening to "stop paying for college" or "kick me out" if I did not conform exactly to what they wanted. When it came right down to it, they were threatening me and I have zero patience for that. I transferred toMore a state school after a year, picked up a full time job, paid for everything myself, and moved out. Then completely severed contact upon graduating.
    • mastik8
      JakeGoodale I cut my parents off for a short while. Biggest mistake I ever made was re-connecting then being drawn back into their orbit. Stay the course. Be strong. Out of curiosity have they ever apologized? Assumed any responsibility at all? Sounds very, My way or the highway. Which isMore fine until you call their bluff and disconnect.
      • The Scribe

        mastik8 JakeGoodale

        Wow mastika8 Wow indeed!  It looks like parents these days  have to apologise for their service to their children.

        • mastik8
          Scribe - Not sure how you got from what I wrote to what you wrote. Can you flesh it out a bit?
    • moving on
      JakeGoodale Your profile shows a different aspect of you to your words.  Is there more to your background - say very conservative parents who lived their dreams through their son? Perhaps they had your life mapped out for you without asking you what you wanted?  If that is the caseMore then I understand your rebellion and decision to cut loose from them.  I admire your determination to get ahead by finishing your schooling and college.  However I do hope that down the track you will have the confidence in your ability to handle them without cutting them off. In the meantime - all the best.
    • deedee2652
      What about everything they did for your from the day you were born.
    • dlaharris
      Sound like great parents wanting to raise their child into an independent functioning adult in society.
      • mastik8
        dlaharris ...and they got what they wanted, just not how they wanted.
    • RobertStrankman

      JakeGoodale If you haven't gathered yet, there are a large number of people very against going no contact here.  In that respect thank you for posting another contrary opinion.

      To your parents' credit, they can do whatever they want with the resources at their disposal.  You didn't say what they wanted.  It doesn't matter though.  They can say "if you're going to live in our house you have to kiss our life sized statue of Steven Seagal after every word you use that has a silent E."  It's their stuff, that's their right.  You are an adult and they do not have to allow another adult in their home if that adult does not obey the conditions of being there.

      Let's be clear though: threatening to kick you out IS a threat to your personal safety.  I'll entirely ignore the threat to your future, future happiness, and future income (though the fact that they would ignore that is pretty messed up).  What threatening to kick someone out means is "If you do not do what we are asking you to do, we are going to deny you the resources upon which you have been relying to live.  We don't care where you go as long as it isn't here."  It is in fact a roundabout way of saying "We don't care if you live or die."  Rooted in love or not, that is how you show someone you love them.  It is one step away from putting a gun to your head.  It may be their right to say that -again, their resources- but expecting to be trusted again after repeatedly saying that is just not going to happen.  If you really think about it, you only did what they asked of you.  They told you "we are going to cut off contact via taking the obvious risk of your demise if you do not do what we say."  Your response was "sure, that sounds reasonable."

      Was it mean to go as far as you did?  A little... maybe.  We all make mistakes and your parents obviously didn't know how far they were pushing you.   Emotional awareness is always difficult and it gets harder the older you get, to say little of the added difficulty of a change in power dynamic as a child sets off on his own.  You obviously let them know via your actions such as switching schools, getting a job, and moving out.  I mean, I would qualify that sort of behavior -indications that you were pushing your life ahead without the resources they were counting on you needing- as a major sign that maybe they needed to make some sort of acknowledgement of the effect their words and behaviors had on you.  Making a mistake is one thing.  Refusing to fix or even acknowledge a mistake despite being informed of it sends a sign of a lack of remorse and a bigger sign that the behavior will likely repeat in the future.

      For all that I've said here and before, I want to point out that I hope you let them back into your life in your own time.  It's been eight years and although I am grateful every day that my mother is not in my life, I won't lie that there are times that it sucks.  It's like a huge chunk of my life is gone.  My wedding had my wife's family telling stories and recounting about how proud they are to have seen this little girl grow into a beautiful woman and the longest relationship from my side was a best friend I had met as a teenager.  Even though some of my only positive memories of my mother in the few years before it all went south was of the dog we both raised, my mother will never see what I've done with the dogs I have now.   Or when I'm sick in bed and all I want is for my mommy to bring me a cup of chicken soup, put on cartoons, kiss my forehead, and tell me that everything is going to be okay.  Knowing that having her in my life would result in a constant danger to me doesn't change the lack of an emotional comfort that lucky people get to experience until their parents die.  Doing it for the right reasons -as I think you have- only makes it hurt more.

      It's all your prerogative though.  Do you trust them?  Can you trust them?  Does that even matter?  Is the 'juice worth the squeeze' so to speak?  Questions only you can answer.   This is your story, not your parents'.  Getting to be a part of it is a privilege, not a right.

    • AListener

      JakeGoodale So Jake.  I am not going to defend your parents for threatening to cut you off unless you conformed. Nor will I criticize them. I will commend you for not prostituting yourself.  Seems to me if you do not want to do things the parents' way, the right move is to do it your own way, but also pay your own way to do it your own way.  So good for you.

      But severing contact?  Perhaps there is more to this story, but that seems a bit overboard. Make that way overboard.  My sense of this is that your parents were expecting you to conform a certain way because of their subjective,  good faith, albeit imperfect, vision of what was in your best interests for your life--and let's just assume they had it 100% wrong. Even if they are "wrong" about what is best for Jake, that hardly warrants the extreme of cutting off. Usually, when parents want a certain thing for a child the desire is rooted in love.

      And what about all the good things they did for you?  They gave you this life you now have.  Doesn't that count for something?  I don't get it. It is as if a person can do 10000 good things for another, but if the person does 1 bad thing in the eyes of the recipient, it is as if none of those other good things ever took place. Fair? Balanced? Objective? I don't see it.

      Now let's just say you think your parents are terrible people and have done a long list of bad things--not just one bad thing.  OK.  I get it. But last I checked, 2 wrongs do not make a right.  Adult children who cut off their parents in response to claims of wrongdoing by the parents become total hypocrites.  You are responding to what you contend is dysfunctional conduct with yet more dysfunctional misconduct.  And when that happens, wrong and right become quite skewed.  Who is wrong and who is right no longer matters.  And again, what about the love?

      And lest you think that cutting off is not dysfunctional, I assure you that all of us are hard wired, as human beings in the 21st Century, to have our inner selves, our self image, our self esteem, our capacity for love and compassion, and our harmony with nature, to be rooted in family and parental approval.  Deny it if you want, but that is your mind in denial, and you are denying something that you have no control over. We are all here from our ancient selves from centuries past. We have evolved and survived to get to this moment in time. You were once a Neanderthal Jake.  That is you.  That is me. That is all of us.  Part of the basic nature of human beings is family.  It's just the way it is.  And it is bigger than you.  All of this was decided long ago by our ancestors--those Neanderthal people that we evolved from.  To survive, to get to this moment in time, they figured out, and passed along to us, that we have to be a family to survive.

      My last point Jake is about this funny little equalizer that sits inside most of us called compassion. What about that? Jake, right now my guess is your folks are absolutely beside themselves. In emotional agony. They have lost their son. They feel as if their heart has been ripped out of their body through their throats.  They are just sick with grief. Reconciliation brother.  You must seek a path of peace with your parents. You absolutely have some say in that. You have some control over that. You can have a relationship with your parents that you contribute to defining regarding how close or how frequent you are in contact.  But give them that. They indisputably deserve it.  And when you do, you will have truly grown up. Then you will be truly independent.  Until then, you are still in the process of growing up.

      • JakeGoodale

        AListener JakeGoodale They definitely tried to force me to live the way they wanted out of love. However that is not what I wanted and it's my life, I will not be told what to do. 

        Love isn't enough. My parents showed they were unwilling to support me or be there for me when I needed them. I responded to dysfunction by shutting it down. It is not my job to fix my parents. If they wish to be in my life they can get their behavior under control and fall in line. If not then oh well. I agree family is important for survival which is why I cut them off. I need people that are going to support me if I ever run into trouble. My parents showed they wouldn't unless things were done exactly their way. By cutting them off, I was able to cultivate relationships with people that have proven records in helping me in the way I need when I have a problem.

        My last point is: Good, they should be in pain and they will remain in pain until they shape up. I have one life, and I will not be controlled, manipulated, or told what to do.

        • Brokenmom

          So, have you given any support or comfort to your parents or is it just about what you think YOU are entitled to?

          ‘ You are able to cultivate relationships with those who have PROVEN themselves to you.’

          Sounds conditional to me; you expect from others that which you are unwilling( or unable ) to give.

          Life is give and take- not just about what is in store for YOU!

          Parents are obligated to take care of children NOT to take care of ADULTS acting like children.

        • oldhagggg
          JakeGoodale If what you're saying is true (though I find it hard to believe), you cut off your parents for not doing what you want them to.  It's their money and they offer it to you as long as certain conditions are met.  You don't agree to those conditions and insteadMore of just turning the money down you "punish" them for not giving you their money the way you want it (unconditionally).  And you punish them in the most extreme way you can think of doing.  That's all about control - you say you don't want to be controlled yet you are attempting to control them.  "Get their behavior under control and fall in line"????  Are you kidding me?  You're saying your parents have to do what you say, give you their money the way you want or you abandon them?  I for one hope your parents are doing well and living happy lives without any pain, whatsoever.  The responsibility parents endure for the entire lifetime of their children is beyond your understanding (or caring, obviously).   Parents make thousands of sacrifices every single day in order to raise children and if they have done the best they knew how, they have earned their happiness.  By the way, you speak of not getting "support" from your parents when what you really mean is "money".  If you wanted their support, you wouldn't have abandoned them.  What it sounds like you wanted was their money, on your own terms.
        • AListener

          JakeGoodale AListener Where is the compassion in that attitude of yours Jake?  Your response reflects a lack of basic human empathy.  Very troubling.  You state that it is "good" that your parents are in pain. Actually, it is never a good thing when anyone is in pain. Parents or not. Human beings should not think it is good that others are in pain, especially our family. Especially the people that gave us life and took care of us so that we could emerge from childhood and call ourselves "adults". 

          Parenting is complex.  I have yet to meet someone who set out to be "the worst parent ever". It's just the opposite. Everyone deciding to have kids sets out with with the best of intentions. To be as good a parent or better than the parent he or she had. And then the kids come along....

          Every parent makes mistakes. There is no perfect parent, and no child receives a perfect upbringing.  Every parent has a vision of what his or her role should be, and how that role should be carried out. Every parent has a vision of what the child or children should be, and how that should be carried out.  Then you add to those visions the "stuff" of life. Imperfections.  Unresolved psychological issues.  Maybe a thing with the bottle, or with porn, or save none of those off centered problems, maybe mom or dad or both are "too anal", too perfectionist, too this, too that.  And we all bring that "too this too that" to our children, and the result is imperfections. And somedays we are in bad moods, not feeling well, and we have to make split second decisions that are not going to be correct 100% of the time.

          And kids test.  Kids test boundaries.  Instinctively.  Young children hear "no" and part of growing up is exploring the boundaries of "no". Etc.

          All of this, and more, makes parenting a complex mine field for imperfect young parents to navigate their way through with the best of intentions.

          You don't report a crime committed against you Jake. I won't defend sexual abuse by a parent upon a child. If your parents sexually abused you, even once, then by all means, cut them loose. If they physically abused you with beatings or whatever, I would not fault you for cutting them loose.

          But here, according to what you report, their "high crime" is nothing more than trying to force you to live the way they wanted.  Is that it?

          If so, I find your response astonishing. It reflects a disturbed mind.   Your response is excessive. Punitive.  It is truly off center.  It triggers thoughts of "crying over spilled milk" (and you are the one crying), "making a mountain out of a mole hill", and "sweating the small stuff".

          Don't get me wrong here--I readily concede that parents who expect their young adult children to "live the way they want" have their heads up their backsides, unless we are talking about things like crime, drugs, reckless sexual behavior, or life endangering activity.  If it is nothing more serious than parents wanting the young adult to be an athlete, but the young adult wants to be an artist--the parents are just plain wrong, and they are trying to stop a locomotive and it will never happen.   I don't know the exact particulars of this "live the way they want" to which you refer, but if it is nothing more serious than you wanted to major in X and they wanted you to major in Y, contrary to anything or anyone else you read here, this is not a sufficiently large enough "wrong" to justify cutting your parents off.

          Please consider this.  I would also encourage you to talk to a therapist about your apparent lack of empathy.

    • The Scribe

      JakeGoodale Good for you. Be your own man. Hope you're happy and feel like a hero. Show them they are nothing you can't handle. So you've put them in their places you should feel pretty good about yourself. Life should be wonderful for you. Such parents can be such a pain and a nuisance LOL. 

      Perhaps you could do all the above yet not cut them off? Was cutting them off necessary? If you've no regrets then I guess you did the right thing. By the way,why not get rid of that surname too in order for a clean cut? If I sound sarcastic do allow me to apologise.

      • JakeGoodale

        The Scribe JakeGoodale I expect support from family and friends. That being said, I don't frequently need support or help for anything so when I do, I expect people to come up to bat for me. I needed money for college even after doing extremely well in high school, getting very good financial aid, and working 15+ hours a week during school. The money my parents offered me came with too many strings and frankly wasn't enough given their socioeconomic status and education. 

        That effectively showed where they stood when it came supporting me if I needed help now and in the future. So I cut them off. Life is hard and I can't be sinking resources into people that aren't going to be there for me when I need it. Cutting them off was first and foremost to punish them and secondarily to ensure I was giving people who genuinely care about me enough time.

        • The Scribe

          JakeGoodale The Scribe

          "So I cut them off. Life is hard and I can't be sinking resources into people that aren't going to be there for me when I need it. Cutting them off was first and foremost to punish them..."

          All I can say is WOW. It looks like these days parents have to be PUNISHED if they don't meet their kids' expectations. The parent-child relationship is NOT a business deal. If life is hard for you do you think it was easy for them?

  • dlaharris
    So I was texting my daughter daily and not gettin responses. I had to stop and get my life back. My husband and I decided to not let our 26 year old spoiled millennial ruin our lives. I don't text her anymore. Didn't even get a thankMore you for her graduation money or Christmas presents we sent. The relationship is there if she wants to communicate with us but we will not beg her since we did nothing wrong but we're probably too kind to her growling up. Time for our adult child to grow up and quit being rude pansy ass.
    • mastik8
      dlaharris Good for you for not giving your power away. I read another thread where the kid disappeared without reason or cause and showed up ten years later on the eve of a sister's wedding. The Dad gave her the money that was left by a grandmother that had diedMore while she was estranged, told her he was sure her reasons were good and true but an explanation would have been appreciated, then told her she wasn't welcome anymore. If your daughter reaches out tell her you want an apology and explanation before she gets your forgiveness. Estrangement and the consequences of it, go both ways.
    • The Scribe
      dlaharris What goes around comes around - the principle of KARMA. Their children will do the same unto them. They will experience the same bitterness.
    • deedee2652
      dlaharris  I agree, I went through a year of trying, We spoke then we fought there was always an excuse to cause a problem.  So I'm done. She had her opportunity to reconnect with her family.  She chose to continue to find wrong with us. You are not alone.
    • moving on
      dlaharris - "didn't even get a thank you for her graduation money or Christmas presents we sent".  That is rude of your daughter at any level.   Pleased to read that you and your husband have decided to quit trying to reach her and are simply getting on with your life. More Some of us hold to manners and respect while others don't .  When my daughter asked me not to contact her I respected her wishes.  It will be up to her to resume a relationship with me.  In the meantime I am enjoying a good relationship with my younger daughter and I have many good friends. All the best dlaharris. .
  • Leighann3
    So glad I found this site!!! When you feel embarrassed,guilty,confussed,mad etc you tend to look for answers but when you feel no one else knows how you feel you search for answers elsewhere. So of course iam googling away and to my surprise I find this. For one it's aMore relief to know IAM not alone, second it saddens me to know there are others out there as sad as me. I use to cry nightly, now it's only when Ian alone or not busy. Therefore I try to stay busy, so busy I've caught myself neglecting my other children. There's grandchildren involved that are being kept from me but the fact that my son had willingly turned his back on me and his father has by far being the most devastating thing to happen to me in my life. Disrespect to the highest level is just the tip of the iceberg. We have done all we know to do for him but nothing was never enough. Ian to the point now where I am mad! My flesh wants to lash out and cause him as much pain as he's caused us. But being a mother I can't possibly do anything except pray each morning and night for the Lord to help him, guide me, protect him and love him. I cry then start a new day all over agin. I pray daily for the Lord to help me deal with all of it and to give me strenght. I know one day he will come back around and I will be there waiting.
    • deedee2652

      Leighann3 Hey Leighann, I don't know how long this has been going on.  But one day you will get up and move on. I'm not saying he will never return,

      But you will realize the energy that you are using for the pain that you are feeling is disrupting your life.  It took me over a year, and just two weeks ago, my daughter had the baby and caused havoc.  And still flew into see my other daughter and grandchildren.  When I think of the disrespect and the upset that I and the rest of the family went through, I decided to move on and accept.  Ever so often I feel the pain and then dismiss it. It's hard work but life s short and if our children can't accept us for whatever reasons they have, then we have to shut the door.  One day he will need his family.  He loses not you.  

      Then one day the door will open.

      Wish you lucky and happiness and strength

    • Party C

      First all my tag line sn't party C. It's Patty C. Don't know how to change it.

      Just want to say I understand and have emphany for you Leighann3.

      My daughter who I haven't seen in 7 months made an appearance at Christmas and I saw her for 2 hrs. She was on her laptop at that time telling me she had some work to do. Left to go to her sister's house and said she'd be back. Never saw her since. She has left town now to go home. I texted her at New Years to say Happy New Year and to wish her happiness. Didn't get a reply. Just texted her a few days ago to tell her of her Grandma's 91st Birthday party and never heard back. The party came and went and the night of the party she texts me ... Sorry I had some work to do and sick with a cold.

      Now i'm not texting back. I hate that this has come to this. That I cannot talk to my daughter but she has disrespected me so many times that I am over it. I'm sorry she's not feeling good and of course I would like to say that to her. But why, she won't even text me back if I say anything. This is all awful that this has come about and I don't know what to do. I have got to save myself, I am under so much stress and crying a lot and my life is worth more than this. I hope we can all be strong go forward and praise God and love God and love everybody and I mostly want to love my child but she won't let me. What a sad world this is. I'm sorry I'm not being very encouraging but right now I have no encouragement.

      • RobertStrankman
        Party C Sounds like what your daughter is doing is known as 'the fade.'  Sort of a way to forcibly make the relationship die without any sort of conflict by simply not responding.  Few people would describe it as a good way to end a relationship, especially with one's parents,More but for some it can be an option of last resort when it's either that or an epic and painful argument.  She made it a point to be cold and distant in the hopes that you would just stop pursuing it.  It sounds like it worked too.  There's a bigger story here, though, and I'm curious to hear your side of it.  You say '...she has disrespected me so many times...' can I ask how?  Is it just this fade out or has something else happened beyond this?  I don't mean to remind you of any hurt, I'm only trying to listen deeper.
        • The Scribe

          RobertStrankman Party C 

          You're correct in mentioning 'the fade' strategy. Many young adults are using this tactic to shake off their parents bcs they see them as a nuisance. They want the relationship to die a natural death but is it really natural? 

          It is terrible for young people to treat their parents this way after having benefited from their efforts.

  • deedee2652

    So, a little over a year ago, the day before my daughter's wedding, The real creature arose.  Never in my life did I ever see someone change like my daughter.

    It's too long of a story, so I will try and run through this quickly.  Just before the wedding, she was moving to Florida to stay in my home. 

    This was the plan.  With that, my Ex their father passes away.  Mind you she hates the man. But was getting money. Ha jackpot, what does a 26 year old know.  Finance, also thinks he hit the lottery.  Anyhow, show the insanity she makes him part of them ceremony and prayer, which is fine.  But then a table next to me with his candle and picture, then dances with her grandfather who is sick and has

    cancer and puts up a video and dedicates it to her father.  Mind you, she abused him when he was alive a make any sense.

    So, after that, the party begins. She starts to accuse me of ruining her wedding, told me she has no respect for, don't care if it hurting

    she feels nothing. And now lives somewhere else.  went into a super large snowball.  She hates her sister, accused her of stealing money from the estate that their dad left, accused the stepfather of the same, I was spared that conflict. Fixed that situation, she found something else. She hates her sister because I gave her everything and she treats her like a baby. LOL really.  My older daughter had twins broke up with the father and needed help if it happened to her it would be the same.  Tried coming past that little by little.

    Stepdad went to talk to her, I spoke with her trying to break the ice.  text her sister Merry Xmas, wanted to speak to nephews.

    seems like we are getting somewhere. With that she goes into labor, yes she got pregnant.  My other daughter goes to the hospital to surprise her and make the fight over.  well, my daughter was treated with the most disrespect from the inlaws and was practically thrown out of the hospital.  With this, I went ballistic.  I gave up and told her to stay away I cannot deal with this pain and hurt any longer

    I still kept to my plans to visit NY, and never saw my new Grandchild.  So, I stayed with my twin grandchildren and my other daughter.

    My other daughter text before I left, that we are a disgusting and sick family, she even called her grandmother yelling and demanding that she straighten us out. 

    Now there is a lot more that actually transpired between what I have written, but I would need many pages.  I gave her a wonderful life

    and this is the thanks as a parent.  Does not even talk to her nephews?  They are always asking for her.

    My opinion, she has been brainwashed from her husband and their family.

    I will not allow myself to get hurt anymore. She needs to be without to maybe see through the dark clouds.

  • jaine80xbee
    I have tried to amend the comment below after reading through it..... I'm sorry I tried to use speech to text but as I have ahuge ulcer in my mouth it hasn't recognised my voice. I will try edit so it makes bit more sense
  • jaine80xbee
    Hello everyone, my daughter was taken for half the summer holidays by her dad in 2013, just as the laws changed giving her father. Equal parental rights as he was on her birth cert, i have been separated from here father. Since 2007. When my daughter Was 4 months old,More hey dad, is 14 years older than me. And was always very manipulative. When will be together? Alienated me from my family I lived in the Bible. And spoke to my parents. When I was allowed to. He chose my clothes my jobs. Anything to do with me. Was decided by him, when we split up. I went to college. I'm started ABA honours in modern language studies. my mum was diagnosed with motor neuron disease. In 2009. And I took care of it. Until she died in August 2011. In April 2012. I gave it to my daughter. Maggie Gabriel. Biot another man. She was stillborn. I have to deliver her and me, and my then partner has its limitation for here on the 11th of May 2012. In 2010. My brother in law. Died of lung cancer. Leaving my oldest sister devastated. She became alcohol dependence. She was my only hope of support. During my mum's fast decline. When they both died my whole family. Just stop talking to each other. And everybody went their own way. My ex partner witness. Everything. That has gone on in my life. And seen this is a perfect opportunity to hurt me even more, the courts were unsympathetic, social services were biased. They did not follow any procedures. What's the weather? My files were lost in translation. Going between local authorities. Everything that could have gone wrong. Did? I just need help. I just want my daughter back. I am phone her everyday if I don't get through I message telling her, how much I love her she is 10 and a half now? She left me when she was 7. And I. Cannot. Face one more year. Without my daughter? In my life. Hey father, does not support? Any sort of interaction between us. If he cud he will keep us from speaking. For as long as possible. This story is just bits and pieces of a big massive picture. So I apologise if it's not making much sense. Is anybody. Able to give me even a smallest piece of information or advice. Backward help me in some way. To get my daughter back in my life i would greatly appreciate itxxxxxx
  • Healing Heart

    Sounds like your love is unconditional and that's admirable. We all love our kids, however once they are adults it is not our job to heal their pain. The relationship is a two way effort so if it's only one person investing it can become unhealthy mentally and physically. But to each its own, more power to you and hope your strategy works for your circumstance.

    We did our jobs, some more than others and some of us exhausted from all the rejection...but once again I'm sure you're speaking of your situation because everyone on this site has a story and can't take the same approach as it's no longer "ego or pride" but "dignity " - and mental well being. Everyone deserves to be happy....adult children and parents who've done their time alike. ?

  • beeceeme
    I've been doing it all wrong.I'm on new course as of today. I love my daughter and I want her to have the best life possible. It's my job to heal her pain. I've nurtured since the day she was born.  Now, more than ever, I have to give itMore my all, because the stakes are high. Time is working against me I want to experience joy with her again. Most of us would give our lives for our kids.  It's time to ditch our egos, suck it up, and make amends. I'm going to look everything through her eyes, not mine. Everyone needs to get over the word abuse.  That word just might be preventing  relationships from moving forward. None of this is our children's fault. It doesn't matter if we disagree.  It's not about us. It's about us, doing our jobs, taking care of our offspring. They are hurting. It is up to the parent.  Fingers crossed I can repair the damage. I'm gonna fight hard. This is the fight of my life. I'll do whatever it takes to change myself. I take full responsibility.
    • The Scribe
      beeceeme Wish you every success but remember always be true to yourself. If you have to swallow every tiny bit of self-worth ask yourself if it's worth it. Good luck.
    • RobertStrankman

      beeceeme You are treading on very dangerous ground even if that ground is paved with good intentions.  It is not your job to heal her pain.  Her pain is her story and sole responsibility for handling it falls on her.  It may not be her fault, but it is her responsibility.  She can ask for help, yes.  You are welcome to offer it.  You raised her though, your job is done.  Hopefully you taught her how to handle her pain, knowing when to handle it alone and when help is needed...and from whom.

      I feel myself wanting to ramble, so I will do my best to keep this brief.  If you go at the attempt to repair the relationship with a mindset of "it is up to the me as the parent to heal my hurting adult daughter" you run a very clear risk of driving her further away by not respecting her right to handle her problems in her own way.  Granted, you didn't articulate what actions you planned on taking nor have you stated much of your story, so maybe I am just indulging my own past there.  Just...it's okay to go at it very intensely from your perspective...maybe start off by letting her own that you're available and letting her make the next move.

  • AbbeyNormal1
    I am so grateful to have found this site. I am going through similar difficulties. I am very touched by everones' comments. Thank you all for helping me realize that I am not alone. I was orphaned at 13 and all I ever wanted was a happy family. After oneMore abusive marriage and another long term relationship with yet another mysoginist, I still hoped to carry on as a single mother. Years went by and now i find myself estranged from both my children. I truly believe my 25 year old daughter is a sociopath. And recently, my 15 year old son has turned against me. He is acting just like his father, belittling, belligerent, and disrespectful. His father has actively sought to turn my son against me for years, and he has succeeded. I feel sad, angry, confused, and betrayed.
  • moving on
    Christian Mom - What are we needing forgiveness for?
  • Christian Mom
    It has been 6 years since my oldest son took my Grandaughter away from my life. We had a difficult relationship after he became an " adult" but I never dreamed after 5 1/2 years he would not let me see her. I was heartbroken for years and criedMore a river of tears ! Went through all the stages of grieve and now I just feel numb. I have turned to God and his word for my strength and he never fails us. Without God and his Son in my life it would be unbearable but" let Go and let God is real" ! This life is hard for lots of people for lots of reasons mostly of our own making and choices. But God forgives and truly forgets! We have a Eternal life that we must strive for , it was so important God sent his only begotten Son to die a cruel death on a cross, so we could be with him. Love and prayers for all of us on this site and in this situation! Gods Child??
  • Loving myself

    Hello, I just found this site so am feeling compelled to write.  It has been 4 years since my daughters removed me from their lives for good.  I was married 24 years, always difficult since he was an alcoholic and manipulator, it has now been 14 years since the divorce.  When my daughters were 3 and 6 I had breast cancer.  My husband did not offer any support and as the girls got older they told me I blew it out of proportion and I needed to get over it.  

    While married my 2 daughters were belligerent and disrespectful to me at times with my husband standing idly by allowing this behavior while I tried to defend myself and understand their anger. I was the bread winner, provided structure and disciplinarian.  At times they were very loving and close. Going though the divorce when they were 17 and 20 drove the wedge into the relationship more. On Mothers Day 2002 they came to my rental home yelling at me they were told by their dad I was not allowing him to buy a house and keeping them from having a place to live.  He had wanted me to sign a legal document allowing him to buy a home while going through the divorce; stating I would not include this as marital property.  Of course I would not since he had not budged on any of my requests. (I could write a book about his actions that created distance between me and my daughters.) My daughters and I did have some communication for several yearsbut then my daughters were told something I said and decided they no longer wanted me in their life.

    I have been in counseling over the 4 years and have been gaining more peace and acceptance.  Having a few good friend to talk with has been extremely helpful. At times it is very difficult and I tear up but now I am able to talk about this with composure at most times.

    I am so glad to have found this group, there is nothing like having others with similar experiences.

    Warm regards

    • lcjantzi

      Dear LovingMyself,

      I had a similar situation and I feel your pain as I read your post. It helped me to know I'm not the only one getting through this set of circumstances. Thanks for posting here. I hope you will continue to post your progress because it is comforting to me and maybe others.

    • chokonoko

      My ex tried to get me to sign off on his pensions (two) and sign off on the house during the divorce. He became livid, his eye bugged out with anger and became threatening but I held my ground. My sister during her divorce signed off on her house and in turn she became homeless. Her ex was fine and remarried but my sister Tina died from weak heart at 53.

      I am so glad you held your ground, that is your investment if and when you need medical assistance.

    • plants

      I just found this site after googling 'estrangement' and read your comment first. It took my breath away, not only because of the cruel 'unfairness' but because it's so strikingly similar to my own experience. My ex was mentally broken, yet a savvy manipulator. Lived far above his means, took money from family members to live (had a Lexus, mercedes, and new flex cars, yet did not pay child support because he was unemployed). I always provided a nice house for my son to live, and paid my bills on a nurse wage without lots of frills but we managed. My son received a lexus from his dad for his birthday, and my son screamed at me because i wouldn't cover the insurance. 

      ... I could go on and on but I know you have the picture. 

      Until I read your post I thought I had gone crazy and that there were things I could have done to prevent this. Now my son will not have anything to do with me because I'm not paying his college (he inherited almost $1 million from his father's estate).

      • Amomof9
        Wow! My ex has managed to buy many many expensive things as well while unemployed and claiming welfare in order to make the system harass me for him. All the times I have had the kids I've asked for nothing, even paying child support while having them with me untilMore I couldn't do it anymore. I just said, "No more!" The worste thing about divorces like this is that the kids become accustomed to getting what they want because they know we're afraid to lose them. But, now I know that nothing I could ever do would be enough. I know that I may have to face the fact that I could never have a strong relationship with them. They've learned not to have relationships, but THINGS to hold on to instead because, to them, things can't hurt you like people can. All we can do is be strong, keep moving on with our lives in a positive way, and pray like crazy that God will work his miracles and they'll one day see how much loving parents matter.
    • Amomof9
      I feel your pain deeply. I have 4 children, 3 girls and 1boy. My ex and I went through a bad divorce starting in September of 2004 which he initiated after I took our kids and moved home with my parents for a short time (not long because my momMore couldn't deal with the kids well.) I spent until Easter of 2006 struggling to raise them alone. The whole time he or his family would drive by my house and yell at me, spread rumors about me around town, leave nasty notes on my car, sneak up on us in public and try to take off with the kids, take me back to court to try to fight for custody. They threatened I'd never see my kids again, etc., etc. All this time, he refused to even speak to the kids on the phone. He said we were all dead to him, that he was going to make a new family, etc. Then one day he was finally coming to visit them and we were stressed out because he was already 2 hours late and the kids wanted to see him so bad. They were fighting over a dress to wear to impress him and I was hanging up clothes at the time. One daughter shoved the other daughter making her fall and hit or head on a door jamb and it immediately swelled and broke the skin surface. I reacted, not thinking, and swung a plastic hanger and hit the older one across the lower buttocks with it leaving welts. I knew I shouldn't have immediately afterward, but I was so angry that she'd hurt her sister that way. To make a long story short, their dad finally showed up after that and he ended up getting me to agree to give him temporary custody in a case that was later dropped. I had no representation as my attorney was in the middle of an end of life crisis at the time, unbeknownst to me prior. So, my ex convinced me I had no rights to see my children, he signed up for welfare and hit me with as much child support as was allowed as often as possible, then spent over 2 years alienating my kids from me until they got to be too much for him and his young girlfriend to handle. Then, he finally let them call me, but by then, the damage was done. They spewed hate at me every time I disagreed with them or wouldn't do what they asked. The girls were the worst, but I kept trying. My son was mistreated by his new stepmom the most as she was too young to cope, he was very close to me, and he was only 5 when he went to live with them. So, he was a handful. My son moved in with me and my husband, now, on his 10th birthday and the girls have moved in and out over the years, some several times. I've tried to help them, show them that I am always here for them, but they just use me and speak horrible about me and my new husband and step kids. They disrespect me and post terribly mean things about me on Facebook for all our old family and friends to see. They have even gone so far as to say things like, "Just do us all a favor and go kill yourself." But I have kept trying to always be here whenever they say they want to work on a relationship again. Yet, it always only until they don't get what they want. It's been hell on my hsband and stepmids as well. They've called them names, stolen from them, taken over every time they come around. Yet, I still miss them and wish things were different. Holidays are always hard and every birthday they have I remember and miss them, yet the pain is too much for me to bare anymore to know what to do. The girls are 18, 19, and 22 now and have all lived with my family for some time over the last year, yet hate me again now because I knives them whatever they want and not act like parent to them. Sometimes I wish they'd just move on a grow up and other times I'm deathly afraid of losing them for good. Our house is always more peaceful when they aren't around. I don't know which is worse. Sometimes I enjoy seeing what they're doing on social media, then they use social media to hurt me on purpose. So, I've decided to unfollow them, now. I want to just move on with life, yet I feel like half of me will be missing forever. Yes, it's tough! Mine say I just like to fight, but I don't. I have just desperately felt a need to try to explain things and want them to hear me out. I always listen to their feelings even when they hurt, but I can't take it anymore. So, maybe the no contact is better until they and you can both work through things a bit on your own. Sometimes it's no fault of anyone's. It's just trying to wade through the mess life's dealt you. Just know you're not alone in your heartache and I believe God sees our sufferings and helps us endure. He has other plans for us that require strength of character which is usually produced by humbling us first. I'll be praying for you and every parent here struggling through this.
    • Roadtohappiness

      It sounds like you have been through allot. It's a great decision that you were not bullied into signing that legal document to allow him to buy a house (using you) and it's awful that they all seem to be ganging up on you.

      It sounds like you have a much bigger purpose in life, then them. Work on yourself, date, travel, volunteer, do some charity work with other children or teenagers..anything to take your mind off your disrespectful family & work on yourself. What do they say...YOLO (you only live once), & life is too short not to be enjoyed!!!

  • RebeccaW_ParentalSupport
    numberfiveminusone I’m so sorry to hear about your daughter’s health, and I wish you and your family strength and healing as you continue to move forward with this new information and diagnosis.  I wanted to point out that I believe this commenter was responding to an earlier parent in this forumMore who was describing issues with her son’s mental illness, substance abuse and possible homelessness, and not the information you shared about your daughter.  I hope that you will continue to be a part of our community and offer your insight and support to other parents who are in similar situations.  Even if you choose not to, I wish you all the best in your relationship with your daughter.  Take care.
  • Spirited Lady
    numberfiveminusone I am so sorry to hear your bad news about your daughter's health.  This is not the resolution you hoped for.  Please know you and your daughter and all of your family have my deepest sympathy.  It is a lesson to all of us to be grateful for ourMore children even if they are estranged from us.  We pray for their health and happiness and for quick resolution of whatever the breach.  May your family find peace even in this troubling and frightening situation.
  • Acer Xpress
    That's very sad, first I'd talk to a counselor because it's a lot to take in. Next take care of yourself and just pray it out. Just breathe and take one day at a time and find a local alanon group.
  • TracyStrick
    Sadly I have been struggling with not having my daughter in my life for around 4 yrs. I am lost, confused, heart broken and just plain crushed. She is my only child (not sure why that matters ) I miss her so much.
    • Roadtohappiness

      @TracyStrick

      Why is your daughter not speaking to you, what is her reason?

    • Siprendips
      TracyStrick I am so sorry Tracy it must feel hard to have hope, I am finding my hope diminishing with each day.  Its a grieving process you just can't quite reach acceptance on.  Have you ever heard of The Secret, well in there when you want something they say makeMore a vision board.  So I went to my local shop and bought a huge clip frame with perspex (cheap but pretty) very large.   I am going to put  photo of my daughter and what we could do on there from something from childhood.  I put a photo of our local woods where we took the dog and had a hot chocolate at the cafe in the middle a photo of Bella Italia where you get a buy one get one free breakfast where we used to like to go.  Nothing overwhelming.  I don't believe for me that it will never be repaired and I don't think yours will never be repaired.  I know that when she finally comes to me I cannot blame her I cannot leave her defensive.  The things I will need one day to say have to be held for a long time down the line.     I send my love - like me I know what you want for christmas I will pray though I don't much believe.  xxx
      • Tryingandpraying
        I am so sorry to hear about your pain. I am in the same boat with my only child. My ex-husband and I divorced two and a half years ago and I've only seen my son once since then. I am just crushed. I think about it everyday all day.More I miss him so much.
  • Healing Heart
    Yes, you've evolved and need to most importantly realize you're just human and forgive yourself. On her part, one year is a bit excessive and sad to see she can't talk it out, see that it was a maternal instinct to protect her from pain and are admitting your wrongMore doing. One thing I learned is never give advice but heck we all make mistakes. Hopefully someday she'll come to her senses and mature up and talk it out.
  • Healing Heart
    @Siprendips. We all make mistakes, forgive yourself. We all have boundaries, if you cross another's doesn't mean they should go that long without talking....I lost my mom a year ago and glad I didn't have tantrums of distancing myself...we talked it out so in time she would not repeatMore things. Plus if she said something about a guy, I knew it was her maternal instinct of trying to protect me...I have a daughter and one thing I've learned is not to give advice...but we live and learn, heck we shouldn't have to walk on eggshells to have a relationship with anyone.
  • Carol in Kentucky
    I need advice. Long story, I will sum this up best I can. We have a 30 yr old son on and off drugs. In and out of jail. Gave him start after start, gave him cars, apartment, lived with us, jobs, money, clothes,More phones, food and money rehab many times....he keeps leaving....we had to finally STOP.. Now he is acting like he is mentally disturbed- saying he is the son of God, sees dead people..crazy actions. We don't know where he is, probably homeless. How do I handle this? We don't like and don't agree with his lifestyle- so we told him he cannot live with us. Please give me advice - Carol
    • The Scribe
      Carol in Kentucky Could it be you gave him too much?
    • RebeccaW_ParentalSupport
      Carol in Kentucky I’m so sorry to hear about your current situation with your son.  No parent envisions dealing with these issues with their child, and I recognize how difficult this must be for you.  Ultimately, your son is an adult and can make his own choices, even those thatMore are illegal or potentially harmful.  In the end, you can only control how you choose to respond, and the limits you set with your son.  At this point, it might be helpful to look into getting some support for yourself as you work through this time.  Reaching out here in our online community is a great start!  If you might be interested in finding additional support in your community, such as counseling or support groups, try contacting the http://www.211.org at 1-80-273-6222.  211 is a service which connects people with local resources.  I recognize how difficult this must be for you, and I wish you and your family all the best moving forward.  Take care.
  • Siprendips

    I am a mum who is preparing herself ready for when her 22 year old daughter wants a relationship with me again    Whilst waiting I decided that I would take a good look at myself, my personality, my reactions, my judgements, intact anything and everything that may be a part of my daughters estrangement.    I could sit and say how I raised my kids, always at the party always playing, he, always encouraged but the truth is, all that doesn't matter, what matters is here and now my daughter isn't in my life and hasn't been for almost a year.   I miss her like absolute mad    

    So I took a look at me.   I made judgements about my daughters boyfriend.  I forgot to hold my tongue - I realise now I have unresolved issues of choosing a boy who didn't treat me nice at all.   I wanted to protect my daughter from the scoundrel I felt I saw.  The truth is I forgot I had raised her and that she was a girl of substance and that I should trust her judgement not mine.

    I made a huge mistake of talking about her to her younger sister.  crap I talked to her, about her younger sister.   i am surprised the younger one trusts me at all.   It was disgusting to do that.  I feel so ashamed - worse my mum had done it and it left me without trust.  i cannot believe  I feel so unkind and so stupid.

    I was critical of my daughters clothes, especially the Bowling for Soup  hoody - omg on this one I haven't changed I still feel the same.  I have to work on this one :-)

    I really want to have fully addressed myself when she comes back into my life.   I don't want to ever let her down again. 

    I am sharing this just in case anyone decides that they might benefit from looking inwards like me.    If my daughter decides she won't come back at leat I evolved

    • adultchildofnarcissists

      Siprendips Thank you for posting this. I hope your daughter does feel ready to work on a relationship with you because it seems that you are really trying.

      For years, I tried to repair my relationship with my parents and talk about how the medical neglect (refusing to get me treatment for anxiety and punishing me for anxiety attacks & pulling out my own hair starting in elementary school), emotional abuse, and selfishness over my childhood and young adulthood hurt me. Long story short, I was diagnosed with stage IV cancer a month after my 23rd birthday and my parents refused to visit or offer any kind of financial, emotional, or logistical support. I was a few months into my first job out of college and needed so much help, only to find that the people who I should have been able to rely on in the scariest and most dangerous moments of my life weren't interested. I only lived a short, affordable flight away but rather than see their possibly-dying daughter, they chose to go on a two week vacation abroad during the most dangerous part of my treatment and refused to give me contact info for an emergency because "there's no way the trip will be cut short." And yet still, I tried to maintain a relationship despite being so very hurt by they way they treated me and slowly coming to realize that their actions during my treatment were emblematic of an abusive childhood that I had grown to believe was normal.

      It took 5 years after my treatment to go no contact, and in those 5 years I really tried to have calm conversations talking to both of my parents about how our relationship was strained and the steps that needed to be taken to repair that. During that time, they minimized my emotions, made halfhearted non-apologies ("sorry for not being the parents you think you deserve"), and ignored my boundaries. I made mistakes too, to be sure, but at this point my biggest mistake was not cutting them out of my life the moment they showed no interest in me or my illness when I was sick.

      When I finally had to let them go after another dramatically horrible interaction, they acted as if they had absolutely no idea why I'm upset. Not only have we had that conversation for years, but I also laid it out in my no contact letter, along with steps they could take to repair the relationship. But in their minds, they are the innocent victims. It kills me when I read through these comments because so many parents refuse to acknowledge that they are at least part of the problem.

      I don't think my parents are capable of admitting fault and working on themselves to repair their relationship. Now they have two successful, well-educated, independent adult children who are estranged. It actually hurts me more than anything that they are so unwilling to lift a finger to have me back in their lives, preferring to live as martyrs to anyone who will listen. I of course don't know the backstory with your daughter, but I hope you are able to work toward some kind of understanding. It very much sounds like you are genuinely willing to put in the work that needs to be done. <3

    • Siprendips
      I am really sorry you feel "tired reading" this.     Yes I think it is equally difficult being a young adult and a parent.     My daughter never treated me badly, she was incredibly respectful.  She just kept her feelings inside - I wish now she had shoutedMore at me from he rooftops.   I want my daughter back in my life I love her and I miss her and not a day goes by that I don't have a tear but I am 58 years old and I am the one with all the wisdom and life experience.   I have to address me, look at me, and evolve, otherwise I will blame and when she does come home, and I hold my breath and pray, we will argue and she will go again for perhaps good.    She owes me nothing.  As an adult she has a choice and if I don't accept her feelings with compassion and warmth without defence I WILL NEVER HAVE THE PLEASURE OF SHARING THE REST OF HER LIFE.
    • RobertStrankman
      Siprendips I am almost moved to tears.  If I had read something like this from my mother years ago we could have had a relationship.  This is exactly what I wanted out of my her.  Actually, no, I wanted a willingness to recognize her own behaviors.  You've gone past thatMore and are willing to change them.  You are -and I want to emphasize that this is just about the best terminology I can use in this situation- supremely awesome.
    • The Scribe
      Siprendips My,my. I didn't know it's this tough being today's parents of young adults. I feel tired,just reading.
      • mmof4boyz

        It is that tough because today we are dealing with spoiled, self centered adults. It's all about them and respect has gone by the wayside.

        I would have never spoken to my parents or treated my parents the way my son treats me. I am dealing with so many emotions from shock, disappointment, hurt to just feeling like this just can't be real.

        My family is my life. It's everything to me. Maybe I am fooling myself to think that he has felt the same way all these years. Now that he has two precious little girls I would think he would realize the value of family.

        • Siprendips

          mmof4boyz I think life is really difficult because it has become a blame culture - we trip up and before we are off the coffee shop floor we have googled "make a claim" we just don't want to accept responsibility for looking where we walk.   What I notice is that when something goes wrong in peoples lives, rather than take responsibility and change its easier to blame the parents.   Fred next door earns £120,000 pa. says John having skipped school on £20,000 - thinks to himself "if my mum had got me extra tuition I would ..."       

          In your shoes I would write a letter - just saying feelings, you can find them by googling "list of feeling words"  say no blame just how you feel.   I would then ask for a coffee shop chat putting the envelope on the table at the start saying "just in case this goes terribly wrong I through I would give you this for you to read later"  ask him to put it in his pocket then start - the moment you tell him off, he will become defensive and when we become defensive we stop listening instead of 

          YOU NEVER VISIT                                     SAY I MISS YOU AND THE KIDS AND I WONDER IF WE CAN SCHEDULE SOME DATES - ITS GREAT LOOKING FORWARD

          I read "your family is your life" you sound just like me and its damn sad when our world is turned upside down.  With no crystal ball we have no idea when or if it will change.    Good luck

  • dlaharris
    My daughter was given everything growing up. His is probably the problem, she has a grandfather who would buy her anything and not care when we asked him to stop. Now she moved out of our home when we asked her to pay her phone bill and carMore insurance. She now lives at grandma and grandpas at 26 years old and that side of the family acts like iris our fault she won't talk to us. They treat my husband and I like sh-- and don't even know our side of story and I have been married to their son for 29 years and they know we have been good parents.
  • Becki 4131
    My daughter is now home for the holiday break and things are worst than ever. I held my ground and didn't give in I didn't give her the sports car I gave her my car which she hates and my son n law tried to see for a sports car.More So of course we can a blow out, I told him to let me be the parent I took the sports car because of tickets and disrespect and until she can learn how disrespectful is spelled and use it correctly she's not getting a sports car, I'm not signing over a title. So she got mad and went to my sisters for the rest of the week. I feel like I'm walking on glass around her, I'm trying so hard but she told me point blank I'm not her friend I'm her daughter so all she has to talk to me about is her grades and her health. Her grades are failing and her health is bad so that is what I know. Smh
    • RobertStrankman
      Becki 4131 She's an adult.  She has her own life, her own responsibilities, her own resources.  You owe her nothing material, not money, cars, or a fifty cent candy bar (not an intentional rhyme).  You are not free resources and absolutely do not have to give what you've earned toMore people who treat you poorly.  I find it interesting that you call it disrespect.  It would be if you were an authority figure.  You're not.  You're an adult who is trying to be nice to another adult.  You do not have to *give* anything to anyone who is mean to you.  Would she treat a neighbor like that when asking for a cup of sugar?  "I don't have to tell you what I'm baking or share any.  We are neighbors, not friends.  Just give it to me!"
    • Roadtohappiness
      I had a similar issue with my children. Mine are also home for the break ?, and my older daughter kicked the side of my sports BMW because I told her she could only use the Audi? These children have no respect & are grateful of nothing. I went outMore and bought her a ford for her Birthday before Uni started in which she laughed and tried to flush the keys down the toilet... What is wrong with our children?
  • violetlace

    I for one decided that I will no longer be a victim and be disrespected by my son.  I was reminded yesterday by Dr Phil that 'we teach people how to treat us' and that includes are children.  When I look back I realize that I allowed my son and his girlfriend (who are both in their late forties) to disrespect me, I didn't speak up and that made me a door mat. 

    After feeling sad and then angry I have pulled myself up and have got my self respect back.  I try not to think of him at all.  I am going to change my will, leaving all to a charity. 

    We cannot allow our children or anyone else to treat us this way.  I am sure we have all made sacrifices for our children and then this is how they treat us? 

    Yes it is hard to get to the place where I feel comfortable again, happy again, but I cannot allow my son or anyone else to rule my life for one more second.

    • Roadtohappiness

      violetlace

      I totally agree don't be a victim!! You treat others the way you want to be treated. Tell us all; what else have these disrespectful children done to you?

      • violetlace

        Roadtohappiness I am not excusing my son's behavior but his girlfriend cannot keep any friends, rows with her mother and sister.  She criticizes her sister and sometimes they don't speak for weeks.  She wants to control everyone in her life. They were coming for a meal at my house and I cancelled because my husband wasn't well, she took this as an excuse and said it was because we didn't want them there.  Unfortunately my son believes everything she says.  She even convinced him that when he called us  we thought he was a nuisance because we didn't answer the phone quick enough!   My sister lives in another country and my son and his girlfriend went to stay for a vacation and she even rowed and insulted my sister!    I could go on but I am sure you get the picture. 

        I do not see any hope of a reconciliation unless he leaves her and I really don't think that will happen.

        • Roadtohappiness

          To Violetlace, You seem like a nice lady. I have read what you wrote...the thing is you have to let your son go & make his own decisions, suffer his own consequences and experience life, it's a great way to grow up and learn! If you have raised your son right (& honestly the best you could), he will come around eventually if that is whats meant to be.

          In regards to his girlfriend, it's none of your business weather or not she can keep/ make friends, if she gets along with her own mother or dislikes her sister. That is her business and to judge a person ( especially your sons girlfriend) like that or speak about her like that, is wrong. Your son is an adult...and if he chooses to believe all that she says, respect his decisions.

          Ok, so even your sister has had a 'row' with this girl...that is a problem your sister deals with. Not you!.

          Here is some really good advice- if you don't want to lose your son completely, respect his decisions. Don't talk about his girlfriend, or any future girlfriends badly.

          I also have a son, he has had girlfriends (I secretly couldn't stand) and others I have completely adored.

          My son & I have a fantastic relationship, he basically tells me everything, he asks for my advise, and I also tell him my own stories about my past good and not so good relationships. He listens to me & I also listen to him with a positive & respectful, non- judgemental attitude because I also Love my son..

          • violetlace

            Roadtohappiness Of course I have never mentioned any of the above to my son.  I only told you about her actions so that you get the picture of what she is like.  Since day one we have welcomed her and her sister into our home even though she has insulted us and tore away at our core values, which by the way are honorable and never pushed onto anyone. 

            I believe our mistake was always laying down for her to walk all over us.  We did this because our son is super sensitive to any criticism but in spite of all that he has still chosen to ignore us. 

            I am not sure why you are on this forum as you don't seem to have any problems with your son so you do not understand that in spite of us loving our son and being respectful toward him he listens to his girlfriend who criticizes us constantly.

            It is hard to respect his decisions when they are based on lies.

    • The Scribe
      violetlace I agree fully with Dr Phil. People will be treated the way they allow themselves to be so treated. If children etc know we don't take crap from them they won't dare give us crap.
    • Healing Heart

      Yes, we do get to a point where it gets easier to live without them, holding on to our dignity rather than sticking around and getting treated like dirt.

      Hang in there.

      • TracyStrick
        I for one will never find it easier to be without my daughter. I will never stop trying never give up
    • Party C

      I cried through your whole letter. I feel exactly like you. Going through a similar experience. Just know you are not alone. That helps a bit I hope.

      We must enjoy the last days of our lives. With or without our children.

      Patty

  • discarded mom
    a lot of this is b.s. It is always so great to blame the parents and convince the parents to suck it up and continue to take the abuse without defending themselves.....that way, we can continue to be abused for the rest of our lives.
    • RobertStrankman

      discarded mom You absolutely do not have to tolerate abuse.  Nobody deserves that.  It ain't worth it when the cost of reconciliation is your own continued emotional health.  No way.  Worse if you are at the point where you feel the need to defend yourself.  By that point the entire battle has already been lost because that's not how healthy relationships work.

      But if any parent wants to speak to their estranged kid again, one of the earliest, most important, and painful steps is to suck it up and listen.  Not because there's a 'right' and a 'wrong' but because being right is less important than being happy.  

      That said, I've read your posts and I'm gathering that your tale is a fair bit more complicated than those the article was referring to.

      • The Scribe

        RobertStrankman discarded mom

        I agree with Robert. Kids,even though they are already adults,do not understand that winning the battle is not the same as winning the war. In the first place why go to war with your own parents?

        I notice many kids today push their parents into corners where either they have to eventually turn around to fight or simply face the walls.

        • RobertStrankman

          The Scribe I find your post fascinating.  

          "Kids, even though they are already adults, do not understand..."

          They are adults.  Plain and simple.  As far as law and common society are concerned they are expected to be able to understand everything needed to make it on their own in the world they live in.  In situations of estrangement they clearly do.  Saying anything to the contrary is not only demonstrably wrong, but I would describe as cruel in denying someone the common courtesy of expected social knowledge granted to any stranger just because they happen to be offspring in conflict with their parents.

          "In the first place, why go to war with your own parents?"  

          Why go to war over personal conflict with anyone?  If someone doesn't respect personal boundaries, that's a good reason.  If I tell someone repeatedly 'Please do not discuss my affairs with your friends' and they talk anyway, that's a reason to be more adamant about that boundary and to establish a consequence for crossing it.  'If you do not stop discussing my affairs with your friends, I will stop discussing my affairs with you' for example.  That sort of behavior wouldn't be acceptable in a friend.  Why are adults expected to tolerate it from their parents?

          No, I don't think these issues are unique to the current generation.  I think they only appear unique because social media essentially forces both 24/7 access to virtually anyone we want and gives a larger support circle to people who would otherwise feel beholden to a family that makes them unhappy.  It's easier to act on the desire to cut your parents out of your life when your social circle includes more people who know the person you choose to be, not the person your parents decided you are.

          • The Scribe

            RobertStrankman The Scribe

            Robert,

            I'm sorry. I'm writing from an oriental point of view. Our background are very different. I was brought up in a traditional chinese home (I'm overseas-born/bred chinese). You know confucianism - filial piety,ancestor-worship etc. We must pay homage to our parents/ancestors but our kids today are well,so different from us even though they were also brought up in traditional homes. They don't believe in karma ,fate whatever. I guess it's the mass media,the internet and cross-cultural influences.

          • RobertStrankman

            The Scribe Obviously there's a major difference in thought here and I don't mean cultural.  You seem to look fondly on traditions -there are many cultural traditions in America, though few significant ones are older than maybe six generations- and I look at them as something that we have a choice to embrace.  Many cultures have a form of tight-knit loyalty and honor for family built within them.  The story of Romeo & Juliet wouldn't carry as much weight if there wasn't the 'taboo' nature of disobeying our parents implicitly understood before the story even begins.  If you were to watch the movie starring Johnny Knoxville from last decade (the one whose title is a common term for donkey) there was a particular stunt the infamous Steve-O refused to do because he didn't want his dad to be that disappointed in him.  I'd venture to say that it is a virtually universal cultural trait.

            Several months ago I articulated the reasons I dismissed that tradition; my mother was usually emotionally abusive and we had old-fashioned personality conflicts when she wasn't.  Even in my culture I've encountered many people who expected me to just deal with those issues because 'she's your mother.' At what point within your culture would you consider it acceptable to dissolve that relationship, knowing that at the end of the day my mother's biggest crime was simply being a mean-spirited person who consistently made me miserable?

          • The Scribe

            RobertStrankman The Scribe

            Hi Robert,

            I had never and would never consider cutting off ties with my parents but if my siblings were mean-spirited I would. Today's young adults in my community would nonchalantly cut off their parents for maybe 10% of your mom's meanness. therefore,I do not know who is meaner - the parents or the children.

          • RobertStrankman
            The Scribe I can't speak towards your community.  I can speak of many of the estranged adults whose stories I have had the privilege of hearing.  Many of them sacrifice a awful lot when they cut out their parents.  They lose loved siblings, pets, relics of cherished memories.  If they wantedMore to be mean they'd simply antagonize their parents and still get to see a beloved old toy.
          • AListener

            RobertStrankman The Scribe "dissolve that relationship"?  Your choice of words makes it sound as if the parent child relationship is a business organization.  Or a marriage.  

            I think it is acceptable for people--adult children included, parents included--to pull back from relationships that have become so bumpy with conflict and disagreement that space and time are needed. The choice to pull back from relationships is as much about mutual respect as it is common sense. But after we have given ourselves some space and time, those same barometers of mutual respect and common sense suggest that we circle back around and at least try, anew, to seek a path of mutual understanding, reconciliation and resolution.  

            I understand the picture of reconciliation and resolution will vary from family to family, person to person.  There are some really disturbed people living in our world who simply cannot function within a normal, emotionally healthy adult relationship.  Were I the adult child of such a parent, I would maintain a reasonable level of physical and emotional distance, but I would still have some relationship (and that can be as little as the occasional card at Christmas and birthdays, or whatever), and I would be clear and direct as to my reasons for keeping the distance I chose.  Wish the parent well, put positive energy out towards the parent, but keep a safe distance.

            And yet, for so many grieving parents here, the adult child has chosen to estrange himself or herself from the parents, and the reasons are an absolute mystery, because the adult child declines to explain, believing the parent "should know". For so many of these estrangements, the choice to estrange is as dysfunctional as anything the adult child believes the parent is guilty of, making the whole mess an act of hypocrisy.  Dysfunction meets yet more dysfunction, and "who is right" becomes so skewed that if "apologies" are due, they are so very mutual.  

            In my view, estrangement is a dysfunctional and toxic--most of the time (with very few notable exceptions) as the claims the adult child makes against the parent that lead to the estrangement. It is a dysfunction meets dysfunction scenario. Hypocrisy in full bloom. And really--just what does it accomplish, most of the time?  What I see is a lot of negative energy. A lot. Adult children who are not truly happy because of the path they have chosen for themselves.  And just look at the numbers of grieving parents on this site...at some point, this estrangement thing has "gone viral".   Absurdly so.

            You suggest parents should apologize.  For many, apologies are vastly over rated.  They are just words after all. Some people apologize without ever meaning it. Some of us never apologize for anything, and yet our actions speak to regret in our past choices.  Sure, in theory, every parent should "apologize" for every imperfection in attempting to deliver the perfect childhood to every child who is now an adult that did not receive that illusory "perfect childhood". Every parent makes mistakes in the course of parenting. I have never met an adult aspiring to have children who was planning to be the worst parent ever. It is always just the opposite. Every person starting  a family sets out with the best of intentions, usually to be as good or better than the parenting he or she received.  And then life happens, and as we are all flawed beings, we make mistakes ing life.

            So, using your logic, then every adult child should apologize to the parents for not being the perfect kid.  For occasionally making mistakes, whatever they might have been.

            If the playing field of relationships is to be level, based upon mutual respect, then apologies are owed all around--if apologies are your thing. It takes 2 to tango after all.  Show me a parent that is guilty of this or that, I will show you a kid that is guilty of this or that. We will both be pointing to the same family.  We are, all of us, flawed, imperfect beings, and living a real life is as much about learning to tolerate the imperfections of our lives--which happens to include flawed people, some of whom are in our families, as much as we need to learn to tolerate all other imperfections we encounter.

            Now if the adult child's complaint is physical, sexual or drug abuse by the parents, then I am all for the adult child drawing a line in the sand and saying to the parent, you are on your own.  But again, direct statement of intentions and reasons.  Orally or in writing or both.

          • RobertStrankman

            AListener As I said when I first started commenting on this subject part of my intent was to get into a little healthy debate with people who are predisposed against going no contact rather than the supportive folk I've surrounded myself with (and tried to be).  For participating in this I do have to thank you.

            My language choices on the subject of my own estrangement tend to be cold and distant.  Part of this is the medium.  Given how many estranged parents are on this site, the fact that this is a very easy site to find when googling 'estranged adult children,' and the fact that I'm not trying to blame any strangers I'm doing my best to avoid using emotionally charged language.  The other reason is that I have the advantage of years in reflection to be able to articulate synonyms for the breakdown of the parent-child relationship. For one, we aren't talking about 'parent-child relationships.'  We are talking about 'adult relationships between one person who raised the other.'  That is a very key difference because there is a dynamic that changes significantly when someone starts supporting themselves and is no longer dependent on mama for survival.

            The term "entitled" is bandied about quite frequently from the parents on this site and other sites bemoaning the selfishness of whatever generation is being blamed for the antagonism.  I hate to use it, but it is the only one that seems to apply in a point I want to make: parents are not entitled to a relationship with their adult children.  If there is a healthy relationship it is a gift to be treasured as all healthy relationships are.  But having a relationship with parents is not a requirement for a happy life, nor is making some token attempt at a relationship with someone who causes misery.  Is that the cost of being fed and clothed as a kid?  "So, I'll make sure you don't starve or freeze to death...but in return, I get to be a controlling monster to you when you're 25 and you just have to take it!"

            But why go so far as estrangement then?  The examples on this site don't tell much of a story, mostly because they are from the people who want the relationship and don't get why they don't have one.  Besides, we don't exactly have tons of parents and estranged children discussing things, so we only get one side of the story.  I can only speak towards my own experience and the experience of the small number of self-aware adults I have had the privilege of speaking to with similar stories.  And from that side the reasons are given well in advance, they just aren't listened to.   "Mother, I really don't like it when you talk about my hair.  Please let it go."  "Stop putting down my career.  I'm working hard and making a living doing it."   Who would tolerate a friend who behaves that way even when asked to stop?  Who would tolerate a spouse who is a font of put-downs?  These things seem so small, I know, but they are behavioral warnings that somehow get ignored when adult offspring bring them up.  The mere act of ignoring them is one of the most cruel behaviors at all in denying someone's basic ability to choose how they feel to another's words or actions.  These aren't about flaws or imperfections, that's a matter of systemic emotional cruelty.  To quote Louis CK "If you hurt someone, you don't get to decide that you didn't."

            What is worse is that in the case of emotional abuse there comes a point when even asking someone to change their behavior becomes an opportunity for more abuse, often in the form of old-fashioned gaslighting.  "I really wish you would stop making comments about my weight."  "I never said anything about your weight!"  When there's already a history of that kind of behavior in childhood giving a reason can be actually dangerous.  How do you use words when those words can become the very weapons used against to hurt you?

            That said, recognizing the effects of personal behavior in others is a kind of emotional intelligence that everyone struggles with.  That is okay.  That's where the apology comes in.  You're right in that apologies are often meaningless, either through a lack of sincerity or the presence of deliberate acts of sincerity.  When estrangement has already happened and the reasons are unknown actions aren't available.  Even the right words aren't available, because what is right isn't even clear.  An apology is all that anyone can do in the beginning.  Not an apology for being an imperfect parent and making mistakes, an apology from one adult to another that says "I am willing to own whatever I did that hurt you."

            As for your 'every adult child should apologize for being an imperfect child' line, apologies and acts of contrition are actually a part of growing up.  Mistakes are made, learned from, punished as required, and that in turn creates a person.  Emotionally aware adult already have apologized for being imperfect behaviors in their youth.  They did so by growing up.

            At the point of estrangement, the playing field is not level.  At all.  There's no sense of mutual respect or understanding.  There's no sense of mutuality period.   It is one party that wants a relationship and one party that does not want a relationship.  It's a really cold thing to say.  Embracing it is the only way the party that wants the relationship is going to get one.  This is not about who made mistakes, whose imperfections were worse.  This is about someone saying "I want a relationship and I'm willing to make reasonable concessions and be wrong about important things until I can repair it."  If it takes two to tango, it takes one to turn on the stereo and let the other person lead until they both find the beat.

            Speaking from the heart here: I don't care if my mother thinks I was imperfect.  I don't care if she thinks I was the most selfish person who ever lived.  Her opinion of me carries no weight because she carries no weight in the life I have created without her.  I try to better understand my memory of her as a matter of my own personal growth and as a matter of making myself stronger for those I love and who love me back.  I have no impetus to subject myself to her uncanny ability to find whatever emotional trigger she could and potentially damage all of the progress I have made on myself in the years since.  Indeed I have a stronger moral obligation to protect myself from that situation.  The fact that there are people around me who would pick up the pieces when she inevitably broke me apart means that they deserve to not have to.  Even if she were entitled to any part of me, they are entitled to every part of me.

  • Ellvicfoy

    My daughter and her husband and my granddaughter moved in with us because of financial hardship.  I thought things were fine.  one morning i noticed the space heater was on all night and i asked my daughter not to leave it on.  That lead to an explosion.  My daughter started mouthing off to me.  i listened to her but didn't hear anything except the smart ass teenager i had dealt with in the past.  i responded but don't remember what i said   i know i referred to her youthful mouth.  she got very upset and they left   i thought they were going out for the day to cool off   night came and they didn't return  they didn't come back the next day either.  i started to worry but knowing my daughter she was out to prove a point.   then her husband showed up to move there belongings.  he wouldn't tell me anything   now i am angry   the disagreement wasn't enough to cause such a response   i tried to reach her/no response   i found out they were at her brothers home   that was okay with me

    a week later i heard they moved again    now i am wondering how they are going to afford it, after all they were i my home because they had no funds.  but if this is what they want ok.. 

    i tried and tried and tried to talk to my daughter.  i was missing her and my granddaughter.  then she text me and said as long as we had a bad and unhealthy relationship she would never allow me to see my granddaughter.  she is 2 and i have been with her almost everyday since she was born... i love her with all my heart.  she is my joy.  i was heartbroken  i cried and cried for days.  I ended up at the drs because i couldn't handle the situation.  i tried to talk to my son.. he sided with his sister and refused to talk to me... i honestly do not know what i did to cause this!!!!!!

    to make matters worse a week after she texted i received another text with her telling me she was diagnosed with stage 4 lymphoma.   nothing more just that!

    i have no contact with her, i don't know where she moved and i have been completely shut out!!!!    my son has also shut me out.   What do I do now?

    • Roadtohappiness

      @Ellvicfoy I completely agree with what RobertStrankman has commented. This argument was not over the space heater. You need to get over her teenager ways. It is normal for teenagers to get angry, gob-off, sometimes disrespect, argue with parents. It's how they learn, grow up, it can be a hormonal growing thing (apart of brain development). And yes, some teenagers are worse then others. The thing is she is not a teenager now, she sounds like a person stressed, with a young child, with financial problems which can also cause marriage problems.

      Learn to let some issues pass, turn a blind eye to things sometimes...some issues just aren't worth the problems. Sometimes the BEST decision a person can make is to do nothing, just agree, or say nothing.

      In regards to talking to your daughter again, you need to apologise. Listen to your daughter, go out for coffee, take her shopping (if you have the money), enjoy her & take time to do all those fun mother and daughter things you were blessed to have. Concentrate on building a relationship with her...and not with the decisions she has made. Focus on "her" as a beautiful, wonderful person, with an awesome future ahead and be positive. It sounds like she really needs you. ?

    • RobertStrankman

      Ellvicfoy This is a rough story to read, no matter how entirely not rare it is nowadays.  But...you asked "what do I do now?" and as someone who cut out his mother in a not entirely dissimilar way, I can at least give you an idea where to start.  

      The issue that caused your daughter to sever a relationship with you wasn't the issue of a space heater.  You said it yourself, you didn't hear anything but a smart ass teenager.  But she isn't a teenager (or if she is, she is adult enough to make it without you).  This small disagreement was very likely the straw that broke the proverbial camel's back, a small disagreement that merely exemplified the larger issues you have had with your children for a long time.  There is an unhealthy dynamic there that your daughter just decided wasn't worth it.

      What can you do?  Well, the best place to go from here begins with a sincere apology.  Not for any particular action -you don't know what you did and you can't until she tells you (if she even knows yet)- but for merely hurting her.  If she responds at all, listen to what she has to say calmly and without judgement.  If she sets a boundary, don't cross it.  Whether you think she is right or wrong, her feelings for the relationship she has with you are her's and her's to act on.

      While I am on the subject, your issues with her belong to you as well.  You get to decide how you want to proceed with her.  I only tell you apologize because it appears you're the one who wants the relationship.  If she has something you want then you have to play by her rules to get it.  At least until the relationship is strong enough to bear a disagreement.  What is acceptable behavior from her is for you alone to decide.  Obviously joint and separate counseling would help to speed the process along...or at least give you both some growth and understanding for other relationships should things go south and stay that way.

      I really hope things get better for you and your kids.

      • KtotheARMA
        RobertStrankman Ellvicfoy Nailed it.
  • Becki 4131
    My daughter went to college and her first semester she decided that she wanted me to let her grow up fast. We'll grow up as far as making decisions , but me still pay all her bills, and give her a car to drive. Before she left for college weMore were so close I realize she has to grow up but Letting go doesn't happen over night. I told her she has the rest of her life to be an adult to be a kid for as long as she can be, because she will have to pay bills and have to worry about things soon enough. But she thinks I'm still trying to run her life. But this child has gone from texting me she turned gay after lying and hiding it for months. To telling me that it was a mistake that she was. Never gay. To being very disrespectful to me and hanging up on me when she doesn't like what I say. She has received several speeding tickets, texting while driving tickets and got mad when I took her car when they cancelled my insurance. She always gets my son n law involved and because he's a idiot he takes up for her over his wife and causes a problem with his wife. There is so much tension in this family, that now it has reached the exstended family that now it's Two weeks before Christmas and I don't want to go out of state to my moms house because of it all. It's a mess.
    • dlaharris
      I am in same boat. I don't want to go to my inlaws for Christmas. They barely speak to us because they have taken my daughters side. I know my husband will go. Don't know how he will take it if I refuse to go. I can't have all myMore loved ones mad at me I will go crazy.
    • Healing Heart
      I wouldn't let her mistakes and behavior be rewarded with neglecting your relationship with your mom. Believe me I lost a lot of great bonding moments with other grateful family members over the years for a drama filled daughter. Now my mom is gone and I wish I hadMore cherished my time with her more.
    • Ellvicfoy
      Becki 4131 I am so sorry you are dealing with this at the holidays.  i am a mother of 5 adults now and i have many issues with them.  what i can say is love her and hang on for the ride of your life.  protect yourself.  when she abusesMore a privilege there are consequences.   She's young and will test all boundaries.  hold firm..... love her and let her know it.  but don't give in..tell the son in law to mind his own business..
      • Becki 4131
        Thank you, and I have told him to mind his own business but he threatens me with my grandchildren he tells me if I don't do what they want I can't see the kids any more emotional blackmail
        • Healing Heart
          That is no way to live, I've been there where child is used as a pawn but always say their kids will grow up someday and always remember the way parents behave, and the good people they cut out. Better to hold on to your dignity than hold on toMore agony! Even if it means detachment from grands and living well
        • The Scribe
          Becki 4131 A person who resorts to emotional blackmail is immature. Just ignore him.
  • RebeccaW_ParentalSupport
    lostOrMom I hear how much you are hurting right now, and I’m glad that you are here reaching out for support.  I can only imagine how much pain you must be experiencing right now, and I also want to emphasize that life is still worth living.  I encourage you toMore continue working with a counselor to help you work through your grief, and to develop a plan to keep yourself safe in the face of your despair.  In addition, if you find yourself feeling hopeless, or that you cannot go on, I strongly encourage you to contact the http://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/# at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).  I also hope that you will continue to write in and share your experiences.  As you can see from the numerous comments on this article, you are not alone in this experience.  I wish you all the best moving forward.  Take care.
  • Brokenmom1

    I found this article helpful today. My 17 year old son has cut me off completely. He's even gone as far as to have me contacted by the police and told not to contact him! I have been totally understanding of him moving out but to be so cold toward me is beyond the comprehension of not only myself but my entire family and all our friends are stunned as well. I've been seriously driving myself crazy with this. I worry that I'm changing into a different person. I have 2 small kids at home still and sometimes I worry they will hate me too one day.

    I'm cutting out friends, I really don't feel like doing anything social anymore and that is not my personality. I went from feeling pretty confident with myself and my parenting skills to now I can't even make a decision about dinner without feeling inadequate! I cry so easily and get angry almost as quickly. I hate this person I feel I'm fighting off inside. The doctor just wants to prescribe pills and this is not going to solve my heartache... Thanks for your article. :)

    • Carolme

      Brokenmom1  I'm so sorry to hear your story.  I have been told so many times that kids brains do not fully mature until @26.  Then add teenage angst and their desire for independence.  It can be a real challenge.  It is very hard to detach yourself from the child you have raised.  For your own peace of mind and (hopefully) just for now, that sounds like what you might need to do.  In these situations, as we all know very well, you do not have many choices.  My teenage son was absolutely miserable and sometimes even dangerous towards me.  I am still somewhat incredulous that my older daughter has cut me off, for the last few years.  She is 28 and moved to Cali, with my 22 y/o son.  He recently decided I treat him like a child and haven't done anything for him in the last 4 years.  Hard to believe, when he lived with me and didn't work or go to school for 2 of those years.  I am sure his sister has a lot of influence.  I was worried that one or both might have been in that horrible fire in Oakland.  With only a phone number for my son, I called yesterday and left a message that was partially cut off.  When, I called back he answered and hung up on me mid-sentence.  At least, I know he's alive.

      I have cried a river of tears and little things set me off.  It's easy to get depressed and I am usually a very happy person.  I try to not isolate myself but that isn't always doable.  One thing I focus on is my health and try to take as good care of myself as possible.  Doing things for other people also really helps.

      The fact that you have two younger children will hopefully be a good distraction for you.  Please remember, YOU have not done anything wrong.  As good parents, we commit from the get go to do the best we can do.  A teens perspective is typically very selfish and all about them.  Try to do little things to make yourself feel better.  And continue to love and care for your two little ones, as best you can.  They need your love.  No one can predict what will happen in the future.  Don't give up hope.  I'm sure your son knows you're there for him and will realize he needs you and his family.

      • discarded mom
        Carolme Brokenmom1  maybe their brains actually mature at 46 --i have two daughters who are estranged and both are in their 30s. they are both extremely immature
  • Spirited Lady
    John Rotten I'm so sorry she has such all or nothing thinking.  That's really painful.  She is cutting herself and her son off from love and support.  Connections are so important for every generation.  There are so many stories like this. Sadly, there are millions of grandparents experiencing this.  IMore hope you'll send notes, cards, small gifts to your grand child.  My strategy is just not to give up, not to complain, not to expect anything from my son, just focus on his kids  My son has not objected to that, although some of my friends are not even allowed to send gifts.
    • Healing Heart

      @Spirited Lady

      Very good advice, feels like my story.

  • Healing Heart

    @Dannedifido

    I'm sorry to hear your story, hang in there and stay strong. As for contacting your mother, a card or quick note may suffice as it's a very delicate situation and is a true sorrow for you mom, losing her younger sister, your aunt. Take care, hope you reconnect and it goes well when the time is right!

  • Dannedifudo

    I am a man with autism, estranged from my family. and my extended family. If i had the choice i would only be estranged from my mother, as my estrangement stems from abuse suffered at her hands. But i cannot be in contact with any member of my family as it is seen as a crack to put a wedge in and force me to reconnect. I have set out my terms for re-connection clearly. Acknowledgement of what she did. An apology for any of what she did. Or an admission of mental illness and a diagnosis process. I have three sisters, i do not speak to. no fault of their own. They just move in the same waters as my mother. so she senses it and dominates the process. I have recently heard my auntie has died. It is a shock. My last interactions with her were bad. She was admonishing me for estranging myself, she refused to accept that my course of action was justified. and refused to see my assertions of abuse as anything other than excuses for my laziness. I stopped checking for any level of communication from any family member following my failure in this interaction and my next true contact was to say she is dead. the funeral was yesterday. Thought you should know.

    I have to speak to my sister or my mother today. and express my sorrows. But i am not feeling sorrow. I am feeling fears. I am terrified of making this call because it is breaking my rules in light of the problems between me and my mother. her youngest sister died three days ago. I wouldn't put it past her to use that to it's fullest advantage as a guilt stick against me. trying to wrap me round her finger. pull me towards melee range again.

    i'm stopping here. otherwise i will write forever.

    • MaryCyrDacus

      Don't call. Don't set yourself up like that. Mail a beautiful card. Or a beautiful arrangement to the house.

      You are in control of who hurts you.

      • discarded mom
        MaryCyrDacus  exactly!
    • numberfiveminusone

      Dannedifudo

      So sorry about your Auntie. My sympathies. I understand why you feel afraid. How sad that we must fear contact with the people in our life who we believed should love us. I hope your contact with your sister and mother went well.

    • The Scribe

      Dannedifudo

      Hi Dan,

      If it's that bad as described in your second paragraph I don't see why you needed to express your "sorrow" when you don't feel any. All you feel is fear. Therefore,do not give in to the social pressure. Simply ignore. Good luck and take care.

  • LK

    What about the situation of an adult son who chooses to distance himself from his father that has been emotionally unavailable since Day One? Here is the specific situation: Father and mother are married, and still are today. Father was emotionally unavailable, Father and Adult Son never related to each other very well (different personalities and interests), and it bothered the adult son deeply during his childhood. As an adult, the adult child has made overtures and tried to form bonds through mutual interests. Recently, out of the blue, Father excoriates Adult Son over a purely trivial matter (eating leftovers). It occurred to Adult Son at that moment that Father's instinct was to be cruel and mean, and not to take a step back before speaking (which is reminiscent of Adult Child's childhood). Adult Son does not want to completely cut off ties to Father, as this would cause heartache for Mother and his younger Adult Sibling, but the Adult Son does want to spare himself any future frustration by attempting to spend time and bond with Father. This event showed the Adult Son that under the surface, Father still does not think of Adult Son as somebody who deserves respect and love. 

    More background information: Adult Son is a successful attorney in his late 20's, and is not a burden on anybody. In this case, is it really Adult Child's anxiety that is causing him to consider this course of action, or have Father's actions alienated Adult Son to a point of critical mass? Why should Adult Son want to continue attempting to foster a Father-Son relationship when Father clearly thinks of his son as somebody who is not worthy of respect and love? Adult Son is not angry about this; rather, Adult Son has no feelings at all toward Father at this point. Adult Son feels that keeping a distance between his Father and himself is the only constructive way of moving forward with his life. Please provide your views about this hypothetical.

    • mastik8
      @LK Is he doing this just to you or to you and your sibling? Is he like this with anyone else? Most important of all - have you told him what you told us? That's your starting point. If he won't or cannot change tell your sibling and mother whatMore you are going to do - then do it.
    • AListener
      @LK I am an estranged parent of 2 adult children of the same general age as you and your brother.  Dismiss my perspective as biased, but in truth I am making every effort to be objective.  The short answer is I do not think you should estrange yourself from yourMore father or parents based on what you describe.  That said, I get it! I don't think you should be a doormat.  You deserve, and are entitled to your respect.  Sometimes, we also need to look beneath the surface of other people's actions to try to understand and come to terms with them within ourselves.  As in--why is your dad behaving this way? Of course I don't know.  But there is an answer, and I would encourage you to ruminate on that. He gives clues--it is just the nature of people.  Is he a happy person?  If not, that is a huge clue right there. My guess is he is not a happy person.  Could he be jealous of you? You sound like a successful person, and he would not be the first parent that reacted negatively to a successful child, feeling "shown up" because he or she sees himself or herself as a failure.  Le't assume I have this right, just for discussion.  Clearly, it is wrong for a parent to have a negative attitude towards a child's successes in life. It's twisted. Irrational.  We should celebrate our children's success in life. But a lot of us are clunky, imperfect beings with our own psychological stuff that we bring to the family table of parenting.  And if you are able to see your father as this imperfect, flawed person, with low self esteem and who is basically unhappy, well, now you know that is  what you have on your hands, and that may lead you to some resigned acceptance (after all, he is unlikely to change).  Leaving such a person isolated from all in society is a punishment for their flaws, but is that what you want to do?  There is a power to compassion, and I hope you find it in you to feel some compassion to understand that you were born to a flawed parent.  Distancing yourself though--I see that as quite a bit different from estrangement, which I interpret as a complete cutting off. I am all for keeping your distance, minimizing your interactions, etc.  You need to live your life and be all that you can be in your own life, full of all the experiences and joys you are entitled to experience. Go!  Do it. Free yourself of the chains of an unpleasant overbearing father who will not celebrate your successes with you because of the stuff going on between his two ears.  But don't estrange.  You can check in now and then, express love from a safe distance, and basically keep in touch, stopping by the family home now and then for visits. And if Dad acts unpleasant towards you, you can always make your visits short, or your phone calls short, and keep your emotions in check.  In this way, you are developing new self habits, and taking control of the relationship in a way that makes you feel comfortable.  It is far, far less than estrangement.  It is kind.  And it is fair.  good luck!!
    • numberfiveminusone

      @LK

      Hypothetically I think adult son should tell his father how he feels.  Leave the ball in his court.  The father really needs to hear how his words are creating hurt.  If he blows that off then I think creating distance is the best thing. BTW-  I truly am moved that you are considering the feelings of your mother and younger sibling.  You sound like a very caring person.

  • Rachael
    This is a great help. Thank you. After 18 years of what I have believed to have been a very happy relationship with my younger son, he has abruptly informed me that he has hated me for the last 2-3 years because I have continually let him down and neverMore let him have enough freedom to do what he really wants to do. I was totally taken aback because I have spent lots of time with him doing the sports he enjoys - skiing, snowboarding, tennis, badminton, squash, bouldering. I was a football mum. I have helped him get to frisbee tournaments, practices, mountain biking, rock climbing. I've welcomed his friends and girlfriends without question and cooked for them. I've bought him clothes and equipment when he has wanted it, within reason. I occasionally say I can't afford something yet. I have explained that when it comes to university, he will need to get a loan and that that will be his responsibility, not mine. He was initially cross about that but I thought he'd got used to the idea over the last year or so. I left his dad when he was 4 but we live near each other and have remained good friends throughout. There has never been any animosity and both my children have always told me they think they have the best of both worlds. My older son was much more difficult growing up but left home just before he was 18 and keeps in regular contact with me. This new development happened by text messages yesterday as I work away 4 days a week. I will see my son on Thursday night. I couldn't sleep much last night and have been crying. I've read lots of articles to try to prepare myself so that I don't react in the wrong ways. My responses to my sons texts were to simply reinforce that I love him, pointing out some of the things we do and what I do for him, and expressing confusion as I thought we were really happy. I know I will cope with this. I hope it is something that can be forgotten in the future and doesn't impact too much on what is essentially a great relationship. But for the first time in my life I think I know what it means to feel broken-hearted. I felt rejected by my own parents all the time I was growing up and really by my mum until my 40s. I have never found the right man for me - I tend to go for people I feel sorry for or men who are not good for me. I don't think I've ever felt so alone as I do now. My sympathy goes out to all out there who have experienced this.
    • numberfiveminusone

      @Rachael

      So sorry Rachael. I hope you visit went well. Your son is very young and I wonder if the thought of paying for college is overwhelming to him.

  • SMC

    We have been estranged from my stepdaughter for five years.

    We have always loved her and have always wanted her in our lives. We tried to

    be there for her, but the relationship was very one-sided. She set the

    boundaries and if you stepped beyond them she erased you from her life. The

    most recent occurrence was because we expressed concern for her and some disturbing

    comments/pictures she was posting on social media. Because of this she became

    very angry and cut off her relationships with everyone on the paternal side of

    her family. My husband tried to make contact, to no avail. His ex-wife even

    reached out to him about 1.5 years into the estrangement to let him know that

    she disagreed with their daughter, but was not willing to defy trust or put her

    relationship with their daughter in jeopardy so the estrangement continued.

    That is up until two weeks ago when my stepdaughter decided to end her life

    because “no one loved her or ever would love her”. So this is it. How does this

    happen? I’ve been through so many emotions, but I keep getting stuck in anger.

    I want to forgive, but I can’t get past the fact that when we were giving her

    what she wanted she would have us in her life. How selfish is that? And now she

    committed the ultimate act of selfishness by hurting everyone with whom she has

    ever developed a relationship. I am really struggling to get past this and the

    endless worry over my husband’s and son’s recovery. I might come off as

    unfeeling, but this is after five years of hurt and pain and now this.

  • mojo

    Thank you so much.

    Reading this has helped a lot.

     My daughter aged 35 has decided to sever contact with me.

     Her brother took his own life at 17 over 14 years ago.

     I separated from my husband 8 years ago, My family has disappeared.

     I'm lucky to have very good friends but I'm missing my daughter and 2 grandchildren.

    • dlaharris
      So sorry for your loss. I can't imagine one of my children dying before me. I am praying for all us parents who are missing contact with our children.
    • Party C

      @mojo

      It doesn't matter why your  daughter has decided to separate herself from you it is still a shame that she is doing this. I have a situation with my 3 children.  One is controlled by a boy friend who has decided from the first couple months that he didn't like us and hasn't spoke to us since or been around us even for Holidays.  My daughter lives a few blocks from me and has my only grandchild that I am allowed to see once a week for babysitting and holidays. This daughter has picked this boyfriend over her family.  She also stays away from extended family too.  This has put such a strain on our family and other siblings.  They love their sister and when they come into town they don't tell us and stay over that daughter's house.  We are left out and we feel like outcasts.  This is such a sad time of our lives and we should be reaping the benefits of bringing up good children and we aren't.  I cry a lot and try to be happy but every day this is confronting me of our fractured relationships.  I am 63 now and want to live my retirement out in peace and happiness and I can't seem to do this.  I do go to therapy and it has helped but I am still deeply sad.  I love my children dearly and want to spend time with them.  I want a relationship with them and know what is going on in their lives.  I pray someday this changes and they realize we won't be here forever.    Before it's too late.

    • Live2bnana

      @mojo I am sorry for loss of your Son and the loss of your current situation. You have suffered many loses over the years and I have empathy for the comment of your family has disappeared. My daughter who is 32 and has lil girl 6 & boy 2 has cut off all ties from me. To the point she cut all ties with anyone who had anything to do with me. My 81 yr old mother was told in a letter that my daughter was unable to communicate with her because I would use my mother to get to her. She change her contact info phone email

      And block all social media & recently quit long term jobs & moved to different state. One of her pet peeves was me not backing off and researching or finding a way to contacting her. She my daughter amI just loose all contact and not even know where she is? So I did my digging and know city and state she in but haven't contacted or let her know I know where she is. I made the decision I going to back off and not contact her as hard as it is. The hardest is as you said I not only miss my daughter but also my grandchildren. It a very empty feeling at family time to not have a family.

      • Party C

        Live2bnana

        I am so sorry,  You are not alone.  Trying times we are having with families being distant and apart.  No contact.  I didn't have contact with my daughter for 6 months.  Very sad.  Hang in there and pray.

    • Rachael
      @mojo So sorry for you. I hope she comes back to you.
  • FigJam
    Thank you, this was very helpful!
  • violetlace

    I wish I knew the answer why adult children do this to us their parents, but I don't. I haven't seen my son in over a year and I have no idea why he won't answer e mails or letters.  At first I pleaded with him to tell me why and to get in contact.  He never did.  At first I was sad, then angry.  Being angry made me strong and one day I decided I would not beg or plead anymore.  So I have now cut off all contact in the way of birthday cards etc. 

    I decided he was not going to mess up my life, yes of course I think about him sometimes but I am, for the most part staying strong in my resolve to get on with my own life and not let him bring me down.

    He has to be the one to contact me and his Father.

    This may seem harsh but it is the only way I can cope and I have to say it is working.  I think of him less and when I do there is still some anger there but this just spurs me on to tread my own path and enjoy my life.

    He has left me with no other choice.

    • discarded mom
      @violetlace  it is all you can do. I have two estranged daughters and I refuse to continue to be their living doormat. They have spewed lies to others about me. They have written public blogs which also list endless lies and fabricated abuse in order to garner sympathy. There isMore no reason we have to subject ourselves to this garbage another day. I do not believe in writing letters and sending cards every month or so as the author suggests...this is perceived as groveling by the estranged ones and makes us look weak and pathetic. They laugh about it and I am tired of giving them a reason to laugh. No. on the contrary, I am going to care for myself and do the things I was holding back on just in case they came back. Forget it. it isn't worth the trouble. Take good care of you!
    • mastik8
      @violetlace You're doing the right thing. You deserve an explanation. Until you know what's wrong you cannot fix it or try to explain.  Go live your life and live it well. If and when he comes back demand an apology and an explanation for doing what he did before you decideMore to accept him back. Let him know what he did was not acceptable and you're not a doormat. Now go out and experience the hell out of life so when he comes back you can catch him up on what he missed.
    • lcjantzi

      Violetlace,

      I have done the same as you. For me, it is three adult children. I know the relief it brought me not to continue the contact. I don't know about you but it seemed to me that with each contact(birthday, holiday, etc.) I felt I was just playing into their intentions to make me feel more rejected and maybe confirming that I needed their relationship more than they did mine. I, too, was angry but my anger subsided a lot when I decided to stop contacting them. I think I was angry at myself for letting myself be treated so unlovingly, even disrespectfully. I believe now, what has come to light in me is that, after two and a half years of refusing to communicate with me, they must know the reality of estranging me as their mother. Though it grieves me, they must realize what it is like to really live without your mom. When I think of them, usually first thing in the morning, I pray for them to come to the truth and agai, be loving and respectful. Yes, like you, Violetlace, they will need to contact me.

      • TX_Ang

        lcjantzi  I'm going through the same emotions in regard to being rejected and disrespected as a parent.  I grieve daily for the loss of my daughter that is very much alive and expecting her first child.  One morning I woke up happy because I had dreamt that we were laughing and joking together as we always had, and the happiness quickly turned to sadness and anger. 

        I'm really getting tired of being this pathetic wimp, it's so not in my nature.

        • Neverwillgetit
          So sad as I too had great times and laughs with my only child, my cherished daughter. Over 2 1/2 years of no response from her and my gradson is is 2 1/2. I have begged, pleaded, apologized a zillion times, cried and think of her throughout the day everyMore day. I am a widow who has struggled since my husband passed away when I was 46 and 13 years ago. My daughter was my life! I have lost them both and struggle to get through life as I never ever dreamed this is how life would turn out. How can your only child who has been cherished ( and yes we didn't always agree but my love and the hurt from her was deep) turn their back on her mom. I prided myself on being a great mom however after my husband died and my daughter left for college I was treading water and yet I don't think she understood how scary my world became. I have a heavy heart for all the times missed with her and my grandson ( who from pictures through family, he's adorable) I am not acknowledged or given any pictures, correspondence, understanding of forgiveness. Yet I have begged her to come back in my life. I will never be whole again with out her. She has never checked on me once. Knows I have no holidays, sometimes little food in the house, recently assulted by a family member and have concussion and have been in other medical concerns or without a job. My best time of my life was bringing her up and now nothing. Just so hurt and disappointed. Yes, her husband doesn't like me. And has been disrespectful to me yet I apologized for my part but he hates me. But I stand by this. if he loved her he would at least encourage my daughter to see me. Just don't know if I will ever get to be in her life again or see my grandson ever. It hurts me to the core. Missed so much with my grandson of the fun things I did with my daughter. She is intelligent and is a high school guidance counselor so I don't understand or ever get it as long as I am alive. I miss her so much it's aged me I am sure. But Ivan die knowing I tried so hard to reunite with her but unfortunately it doesn't take my daily pain away. I love and miss her desperately. I pray all the time. Sorry so long but heartbroken in so many ways.
          • Healing Heart

            @nverwillgetit

            Hang in there, that is a long time and my heart goes out to you. It's time to wipe yourself ipoff, take different approach and survive this pitfall, don't allow yourself to beg or chase anymore. That is part of the problem, find meaning in life...before her you were you..I'm sure your husband would want you to live...get some help to get you out of that rut. Your daughters loss, your gain to savor what God gave you...give that love you can't give to your grandson to other children who need attention via volunteer work.

        • lcjantzi

          To: TX_Ang

          Thank you for your empathy. It felt good to receive at this time of year. I'll share this: As the holidays roll in, I'm trigger more than usual but it's been nearly 3 yrs. and my sorrow and grief, which changed to anger, depression, sadness and now I seem to see things more objectively. Time, a little therapy, prayer find me less and less enmeshed with them and more becoming my true self.

          As an adult observing three other adults, I am at peace with the fact that they have some things to learn without me and ther's no guarantee that they will. However, that helps me to resist anticipating and making up scenarios in my head. I'm simply accepting their choices, given up defending myself and accept that things might not turn out the way I want them to.

          I live two-days drive away from them and this is somewhat helpful. But I have family that I see from time to time who use my situation to try and hurt me. My oldest stays in contact with them.

          So I thank you again for your empathy, TX_Ang. This is not an easy thing to navigate but I want to be sure to get all the good I can from this heartbreaking situation that I can. I'm trusting and resting in this place...

        • Brokenmom1
          Omg I feel the same way! Sad pathetic wimp ha! How the kids can cripple us from beginning to end?!
    • NL Mom
      @violetlace Very similar to my situation Violtetlace. Big diff is I can't let my son back in, even if he wanted. I can't risk being hurt again.
  • Missingmydaughters
    I have two daughters ages 27 & 25 ... after my divorce they both went to live with their dad and have no contact with me. I have never been given a reason why. I have with all I can tried to contact them but they block andMore ignore me. My older daughter made contact with me last Dec. And did see me twice in two days ... everyrhing went very well I thought and she hugged me and told me she lives me but she has blocked me again and ignores my attempts to contact her. I'm so confused I am so happy to be in this forum for much needed support. I need advice. Thank you.
  • Heartbroken mum

    My son left home 6 years ago and has never returned. A month after he left I received 3 intense emails listing everything I had done wrong. Of course there are kernels of truth in what he said. I now only contact him with essential information as he requested and have seen him only 4 times over these years at his new abode. He's now at college in America, his dream, but there's been problems with health and depression / psychotic episode which meant he took a year off. He has now returned and I just pray his health keeps on an even keel. The doctor has also mentioned autism to him which may account for his continuing infrequent contact. I so pray for a reconciliation with him.

    Signed a heartbroken mum.

    • lcjantzi

      Dear Heartbroken mum,

      It must be painful to be apart from your son when it would seem that he needs you most. I'm am saddened by the way he "critiqued" you in his letters. My goodness, of course there were grains of truth but can't he understand the overall love that you had for him? That seems to be what these adult children can't deduce from their experience with us as their parent. I read this time and again here. I hope his mental health improves and that he will turn to you and realize the love that he has missed , that has been there waiting/longing for his return. . .

  • TX_Ang

    So glad I came across this article as I've been searching the internet for similar situations to mine to find out how to deal with my daughter shutting me out 3 weeks ago via text.  She is 29 and pregnant with her 1st child, and she is my only child, so I am devastated and heartbroken. I am also scared to death of missing out on the birth of my grandchild.  I'm unable to sleep and have random crying fits as I'm fighting falling into a deep depression.

    Her last words to me were "not all people mix well", and that she didn't want the baby shower that my mother and I were planning on having for her.  Her reasoning was based on a party that we had at our home about 10 years ago, when my then boyfriend now husband was still drinking but is sober now, got into a fight with a friend of hers that was also drinking and being aggressive.

    I initially thought she was joking, and when I realized that she wasn't, it was too late to reason with her. Maybe she felt overwhelmed by the shower we were planning because it was going to be more of a party at a venue with friends and family. Her mother-in-law is having a proper shower for her at a friend's home, which is huge and in an exclusive neighborhood.  I was never even sent a "save the date" card like her friends were so I don't think I was going to be invited to it anyway. 

    It seems that she is embarrassed by who we are, as well as our family and friends.  I'm Hispanic and her father is White as is my current husband, and her husband is White too, but comes from a more prominent family with a much higher income than us.  We're just comfortable and live well below our means, so we don't drive brand new fancy cars or have a huge home. Also, another point of contention for her is that my husband is in a motorcycle club which she views in a negative way.

    I've sent her texts letting her know that I love her and that I'm sorry if she's mad at me, and that I hope she is doing well.  I am so sad, and grieving over the grandchild I may never get to meet.

    • Twice hurt

      TX_Ang

      I'm so sorry your going thru this as well....my daughter of 36 has been estranged from us for the last 13 yrs....she pretty much accused me of being the worst mother on an 14 hrs drive in the middle of winter right after Christmas that one fateful year 13 yrs ago.....during that time I went into a deep depression for 6 years, then I started living again, during those years she finished her University in Psychology, got married, bought a house, had my only grandchild I will ever have, she's 2 now and I haven't even met her....my daughter refuses to talk about what made her say those things, like you we are not well off, we actually struggled, she never brought her friends over at the house, they were all doctor's kids, well to do, so that's where we get the feeling she was ashamed of us. She stayed at her University town and she fashioned herself a life without her parents in it. I had three children, 2 girls and a boy being the baby. My son died tragically 3 years ago in a drowning accident, he went missing for a week before his body was recovered he was only 26. My eldest daughter had also cut herself off from him as well, they were estranged for more than 3 years when he passed. Now here is my middle daughter who absolutely adores her eldest sister, she can't be herself it seems around her older sister, and she has been caught in the middle more than once, so now I try not to allow that to happen, but it's hard as she takes her sister's side in the sense that she is justified in keeping the family apart and that is what I have a problem.......did I mention my estranged daughter's husband (that I have never met) has passed away a month ago of cancer he was 37....now according to my baby girl she has also stopped all contact with the mother in law, the other grandmother....in her will she has left custody of her daughter to friends, and know that we both have huge families, she didn't even give custodial rights to the only family member my daughter, because she knows we would get to know her ..... because of the loss of my son my heart has literally shattered twice.......I'm trying to rebuild my life I'm very lucky to have my husband by my side in which we just celebrated our 30 wedding anniversary......sometimes it's good to just walk away and the best thing you can do is to take care of yourself and keep on living.

      • TX_Ang
        Twice hurt  Thank you for your thoughts, and the struggle you're living with as well, especially the loss of your son, I am so sorry.  I do feel she is deeply ashamed of us and our lifestyle, even though she didn't mind it when she was a part of it. More Now she's just turned her back on us and our friends because we're not good enough to matter to her.  I'm doing my best to live and move on from day to day, but sometimes the emotions just take over and I have go to the bathroom to cry it out.
    • Healing Heart

      @Tx Ang. I feel really bad about your struggle and hope you're coping a lot better than your original post. I too am Hispanic married to white male, have one daughter, however, two grandchildren later. On the opposite side of spectrum strong bond with 9 yr grandson and love one year though didn't get that close. They moved far away and she cut me off. She left with her far from prominent boyfriend and since then she didn't even say I don't want you in my life. She just doesn't reply, she has slowly not let us talk to our grandkids.

      So my point, the relationship can be slow death of great magnitude because with mine I had memories or if she told me nine yrs ago, I wouldn't have to hurt from something I only dreamed would be ((being an involved grandparent). It's a two way street, it will be her loss. You see also my mom passsed away last year so don't have that either.

      How I get through it? Take one day at a time, pray hard, play even harder, surround myself with loved ones, cry it out when needed but not wallow in it and just Gratitude for all I do have. Whatever you or your spouse did that wasn't perfect, if there is change then enjoy and enjoy each other. Life is too short, your daughter will need her space. Most important I learned to look at my own faults and Forgive my shortcomings leaving my daughter to be wbecuse the constant attempts of seeking her is not worth my sanity or health. someday my grandson will be a man, it will be her to answer why he was cut away and the reason won't make sense when it comes to the Love we had for each other! Take care, excercise, pray, and things will get easier with or without that want in your life.

      • TX_Ang

        Healing Heart  Thank you for sharing your story and kind words of encouragement.  I was doing better and refocusing on improving myself with the hope of impressing my daughter enough to accept me.  She recently posted a picture of herself on facebook at 6-1/2 months pregnant and she just looks so radiant and beautiful, and I felt so tortured that I can't see her or hug her or share the experience with her since we've shared almost everything in the past.  There are tears rolling down my face as I'm typing this right now, because the just as I was beginning to heal, the wound has been re-opened.  She also posted a message yesterday that was worded "to the ladies that were invited to my baby shower", regarding a phone number or something.  I felt as if I was slapped in the face.  I just don't get how she can go from texting or talking on the phone with me multiple times every day, to treating me as if I don't even exist.  I feel like I must be the most awful piece of garbage and sorry excuse for a human being.  Even though to this day, there's nothing in the world my husband and I wouldn't do for her. 

        When she first told us the news about her pregnancy, I went out and bought her a $200 blender to make smoothies when she said she wanted to start having smoothies every day but didn't own a blender.  I also got her a nice pregnancy pillow when she said she was having trouble sleeping because she was having difficulty getting comfortable.  I got her some transitional clothing for work and bought some things for the baby too. 

        We even put ourselves into debt and bought a nicer car that would accommodate a car seat even though that may never even happen now.  I have a couple of bins with baby clothes and things for a baby I may never even get to meet.  Last week I mailed her a package with all her mail that comes to our house including 3 issues of the Parenting magazine I ordered for her, since I'm probably no longer welcome at her apartment which is only 5 minutes away from my job.  She sent me a text on Friday to say thank you for sending her mail and that she was going to be moving in November and she would let me know her new address.  I was ecstatic when I got her message, and I pondered on all the things I wanted to say to her but didn't really want to put it in a text, so all I said was, "Wow, that's great! Thanks for letting me know."  I now feel like I missed an opportunity to say anything else, because I hoped that we were going to be back to at least texting.  I haven't heard anything else back from her, but I so want to ask her to please not take away the opportunity for me to be a part of my grandson's birth and his life.

        Like you Healing Heart I cry aloud when I'm alone, and put a smile on my face for everyone else and live my life, while still carrying all this pain and sadness in my heart.  I am grateful to have my own mom, even though our relationship has always been somewhat distant as well, but at least we call each other every week or so.

        • Healing Heart

          @tx ang

          Hang in there, sounds like there is hope based on her giving you her address. Remind yourself that you're a great woman and even better mom than most. Take care and best wishes.

    • The Scribe

      TX_Ang

      "It seems that she is embarrassed by who we are, as well as our family and friends.  I'm Hispanic and her father is White as is my current husband, and her husband is White too, but comes from a more prominent family with a much higher income than us.  We're just comfortable and live well below our means, so we don't drive brand new fancy cars or have a huge home. Also, another point of contention for her is that my husband is in a motorcycle club which she views in a negative way."

      This seems to be the "disease" that is afflicting gen-y in particular,this need to compare her own family to her spouse's. Why is it that many young adults of gen-y who marry spouses from better-off homes feel ashamed of their parents in most instances? I wonder where they learnt to be so snobbish and to disrespect people who worked hard to bring them up with a good education etc. Or could it be a simple case of inferiority complex? 

      So she also suffers from this white superiority complex. If that's the case she must despise me too LO L bcs I'm Chinese,thus yellow and surely not white haha but it makes no difference to me bcs while I know the language of the white people how many white people know my language? I can come here to speak up but can many white people go to Chinese language sites to say something?

      Looks like your daughter is a snob but is unaware she is so fret not. Give her time and space to grow up. Good luck,grandma-to-be.

      • TX_Ang
        The Scribe TX_Ang  Thank you for your comment, and for pointing out what I was neglecting to see about my daughter being a snob.  All I've ever done was my best as a single parent, although I'm aware that I made some mistakes along the way, and I still live with constant guiltMore that her childhood was far from ideal. She's always been the type to care about what others think, whereas I don't, especially when it comes to trying to keep up with the Joneses.  We've never even met her boyfriend's parents and they've been together 2-1/2 years.  So, yes, she is ashamed of us and it makes me very sad and hurt.  I worry that the time and space she needs to grow up will never come and I'll never see my grandson.
        • The Scribe

          TX_Ang The Scribe

          Hi Ang. Could you be Chinese too besides being Hispanic? Judging by your surname bcs Ang is a Chinese surname. It can also be Wang or Ong etc. Must see the Chinese writing bcs the English ones are all spelt differently but it makes no difference bcs only the Chinese writing is important in a Chinese name. The meaning of your name (not your surname) is very important bcs it can affect your future life according to feng-shui.

          I understand your worries. To be cut off from the grandchildren is an unforgivable action of the children if one looks from the filial piety point of view. A child who is unfilial to his elders will not earn Heaven's blessings. It is sad not to see our own grandchildren grow up. Whatever,which parent has never made a mistake or not done the best they know how? The fault is not entirely yours. All you can do is pray. She may yet be moved to see her own waywardness. All the best.

          • TX_Ang

            The Scribe No Chinese that I'm aware of, my full first name is Angela, which is Angel in Spanish.  However, I am fascinated with the principles of feng-shui.  Thank you for your kind words and understanding, I had a very bad day yesterday and shed a lot of tears for the loss of what is yet to be, meaning my unborn grandson.  I feel as though I am in a grieving process as if someone that has passed away.  Going through so many emotions of just not understanding why I am being punished for being excited for my daughter's 1st pregnancy and wanting to do something special for her.  I'm obviously in some kind of denial that she just doesn't like me, and probably never has. 

            Reading all the other posts here have been helpful at times and also very sad and upsetting too.  Some of the stories describing the years of estrangement in some families really scares me.  My situation has only been 3 weeks and I'm a mess....

          • The Scribe

            TX_Ang The Scribe Oh I see. Ang stands for Angela. 

            No need to worry about having a very bad day. It's normal to feel very down or very happy. It will take time for you to come to terms with such an unhappy life event. It's been 3 weeks only so you're still grieving. Everyone grieves differently. Some life events hurt some people more than others.

            Feng-shui means wind and water. Feng=wind,shui=water. The Chinese believe in the 5 elements which form the basis of the principles of feng-shui - earth,wood,water,fire,metal. There is so much to say about these 5 elements alone. An imbalance in the nature of things could result in many of life's events,including estrangement from children. I don't know. Some people call it superstition LOL but I really believe in the importance of feng-shui bcs man must live in harmony with his environment as he's a part of it.

    • Mel
      TX_Ang It seems she is upset that you didn't take her seriously in the past. If she understands you would like to be part of her family, she will try to accept it. I think she is embarrassed by her family's behavior and would like for her family to embarrassMore her. It seems she is ashamed of her family by the way you are describing it. You can send a message to let her know as a mother you would like to spend time with your daughter because you love her. I think if she is old enough to decide who she wants to be including in her life.
  • vecanto
    I am a mess. My oldest son and his wife are estranged to the point where I am excluded from being invited to my grandsons' birthdays. I have tried to apologize not even knowing why and have asked what their issues are but my attempts get me no where andMore am I left so confused and completely in the dark. I can't believe someone I carried for 9 months and lived under a roof with me until finishing university can want nothing to do with me. This is not the child I raised. My family and I are very close. I am so tired of reaching out in loving and gentle ways. I find their behaviour so disrespectful. I feel them ignoring my hone calls, texts and invitations down right rude. I feel no one understands the pain I carry inside my heart. How can a son feel me not worthy of sharing his life and family with me? How can he or his wife live with themselves or sleep at night. We are all roman catholic and of Italian decent; both placing extreme importance of family, respect, forgiveness and love. I feel so judged and unloved.
    • mmof4boyz
      @vecanto I am in the same boat for four months now. Family is the most important  thing in my life. I have lived my life raising my four sons and now I feel as though the saying "a daughter is a daughter all of her life, a son is aMore son until he takes a wife" is sadly a very accurate statement.. Seems like its always the wives  and the wives families. As a mother-in-law I have felt left out since day 1, but four months ago my son and I had words and he no longer speaks to me, won't answer my texts or phone calls and the part that hurts the most is that he took my two beautiful granddaughters away. I am not allowed to see them. This has broken my heart. I am severely depressed. My life feels like it is over. He actually used the word punishment to me. He said he was punishing me by not allowing me to see the girls. Who does that to a mother who never did anything but support and love her family?
    • Twice hurt
      It seems this is a pattern of today's generation it seems to me.....they can't handle things or don't agree or get hurt and their way of retaliation is cut off the parents, I thought I was alone in my pain but as I read thru everyone's post, it's seems toMore be a generational attitude. We never did that to our parents, would never have giving it a thought even to cutting off our parents...
      • mmof4boyz
        Twice hurt Exactly! They are a generation of entitlement and never, ever would we have thought of disrespecting our parents, let alone cutting them off. It is a sad generation and I feel sorry for their children because they have no heart.
    • SatoriBleu
      My daughter stopped speaking to me two years ago. She has responded very little to my outreach to her. From reading the forums and books on estrangement... I think it is a cruel thing that they choose to do. I hardly ever faught with my daughter and I did supportMore her in many ways. I cried a lot the first year. Then I started to realize it was her choice and that I did not deserve it. I still wish it wasn't like this, but by acknowledging I have no control over her, I have been able to say I did my best, I am a good mother. Do the same. Everyday pray for a reunion and then remind yourself that this is not your choice. Send loving texts here and there. The community of hurting parents is thinking of you. Be strong, and continue with your life in a loving, dignified manner. Keep setting an example of what love looks like. Blessings sent to you.
    • The Scribe
      @vecanto Your son/wife must be y-gen. I've been told gen-y is very ungrateful,take things for granted and have a strong sense of entitlement. Thru' personal observation it seems such a belief is true so no need to feel so aggrieved. Many think the sacrifices of their parents are nothing andMore should come with the status quo. Let us see if they will go the extra thousand miles for their kids.
    • NL Mom
      @vecanto So sorry to hear of your son's behavior Vecanto. I feel the same as you do. I wish there were some words I could say to make you feel better. Ppl do understand though, many, many parent's are going through what your going through.
  • Carolme

    I am thankful to find this post.  Since we are human beings we have feelings and we make mistakes.  I have two children 21 and 28, a boy and girl.  I always wanted kids and knew I wanted two.  We lost my father to cancer when I was 12.  My Mom worked full time and did the best she could.  As a teen, I had very little awareness of what she experienced.  I was not so smart but very emotional and lashed out at Mom.  My younger sister and I are close now but we fought a lot and made my Mom miserable.  I'm not sure how she did it but I think there might have been some little yellow pills in her tool box.  She was far from perfect.  Yelled and screamed a lot and slapped us until we were too old to let her. I never loved her less or broke contact.  As I matured, married and had my own responsibilities, I realized how horrible I was to her.  And fortunately, was able to share all this with her before she passed at 91.  Love was the constant thread.

    If only that was true of my marriage to a verbally and emotionally abusive alcoholic.  I was the one that had to tell my little girl "daddy will be home soon".  And felt that most of the time, I was raising our two single handedly.  It was only when I threatened to divorce that the ex decided he could get the upper hand.  And he did. Of course, our daughter (then a tender 13) longed to be "daddy's girl" and wanted to believe everything he told her.  Brainwashing is a powerful weapon used by a parent to alienate the other parent.  The ex did a very good job.  I barely saw my daughter until she landed on my doorstep, crying her eyes out at 3am in the morning, begging to live w/me.  She told me Dad had made all kinds of promises that he never kept, was crazy and hated her first real boyfriend.  We had a great reconciliation and I thought understood each other pretty well.  However, since it was the holidays and her brother was still at his home, I (very reluctantly) asker her to go back.  @4 months later she asked if she could move in w/her bf.  And I said OK, when I probably should not have.  Things went well until he wasn't working or going to school.  I gave them/him a generous 4 week deadline.  Instead they packed everything up and moved out immediately.  I only have 2 bedrooms so this then gave me a chance to let our son live w/me.  He called at least once or twice a week asking me to rescue him and was in fact being neglected and having to take care of his father.

    Even when paying child support, I did whatever I could for both and they knew I was there for them.  I helped my daughter w/a car, computer and then yoga school.  She became a wonderful yoga teacher.  I was vey proud of her independence, passion and acute business mind.  She opened a studio and was very successful.  I was there, every step of the way and enjoyed attending her classes.  When boyfriend #2 broke up after 4 years, I was there to pick up the pieces (and make sure she ate).  (I'm a Jewish mother!) 

    Meanwhile, the ex was getting sicker and sicker but refused to stop drinking and would hide stuff under his bed.  Due to weird complications our son was living w/him again.  At 2am I got a call from our daughter.  "Daddy just died.  Please get over here right away!"  And so I rushed over there.  They wanted me and needed me, at that point.  A horrible night that didn't end until about 6am.  I was invited to the memorial (at sea) and joined a boat full of family and friends, to scatter his ashes.  And (somewhat reluctantly because they joined and contributed to the alienation) went to my in-laws afterwards for dinner.  Everyone was very civil and nice as could be.

    I know it was because he was very ill.  The ex stopped paying for his life insurance and bought guns and guitars instead.  The mortgage he left was twice as much as the amount we originally bought the house for.  And that is what he left our children.  He never remodeled or threw anything away.  It was quite a sad mess.  My son had to move back in with me.  The plan was to clean up, throw stuff out and put the house up for sale.  Meanwhile, the mortgage had to be paid.  Not something I could help with.  I have my own home and bills.  And son was not working, at the time.  Though, I wasn't especially thrilled w/the idea, I offered to help clean up.

    Meanwhile, years ago (out of the clear blue) my ex told me he was going to give me a part of his pension and asked me to sign some paperwork.  In ten years, that was almost the only nice thing he had done.  I had spent my entire retirement account going to court for the kids, in my effort to spare them from a lot of this heartache.  That sure didn't work out!  After he died, I was having a very hard time making ends meet and supporting my then 18 yo son.  Without telling either child, I went ahead and did the paperwork to receive the (slightly more than $400.00 monthly pension payment).  It truly saved my butt and my sons.  Otherwise, there was a good chance we would have ended up homeless.

    One early Sat. morning, my son and I went to the ex house and started right in.  We made a deal that he would clean the bathrooms and I would clean the horribly cobwebby carport.  He was extremely scared of spiders.  As soon as my daughter arrived, I could tell she was angry at me.  First she wanted to know why I wasn't cleaning the bathroom.  Instead of listening, she went off the rails and started yelling about me going behind her back.  Clearly, she had no intention of listening and started making me very nervous.  I gathered my things and started backing towards my car.  Then she yelled at her brother and said he'd better go with me.  And that is the last time we had a face to face conversation.

    Her Dad told her he wanted her to have the pension and not me (the horrible witch).  Maybe he did but he did nothing to change that when he was alive and he had plenty of years to do that.  So now, even in death, the alienation has reared up and taken it's toll.  It's been over two years.  We had some back and forth attempts to reconcile, mostly started by me.  But I am still a horrible person, who did terrible things and lied all the time.  Now she and new boyfriend (who I have never met) moved across the country.

    While working w/other yoga teachers, my daughter became close to several counselor, social worker women.  A lot of stuff she said didn't sound like her at all.  I am sure they kept telling her how "toxic" I was and that she would be better off not talking to me.  At least, that is the feeling I got.  Not an excuse.  Just part of the deal.

    I am generally a very positive person.  I realized, I needed help when I cried for most of a weekend non-stop.  I found a good counselor and worked on getting a better perspective.  I wish I could say I have "let go" but that is obviously not the case.  I love my daughter and miss her so much.  I hate this!  Talking about it helps, especially when I am talking to people that have gone through something similar or worse.  My heart goes out to each and everyone of you.  Thank you for listening.

    • NL Mom
      Carolme reading your story was heartbreaking. I'm so sorry to hear about your troubles with your daughter. My ex was very good at parental alienation also, now I don't have a relationship with my older son at all. I, like you, did everything I could to try and "fix" thingsMore and bent over backwards to do everything I could for my son, but nothing worked. You're not alone, there are far too many parent's in the same situation as you are. I too sought out a counsellor and things are getting better. The biggest stumbling block for me now is being angry and try as I might it's taking a long time to try and get through this stage. I hope better for you.
  • Daisy
    I really need some advice.  My brother has never really been part of my family since he was about 16. Although when he had a child he continually asked my parents and I to babysit for him.  My parents did this without any hesitation ever and enjoyed being a partMore of my nephews life.  Recently he got married to his long term partner who I feel dislikes me in particular and talked him into cutting all contact with me for the last 25 years of my life.  He has always taken from my parents and never given anything in return.  If I was to write everything he has done to them I would be here all day.  The most recent thing is that he got married in New York seemingly not telling anyone about his plans.  He told my parents a week before he was going to do this.  Giving the impression that no one was invited.  I visited my parents this weekend and they told me that his new wifes parents were in Florida at the same time as the wedding and they were flown up to New York and attended the wedding.  My parents dont talk to me about their feelings but I know they were both devastated.  I have not seen my brother in over 10 years and have no feelings for him whatsoever.  I hate the way he treats my parents and have tried several times to get them to disown him.  This might sound harsh but there is so much hurt he has caused.  I dont know how to support my parents.  I'm distraught when I think about what he does to them.  They do not deserve this.  Please help, any suggestions are greatly received
    • numberfiveminusone
      @Daisy Hi Daisy.  I understand why you want your parents to disown your brother. You are tired of seeing them hurt and might believe that cutting off contact will prevent further hurt for them. But I think it may be more complicated for them. They already know how he isMore and that he will continue to hurt their feelings. They seem to have accepted that.  It may be much worse in their minds to cut him off and never know if he and your nephew are dead or alive. It may create anxiety that is worse than what they are going through. I hope that makes sense. I think your parents are blessed to have you in their lives and it may give them more comfort then you will ever know that you care about them so much.
      • Daisy

        numberfiveminusone

        Thankyou for your reply.  I think they have accepted how he is.  I will always be the daughter that gives them enough love and support for both of myself and my brother. Even though I live much further away from them than he does.  Take care Daisy

      • NL Mom

        numberfiveminusone Awesome answer! 

        Daisy, I feel for you and for your parents. I have a brother that went into the navy as a teenager then settled hundreds of miles from my parents. He's had very little contact with my parents over the years, they've accepted it. I just think he's build differently that I or my sister am. He seems to care about himself mostly, and I don't think he even knows or understands how he's hurt anyone. Maybe your brother is the same way?

        • Daisy

          NL Mom numberfiveminusone

          Hi, I think you are right I think he is built differently and does not understand that he has hurt anyone.  I'm not justifying his behaviour though and still wonder how he can do this.

      • The Scribe

        numberfiveminusone Thumbs up for your answer. 

        To Daisy - just ignore this so-called brother of yours but try not to run him down with your parents as it could cause them more pain. A horrible child is still a child. You won't feel it bcs he's not your child. Try to imagine how you would feel if someone tells you to disown your own child. It's like asking you to cut off an arm or a leg. the same goes for them when you ask them to do that.

        Hope what I wrote is not offensive. You did ask for suggestions. All the best.

        • Daisy

          The Scribe numberfiveminusone

          Hi, its really easy for me to ignore him.  I don't even refer to him as my brother when talking to people I call him my parents son.  I just called him my brother in this post to get across that I am biologically related to him unfortunately.

          I don't actually ask my parents to disown him just wish they would.  It's really hard not to run him down in front of them and I know its something I need to work on. Thanks for your answer, it wasn't offensive

  • Misdy9
    Very happy to find I'm not alone with this but sad people are experiencing what I am too. I wonder if my 28yr old daughter has bi polar or similar. We are estranged 7 months now. In between she has married. I went searching, bought her wedding dress and neverMore got to see her wear it. Previously we would communicate every day sometimes several times. I'm sad to lose not just her but my 3 beautiful grandchildren. I wasn't a perfect parent, by far, and she wasn't a perfect daughter. She would taunt and scream abuse in my face as a child. In fact she had the whole family to ransome. Do I feel a bit sorry for myself? Yes I do at the minute. I see many posts saying 'keep the door open, don't give up'. Well I've done this since she was a small child, about 8 when the abuse began. She is a bully. She was also a self harmer and is inclined to eating disorders. How does one, say "no more abuse" and keep the door open? I have always made the move to recover the relationship and as a result, this is clearly observed as a weakness in her world. An invite to further abuse.
    • Healing Heart

      @misdy9

      How does one say no more abuse and keep door open? Seems like that's the answer, have that sign with the door closed...open the door and enter as this is a no abuse zone. In other words the relationship should be under terms of mutual respect, no exceptions!

    • awanderingone
      @Misdy9 She would taunt and scream abuse in my face as a child
    • NL Mom
      @Misdy9 It's hard, I stopped trying to have contact with my son eight months ago, and haven't heard anything from him since. I was trying to make contact but he wasn't interested. I had to cut ties and move on, it's been the hardest thing I've ever done, but IMore had to do it for my own peace of mind. He had my heart on a string and tossed it around constantly, my whole life was a mess and nothing I did seemed to make a difference. I had to cut the ties and rebuild my life. It's not perfect, but things get better by the day.
  • Mel

    Although I think you do present some great points, there are certainly some parents that will only use their children as assets. I was one of those children. While growing up I was beat for not getting enough money from my father for the household. He was an alcoholic and spent all this money on beer or cigarettes. I was told I wasn't good enough constantly and made to feel like trash everyday. I was brainwashed into thinking negatively about my own father. My mother told me everyday to hate him and when I grow up I owe her. Any small mistake would set her off in a fit of anger or spew of frustration. You didn't sweep the floor? Well then you are a disgusting person like your father. You understand the point. That was just a small one. 

    It eventually got to the point where I met someone and their kind family in high school. They agreed to take me in because I told them about my living conditions. I had low self esteem, suicidal thoughts (I still do because I replay things from my childhood in my brain, it's less now), self harmed. I was made fun of for crying. I was constantly deceived by my own mom. It was not until high school I noticed my family was off. I started to visit other families and notice how nice they were to one another. My family was always trying to defend themselves from attacks or ready to attack. My brothers stopped talking to each other for 2 years. My mom didn't even try to fix it. SHE DIDN'T CARE. 

    But guess what, after I threatened to leave and tried to pack my things and bring them to my locker at school...she made a scene on the street. She tore open my things, and told everyone nearby I was a bad child for trying to run away with my boyfriend. I tried to explain repeatedly that it was her who constantly threatened to kick me out. I told others that she was being terrible. I was shut down...by another adult. He said I needed to woman up because he believed her. When I went back that day, she faked her suicide attempt. I thought she swallowed a bunch of pills so I called 911. I was in a panic...I cared. I cared so much I cried. But when I found out she faked it, I was done. I didn't want to come back. She ran from the home when I called the police, I was worried and chased her!! She needed medical attention! She called me crazy for calling! I was 17! 

    Although I moved away, I still tried to keep in touch with her. I thought with a distance that maybe she would try to understand me more. Instead she would only call to tell me about how I was making her look bad to others (she didn't have many friends, and family generally thought she was pitiful), would have an unhappy life for leaving family, and asked me for money. 

    The last few times she has called me only for money. 

    I tried to get a mediator to help me with this before but all they could say was that she was my mother and that I should go back. I think she is mentally ill because she was prescribed antidepressants and I don't believe I saw her take them. 

    Sorry for the long rant but sometimes the child becomes estranged for safety reasons too. I love my life now because I understand myself more and I can enjoy things without feeling so guilty anymore. My emotions are better.

    • Healing Heart
      @Mel. It's ironic how sometimes the cards are turned where adult children do try and want that bond but it's the parent who is the dysfunctional one. It will only drive you to be a far better parent than they were. I too grew up in chaos butMore my mom redeemed herself hen I was an adult so was blesses. I did the best I could with mine, no abuse but did yell which I apologized and changed when sh was a teen but now she is enstranged. We can only move on and stay strong.
    • The Scribe
      @Mel Why are some families so dysfunctional? It's bcs some parents are NOT fit to be parents.
      • Mel
        The Scribe I was lucky to be given some chances in the world to see what kinds of families were healthy. They treated other kindly and there wasn't a constant war in each other these households. I am thankful everyday I was able to experience them. To bring children intoMore the world is a great responsibility. Life is inspiring, children should get to experience that. If I have children in the future, I want them to be proud of who they are and feel loved. Their thoughts and feelings are valuable because it is what makes life meaningful. I wished I was at least taught that by my parents. I saw that you were replying to others in the comments and I think you gave some valuable advice. I came to this article because I sought for a reason to go back to my parents and to see if now would be a good time. I will wait until I am emotionally stable enough to handle it because right now, I am at a delicate moment in my life. I just started to begin to understand myself.
        • The Scribe

          @Mel The Scribe

          Mel,thank you for your reply. I'm an observer and I empathise. I'm not personally going thru' this estrangement thingy but my close relatives are and I'm sort of involved with their predicament. 

          I see your sincerity in wanting to go back to your parents. It's good to know that you still love them despite everything. Take your time,calm yourself and make a move when you feel you're ready emotionally and mentally. 

          What you wrote about children - "If I have children in the future, I want them to be proud of who they are and feel loved. Their thoughts and feelings are valuable because it is what makes life meaningful. I wished I was at least taught that by my parents." It's so true. That's so insightful. If I had known this I would not have made my fair share of mistakes. Luckily I've taught my children about filial piety and they were brought up the traditional Chinese way so there's very little worry about estrangement yet one can't be too careful. My close relatives brought up their kids the same way yet two of their daughters are going in that scary direction. One of them is slowly coming back so everyone in my large extended family is hoping that the other daughter will be moved to reconsider her unfilial actions and attitude.

  • Maggie

    This article might actually save my life.

    I am really struggling. My eldest (son, now 31) married a woman that made him break all ties with me and his dad. They have a son who will be 1 yr old in 2 days time. We have never been allowed to even meet him.

    My daughter hates me for being such a terrible parent when she was a teen. I was. 

    I broke my neck in a car accident and was in a wheelchair for 7 yrs and suffered badly from panic attacks.

    She couldn´t cope with that. And still cannot find it in her to forgive me. I know I was very hard to be around, always scared, always in pain, crying a lot, being needy and sometimes angry.

    Her father stuck by me and cared from me, we are still happily married and I am out of my wheelchair and has gotten on with life. 

    I also have PKD cystic kidneys and liver and will soon be needing dialysis and then a transplant.

    She does not allow me to talk about this.

    Every time she adresses me she is snappy, angry or treat me like a child. When I tell her it´s not ok to do so she threatens me to not let me see her 2 boys, never visit again.

    So I walk on egg shells around her.

    Me and my husband also have two younger boys, and with them things are easier. They are 9 and 21.

    Some days I feel like i can do nothing right and that the whole family would be better off without me.

    • numberfiveminusone
      @Maggie Oh Maggie those "some days" are bad days aren't they? Wishing you peace, better health and glad you have your husband and your younger boys. Stay strong Maggie your family is counting on you.
    • The Scribe

      @Maggie Hi my dear Maggie,

      What you wrote made me feel so sad. The callous way your daughter treated you shows she's an unfeeling person. How could she blame you for the accident and your present medical condition? Nobody asks for such health problems. 

      Your family won't be better off without you since you've a 9 year old and a good husband. You will be better off without those unworthy children. All the best and know that the community here are for you.

  • Missingbill

    Hello, I had the funeral for Bill. The people that came gave me lots of attention and these people hugged me. I liked the funeral because I was the centre of attention. Some invites didn't come to the funeral and give me sour face. I tell them, "they haven't walked in my shoes". I had two children, now I only say I have one. I give my other child everything he wants so If Bill ever comes back he will see how happy Burny is and will be jealous of how successful Burny is because of my support and for not having me to care for his rude teenage brat that never said thank you.

    I am on anxiety tablets, and someone say to me; that I need to concentrate on "getting better", so if Bill ever comes back I will be in the position to build a relationship with Bill that was stronger then the previous one we had. I am offended and did not reply.

    • numberfiveminusone

      @Missingbill

      I am glad you took a step to make yourself feel better even if some people in your life did not understand.  I understand why you are offended by someone saying you need to "get better" so that you and Bill can have a relationship that is stronger if he chooses to have a relationship with you. Unless there has been abuse I do not see how a family member  needs to be in a strong position to be loved by other family members. That is what makes family special- they love us despite our flaws. It's heartbreaking but I see you in (in my mind) in a tux as you greet your family friends who pay homage to the loss of Bill and your grief. I wish you peace my friend.

    • The Scribe

      @Missingbill Wow so you went thru' it. I don't know what to think. I don't think this kind of taboo ritual should be done. 

      You could just keep thinking that you only have one child. Habitual behaviour/thoughts will soon become second nature and one day soon you'll forget about this estranged son. He doesn't deserve you. Anyway,what's done is done so all the best to you.

      • Alicita72
        Wow I know how you must have felt to have had a funeral for your Bill. I HAVE BEEN THERE with my daughter. Recently I said that I must bury her and grieve the loss in order to move on. I was looked at as if I was some morbidMore freak. I know what I feel and how crippling the pain has been. In order to move forward I need to grieve the loss. No one can judge you, you did what you felt you needed to do in order to cope with such a great loss. My only advice is to build your relationship with your remaining child based on your experience with him, and for Bill to be jealous. Doing that just continues to make it about Bill, you are a strong soul and you will have your moment one day with Bill to clear the air or not. After all that has happened you may realize that you don't want to open up old wounds. It requires a lot of work both mentally and physically to work through such a loss. No matter what you decide know that you are a survivor, and that you are needed and loved by your remaining child. I pray that you continue to move forward and remember don't blame yourself. I too struggle with blaming myself or thinking what I could have done differently. Thank you for sharing your story.
        • Missingbill
          Yes, have a funeral. I wore a black dress, not a tux. My other beautiful son and his wife I chose as pallbearer's. They carried a box full of stuff Bill left behind, which they lowered into the ground and buried. I am a good role model for my grandchildren,More it teaches them what to do when people leave.
          • Healing Heart
            Very creative, it is a grieving process to have an estranged child and sometimes best for sanity to do things of these type of rituals if it helps one cope and carry on with their own lives. In time I may do a mental excercise such as this if itMore gets too much to hold on any longer.
  • Debbielg725752016

    My son has bulliede since he was 14.

    He is now 41 and he is still a bully. It is horrifying and way beyond my understanding. He must be extremely troubled. I have absolutely no idea what do to, absolutely none. He is angry with the world and I guess he feels I am the one who deserves the punishment. His father is toxic and has poisoned him. My son says he hates his father but he does not break ties with him. My son was so proud that he did not speak to me for 12 years, then we spent fun times and communication however, he would hold back for months then ignore that fact. We visited and kept in touch about 7 years and he is on another anger binge. I never know what sets him off. If I had an answer from God for this and a resolve, how precious would that be?

  • M155P

    I feel everyone's pain. My daughter and I have had a tumultuous relationship all her life. Times it has been my fault and others hers, yet I am always the one to keep trying to build bridges. She went through years where she didn't work and I financially supported her in her own flat about an hour from my home, I used to clean it, du her laundry and fill the fridge up when I visited as her life was out of control. She did sort her life out after a spell in the priory and we were good for a while.  I found her to be judgmental though as she worked through her 12 steps,  felt that she had become holier than thou in her attitude, and that her path was now the best path and that every view that didn't correspond with hers was wrong, but as we lived a long way away our physical contact was limited but we still spoke on the phone. When I did visit it was because she wanted me to do something, decorate, help with the garden that sort of thing. I was too passive and agreed each time just so that I could have a relationship. I am sometimes of the view that I actually didn't like her as person anymore but felt guilty because she was my daughter

    The final straw came when I was ill in hospital about 3 years ago, I  was being moved from hospital to hospital with no idea what was happening.  During a call to her I explained the frustration I felt at the lack of communication from the staff in hospital about what was happening and when I would be moved back nearer home  ( I was hospitalized with a suspected stroke) she told me she could no longer deal with this it was too much for her. I saw her briefly at my sisters funeral 6 months later and she made no attempt to be civil. We have not spoken since. 

     I have not thought of the estrangement for the past 2 years, whilst hurt, I accepted that she wanted to her own way and I was not part of that. I felt happy that she was now with a good man and was settled, I was also tired of the continuous walking on eggshells when we did speak or meet,  I heard this week that she married at the weekend. I wasn't invited and it did hurt. 

    I am going to write her a letter congratulating her on her wedding , and to wish her joy and happiness, and let her know my door is always open. I will add as a final note that if we never meet again I hope that life treats her kindly  and that I am proud that she is my daughter and that I have and will always love her . 

    if she responds then maybe we can rebuild, if not, I will feel that I will have tried one last time, and will have closure.  

    I

    • Alicita72
      I cried reading this mostly for me. You have incredible inner-strength. I know how difficult and painful it must be. My 22 year old daughter has been estranged for 3 months. I found this site last night seeking help and courage for my own issues and came across your story.More I admire your courage and strength and I wish you peace.
    • NL Mom
      @M155P I hope you find the closure. It's such a difficult thing to find. I tried everything I could to have a relationship with my son and I am working on trying to accept that he's not in my life. Although you still hurt, I admire your ability to pickMore yourself up and move on. Good for you!
    • Leftnlonely

      M155P wow. That is quite the,story. It made me cry for you

      My son did the same thing with a marriage. Hes been married months,now and i havent hea8rf from him since he got married. It all hurts so badly. All you can do is try one more time,as you said. I wont get that chance becausr he,had me blocked at every turn i have no way to contact him. And he lives,3500 mikes away now. We were best friends all his life we traveled together and had great times and lots of laughs . I know h8iw you feel. I cant do anything to help you, but i do understand you and i do know your pain and feel your emptiness. I support you and will be there. Leftnlonely

  • Debbielg725752016
    Thank you NLMom and lefnlonely.
  • Moni

    So when your mother evicts her daughter (that pays part of the mortgage) & grandchildren for being 'disrespectful', AND plasters our business AND my sudden eviction on Facebook and clearly says she will keep posting til she's happy, I'm responding from anxiety? Give me a BREAK!! Separating myself from the person that birthed me is called, healing.

    Someone needs to post from the childs point of view.

    • The Scribe

      @Moni

      I'm sure the parents here at this site can see your p.o.v. as the child. You can still talk things over with her Moni. She's your mom after all so why go on the war path? 

      She's angry for some reason. Get somebody trustworthy and respectful of her to be the mediator. Old people only need respect and kindness. Once these two "ingredients" are available everything falls into place. 

      It's like cooking rice porridge (we Chinese eat a lot of rice porridge even if we don't live in China). All you need is rice and salt or just rice if you're cooking plain porridge but if you want to add in other ingredients then you'll need salt as well. I hope my analogy makes sense to you and not make you angrier than you already are. Do not waste the ONE mother that you have.

      • adultchildofnarcissists

        The Scribe "She's your mom after all."

        Please, stop. Parents can be abusive, and it's shocking that you respond in this manner to someone who is being outright harassed by their parent. 

        Adult children typically do not go no contact for no reason without drugs or mental illness involved. It took me years to finally love and respect myself enough to tell my parents that they were no longer welcome to the privilege of being a part of my life. I have never been happier - and they go around the internet complaining about how they have "no idea why" when that is anything but the truth. 

        The one mother we have might not be a good person. If your parents have treated you poorly, as it is so abundantly clear is true in @Moni's case, then why on earth should we be expected to take the abuse?

  • NL Mom
    There seems to be one common thread among many parents and that is that they presume to know why their children estranged themselves. Unless they come out and tell us, maybe we shouldn't assume, nor should we beat ourselves up trying to figure out why. .
    • Healing Heart

      Sometimes we have to accept that they never will come out with the courage of telling why, maybe it has nothing to do with the parent but more with whatever the adult child is fighting in their own minds. But you're right, we can't go through life beating ourselves up trying to figure it out...and if we are lucky someday they will tell us ...it was this about you that just pushed me away or I was going through this and didn't want you to judge or witness my struggle. Maybe they won't tell us why because a part of them wants us to not give up on them in case they need us or suffer because of what they believe we deserve. Guess it all depends on what childhood they had. Who knows ...so many factors so little time in life, can't shove a relationship down anyone's path.

      It's a struggle to let go of our children now that they are adults, but it's part of the process if it's only one sided efforts.

    • Leftnlonely
      Lefynlonely, i have taken a new attirude myself. I cant change what has happened. Its so much negativity and heart ache, i have decided i did the best i knew how. If i thought i was doing something wrong i would have changed butMore i didnt. Iam h causing myself so much stress its not good. I have to let it go and hope for the best or it will destroy me.
      • The Scribe

        Leftnlonely That is good,Lady. I'm glad to hear you've moved on and decided to make a new life for yourself. Only you can make it positive for yourself. We can only empathise and advise.

        Since there's nothing you can do you might as well get over the grieving and start to live. To continue grieving is NOT worth the suffering bcs your son is not going to care at all. You'll be wasting your emotional energy and your life. You've done your duty by him so let it be. Many parents can't figure out what wrong they had done bcs there were so many years in between. If adult children decide to be petty parents can't do anything. They think they are entitled to it yet their parents are not entitled to their kindness and respect.

        By the way Lady,where in the world are you? I think I'm the only one in the east. I'm an overseas chinese,meaning I was born outside china. I live in one of the south-east asian countries which is sunny almost everyday except during the monsoon season when we have lots of rain. As we are very near the equator there's only one season throughout the year so it's always summer which is hot and humid. The only respite is when it rains or if we run up to the mountains.

        • Leftnlonely
          Iam in the USA east coast area. Thank you its nice to hear from you. Wow i never figured tbis was so widly based. I enjoy your advise and lusten to things you say to try to make my life better. You are aMore very insiteful person and seem to gave alot of life experiences that have helped me. I always look forward to hearing from you lefynlonely. Not feeling quite,as lonely anymore but i still wonder.
          • The Scribe

            Leftnlonely Wow,east coast of the US. It's very far away from me. I have a sister-in-law and family living in New Jersey but I've never been to the states. When I think of the long flight crossing the Pacific Ocean to visit the US I surrender LOL.

            Thank you for your kind words. I do not know very much but I can imagine how you feel and whatever solace I'm able to offer you I shall and am glad that what I write helps make you feel better. We are all going thru' this journey called life together no matter where we are so if words which don't cost anything can make people feel less lonely then we should offer some as a form of prayer. 

            I'm touched by the last two words in your last sentence "... but I still wonder." You're still looking for the answer,Lady. Just be patient.

          • Leftnlonely
            To the scribe. Iam a couple of miles from new jerseys. Ive only flew,as far as hawaii and thats 13 hours. Thats my limit.. ues we can help from sll over the world' everyone has some kind of a problem and helping if we canMore csnt be bad, no matter how,far away we are. Its nice to have support and be supportive. Your friend. Leftnlonely.
  • RobertStrankman

    These comments are incredibly revealing.  As keithhendrickson pointed out, there are *many* stories of "well, I was the wronged party, so they need to come to me."  A rather disappointing but not unexpected thing to read.  However I'm equally joyed by the fact that there are estranged children and parents talking.  When we spend our time talking to friends and family on our side, even those who disagree with us are hesitant to tell us "so...like you're kind of being a jerk there.  Maybe be less of a jerk?"  Someone with a predisposed opinion to tell us we are wrong might just give us a bit of positive perspective on something so highly charged and emotional.

    As for my own part, I have been estranged from my mother for nearly 8 years.  The disagreement that lead to that final option for me was a rather classic one; I intensely disliked the man she had just recently married and over the course of a day long fight over text and email she had essentially given me a line in the sand "you either get both of us or neither of us."  Being a financially secure adult I told her never to talk to me again and have only exchanged brief emails since, the closest thing to kindness coming from me being pity.

    Now obviously that was only the tipping point at the top of a very tall mountain that had been built up for years.  Along the path we traveled was her own mother's misogyny and emotional abuse, a suspected sexual assault and abortion before I was born, a particularly angry kid of mixed race reacting poorly to the racism in the small community he grew up in, a hobby that included an opera singer frequently singing at full volume regardless of the location, and a host of other extremely complicated issues that I'm not ashamed to bring up but would turn a comment on an article into the first half of a book entitled "The Two Times I Felt Loved: A Son's Journey of Loss and Growth."

    But the real crux of a point I want to make here is directed at the parents who send emails and only receive curt replies or what appear to be accusations that are flat out wrong on their worst day and entirely petty on their best.  I can't speak for everyone of course, but the truth is I don't want to tell my mother the real reasons for cutting her out.  I'm scared of telling her because I'm scared of her.  She was particularly skilled at invalidating my feelings.  Her intent didn't matter, the effect was that I could never speak to her about the words she had said without feeling like somehow I was 'wrong' for having been hurt.  I can't say that I am an amazing person, but I can say I deserve better than to be treated like I don't know what I am feeling.

    I don't want to give her a chance to again invalidate me.  

    So if she sends an email or somehow circumvents the various social media blocks, I keep my physical and emotional distance in my replies lest she find the hook that allows her to tell me that I'm wrong.  There was a time some years ago where I was willing to forgive her if she simply owned that behavior.  I couldn't tell her to own it, partially because our own history told me that another round of emotional invalidation was inevitable and partially because I couldn't take the risk that any resulting change was shallow or insincere.  She had to go through that growth on her own, just as I had to work through the sources of my own bitterness and anger in order to have the healthy relationships I've since formed without her.  As a result, I doubt she knows what happened from my side.  Maybe she cares and is too afraid to ask.  But her attempts to restart a relationship with me since have been entirely about objects she wants to unload on me despite me making it clear multiple times that I would accept no objects from her under any circumstances.  Even if they are sincere -my own story places that in extreme suspicion- that isn't the behavior of someone who has come to an emotional understanding.  And seeing as I have my own life to live I have neither the desire nor the responsibility to help her get there.

    Do I regret cutting her out?  I do in the sense that I'm unhappy that I had to go that far to protect myself.  It was still the best decision I have ever made.  But, noting that the above is merely a very brief overview of a rather complicated tale, I'm willing to have someone tell me "dude, you're kind of being a jerk."  I've grown enough to be comfortable hearing that.

    • Relica

      RobertStrankman I'm not going to respond to the others because I feel like it would waste my time. But I am sorry to see that you came here, bravely spoke your piece and only got invalidated again. The truth is the people responding come from two groups A)people in denial that they ever abused their kids themselves b) people that have had reasonable parents, have been able to fix the problems they had and therefore why shouldn't you?

      The thing is, they might be partially right. Your mom might love you, but love is not enough. Particularly not when it's love like this. I think Neil Gaiman put in quite eloquently:

      “It was true: the other mother loved her. But she loved Coraline as a miser loves money, or a dragon loves its gold. In the other mother's button eyes, Coraline knew that she was a possession, nothing more. A tolerated pet, whose behavior was no longer amusing.”

      ? http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1221698.Neil_Gaiman, http://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/2834844

      • The Scribe

        Relica RobertStrankman

        Neil Gaiman is INSIGHTFUL.

    • Debbielg725752016
      Do you invalidate her feelings?
    • keithdhendrickson
      RobertStrankman Thank you for sharing your story Robert.  I understand what you are going through, and it's a horrible thing to live with.  For me, forgiveness is easy, kind of like meeting a bully who used to beat you up 20 years before only to realize they are a completelyMore different person and they are sorry for the pain they caused you.  I could forgive in an instant but only if I knew the person was willing to change.  But the reality is, some people never change.
    • The Scribe

      RobertStrankman

      Tempus fugid,Robert. In the blink of an eye it could become 20 years and then you wonder where the time had gone. 

      Your mom would grow old and she would one day pass on. Why bear so much grudge? Why can't you talk things over with somebody you respect as a mediator? Once she passes on you'll never get a chance to talk things over and you'll lose the opportunity to show your care. I hope you will not live to regret your extreme lack of charity.

      • RobertStrankman

        The Scribe RobertStrankman This truly intrigues me.  You run from the assumption that I care enough to talk things over or that I care.  I don't on either count.  Ignoring that her history of emotional abuse would make me extraordinarily hesitant to put myself out there -remember, this woman made it a point to tell me my emotions were 'wrong' at nearly every step- what do I have to gain?  What does she have to offer me as an adult?

        To be clear: one of the reasons estrangement has been so relentlessly easy is that regardless of any emotional damage done, I don't like her.  As a person.  I don't like her hobbies, I don't like the movies or television she watches, I don't like the books she reads.  There is a noted lack of anyone in my life who has more than one or two interests in common with her.  If we were to talk about positive experiences in my life since age 15, the few she was present for and could not be replaced by literally anyone not actively antagonizing me at that instant would number five or six if I am being optimistic, three of which would involve a childhood dog that passed some time ago.  This comes across as a condemnation of her character I know.  That is not my intent.  I despise her as a mother.  My dislike comes from the fact that we are very different people.  Were she not my mother I wouldn't give her a second thought short of looking at some random activity that people enjoy and wondering "why does anyone enjoy that?"

        If I don't need her emotionally as a mother, I have long divested any need for the material support common in my generation due to a very questionable economy, and I find her presence as a person to be an empty experience...where do I benefit changing my life to allow someone otherwise unwelcome in?

        • The Scribe

          RobertStrankman The Scribe Wow Robert! You're talking about your mother here. If you despise her and want to continue with the estrangement who are we to say anything? If so,why bother at all to post here? If your situation does not trouble you why did you bother to tell your story? That was why I assumed you care.

          "If I don't need her emotionally as a mother, I have long divested any need for the material support common in my generation due to a very questionable economy, and I find her presence as a person to be an empty experience...where do I benefit changing my life to allow someone otherwise unwelcome in?" 

          Goodness,do you see your mom as a business venture? From what you wrote it looks like there was too much angst in your mother-son relationship and you have much to unravel. If it's worth it to salvage,why not? All the best and good luck. I hope I did not offend you.

          • RobertStrankman

            The Scribe RobertStrankman You did not offend.  Confuse and intrigue at a different insight perhaps, but no offense.  My hope is to stop this nonsense from happening to anyone else.  Bluntly, being estranged sucks.  It feels like being orphaned or that something is wrong with me. I spend a lot of time thinking about what I did as a child that caused my mother to be so angry at me so often and spend so much time breaking me down.  And I can't ever find out because she's so skilled at emotional abuse that she could drive me into another nervous breakdown.  Maybe that was her goal, "I am so angry at how men have treated me that I'll prove they can be just as weak as my mother told me women were!  HAHA!"  Probably not.  More likely she was just too wrapped up in her own damage to notice.  The end result, however, is the same as I cannot put my family at risk by exposing one of them to a person known to hurt them terribly.

            What does this mean for other estranged parents?  All my mother had to do before it was too late -more on why it was too late in a moment- is simply say "I know that my behavior often upset you very much.  My intent was not to hurt you and as it obviously did, I am genuinely sorry.  If you are willing to talk, I am willing to listen."  Ownership, remorse, and a willingness to listen without anger.  She couldn't undo what was done...but she could have proven she was willing to be a better person in the future.  It wouldn't matter if she thought she was the wronged party or not, it wouldn't matter if she thought I was the biggest most ungrateful jerk who had ever lived (though if so, why bother having me in her life if I was so awful), if she wanted the relationship then she needed to be bigger if only in her own eyes.  Might have blown up in her face...then she could at least say she tried.  She didn't try, so now she'll never get the chance.

            Why will she never get the chance?  The answer ties into my second post about 'what does she bring to the table?'  I bring up finances there (and in the first) as a point of noting that by the time estrangement occurs material concerns are neither the cause nor the cure.  Worse, what if they were?  Is that all a parent is supposed to be?  A bank that charges interest via phone calls with people mildly uninterested in them?  I've yet to meet a person who deserves that kind of useless attachment.  Every person in every person's life must be more than just a money or a bit of impersonal effort.  My mother will never get the chance because she lost the only thing she had that could make me happy, the aforementioned childhood dog had died.  The dog was the only thing my mother and I equally cared about in young adulthood.  She was very literally thing only thing that we never disagreed about.  Without her I had no other positive things to miss about my mother.

            What does this mean for other estranged parents?  What does your child see that you bring to their life?  That's a cold view to hold perhaps, but it matters, because it matters why an adult child would want you in what is probably a happier life (if it wasn't happier, they could have reached out or responded).  It also matters if estrangement ends.  Without a friendship or camaraderie to sustain the relationship it will remain cold and distant since the adult child will have little impetus to pursue it beyond the bare minimum of civility.  Yes, the adult offspring holds most if not all the blame for this...but again, they aren't the ones pursuing a relationship.

            Yes, I despise my mother.  She has earned that.  I despise anyone who hurts or threatens the safety of me or my own, especially if they do so repeatedly and without remorse.  No one owes their abuser love and I am rightfully far too afraid of her words to offer forgiveness.  It didn't have to be this way, though.  And if I can maybe stop or reverse it from happening to another family, maybe that can ease some of my guilt...even if that guilt is based on acting appropriately to something I can't control.

          • The Scribe

            RobertStrankman The Scribe

            Hi Robert,

            Thank you for not taking offence and for your kind reply which helps me understand your particular situation. Indeed I was confused and intrigued as I was thinking with my eastern confucian mind. This reply will surely help a lot of victim-parents who wonder why their adult children are keeping away. Of course,some adult children are doing it out of selfishness or a calculative mind.

            If your mom had realised she should go thru' a reliable mediator  if she cannot say those things to you directly. Your mom must have herself gone thru' much abuse herself to act in the following mode 

            "I am so angry at how men have treated me that I'll prove they can be just as weak as my mother told me women were!" 

            This shows it was all psychological. She was hurt by the male gender when she was younger so she probably took it out on you bcs you're male. After reading your reply I can feel the human in you. I don't think she realised what she had been doing to you all these years. Parents all love their children so they don't realise. They think they are doing the right thing bcs they are seeing things from the other side. If so,and you still think it's worth one last try get someone you trust and whom your mom knows to talk to her bcs she can't initiate the move as she has not realised. You're the enlightened one here Robert so the ball is actually in your court. 

            I wish you all the best. Being estranged from one's parents,children and siblings is the worst thing to happen to anyone.

          • lcjantzi

            RobertStrankman

            From lcjantzi

            I've read all your posts here and the others that responded. For what it's worth, I believe you were truly abused. The part that stopped me cold was after you said you wanted to "stop this nonsense from happening to anyone else" and then you went on to ask , "What does your child see that you bring to their life?" So I asked myself this question. Basically, I believed I brought everything in me to my children's lives up to the point of them growing away from me, which I accepted. Unlike your mother, I was supportive and there were times when I took the brunt of extremely hurtful criticism in order to support and protect my children when we were going through the arrest and "fallout" of their dad's sexual deviancy, when my son acted out, when my one daughter became pregnant and many other occasions that pain me to remember.

            What I have to give now is peace, drama-less peace and stability. I only asked for three visits a year- Thanksgiving, Christmas and my birthday. I even negotiated on the days and times we could gather for these times. The one time I put my foot down, it became THE issue.

            But none of my story really relates to yours accept "the question". My answer is, I was the kind of mother that never wanted to do anything to hurt my child. I understand that there were times when their feelings were hurt or I said or did something that disappointed them. As you said, these things can't be undone. But I believe we can talk about them and maybe there is understanding to gain. Anyway, from their point of view they were "abused" and want no contact from me for years now. Since they have said this, they probably feel as you do, in that, I would invalidate them, etc. I'm thinking that if they heard or read your story, they might figure out that they had it pretty good and consider the kind and loving words I used when I reached out to them during these years of estrangement. Words that never mentioned the hurtful and disrespectful lthings they said and did to me as their parent.

            So, Robert, thank you for telling your story. It's helped me to realize that what I BROUGHT to the lives of my children was my best and I now deserve their love and respect. Some adult children would have given anything to have a mum like me despite my fumblings as a parent.

    • NL Mom
      RobertStrankman Robert, so sorry to hear of your estrangement from your mom. Unfortunately I've seen many parent child relationships die because of the parent remarrying. Anyway, to get to my point. I have a sister who is always criticizing me, it gets on my last nerve, but I look atMore it from a different perspective. She has a problem, it's not about me, it's just that she's down to her husband and I as the only ppl she gets to criticize. I don't take it to heart, often I laugh at her, which really makes her kind of stand outside and look at the way she behaves, then she gets a puzzled llok on her face. She can't help criticizing, no more that you or can stop breathing.. Could you do that with your mom? Just a suggestion... From the parent perspective, I know how much hurt the estrangement caused me, and I know parents love their children. I don't want to diminish how she has hurt you,I'm just saying that maybe she can't help herself.
  • lcjantzi

    Dear keithhendrickson,

    You seem to be sincerely searching for answers. I am in both worlds, that is, my adult children have estranged me and my parents act,sometimes, like "spoiled, entitled and abusive people; demanding that our relationship be on THEIR terms. A small example, I recently took a plane to visit them (they live in another state, about 2,000 mi. away) at significant cost (I'm on a fixed income) because it had been four months since I was there. they don't get much company, as my sibling, in the same town, has all but enstranged them and my other sibling lives 2 hrs. away and has a job.

    The day before I left, which was day 5, my dad called me a name and I asked him not to because it hurt my feelings. He thought it was funny. Later, he called me the same name again (it is a vile name, depicting sex with an animal). Again, I asked him to please stopping using that name because it was offensive to me. He claimed it was not offensive and called me the name again. I explained to him that I did not feel loved and like daughter when he called me that name and, again, I requested that he not use that name on me. He laughed it off but, though my mother laughed at first, she also told him to stop it.

    I think I understand, at least a little, how you feel. It is difficult to get to the point in a relationship where both parties willing to take responsibility for their part in the "desolution" of the relationship. Most people want the other to speak the "amends" first and then we will/might claim our part. The thing is, that most of these broken relationships are emotionally charged and some are super-senitized to hearing "explanations" as "excuses" because of the elaborate stories we tell ourselves. We sometimes "bathe" ourselves in these stories day after day until we thoroughly believe them to be the whole truth. For example, one of my adult children expressed to me that all of them agreed that I was the cause of their poor body-image and resulting eating disorders. They claim that I hounded their dad about his weight and they were all on a diet because of my obsession with his weight. The truth is, as a baby, my son was often sick with upper respiratory and double ear infections. A friend suggested changes in what I was feeding my family; it was radical (no sugar, white flour or highly processed food-stay as close to natural as possible). I hesitated to do it but I did it after a number of doctor visits and rounds of antibiotics left my toddler son more sick than he had been before the medicines. My son responded well to the new "diet" and I learned how to make things sweet with honey and maple syrup. My children would ask me to make certain food dishes and treats. I raised them on this way of eating. Also, they had no idea that their dad asked my help with keeping his weight down, as his family, were mostly obese and his father died of a massive heart attack. But my adult children seem to need someone to blame.

    I wasn't a perfect mom. I was passive when I should have been assertive. I was wrong about some of my beliefs. I came under fire because my siblings determined that I was too attentive to my children, too dedicated a mother. I guess maybe I made excuses for my teens because their father was arrested for a sex crime and neither they nor I saw it coming. The divorce took 2+ yrs. because I struggled with moving, finding new schools for my teens, finding and working a full-time job, dealing with their dad over child support, dealing with lawyers, psychologists (me & my teens),therapists (me and my teens), psychiatric nurse practitioners (for my daughter) & their pay, my teens acting out with drugs, sex, pregnancies, an abortion, my grandson in the hospital for months and his death, my daughter's suicide attempts and I had two operations and going through menopause.

    Keith, I guess what I want to say is, be sure you know the whole truth. We are made up of the same "fabric" as our parents. Be sure that you are open to understanding beyond what you see and have experienced. There may be better ways to set stronger boundaries with your parents. As for me, I will not let my dad call me that name without letting him know that it hurts our relationship and damages my respect for him as his daughter.

    Family relationships are sacred and we cannot cut one another off without also sustaining some damage to ourselves. I hope you can find a way to get the respect and love you desire because of your obvious desire to give respect and love, also.

    Would you be open to reading a book called, "Nonviolent Communication" by Marshall Rosenberg? It was helpful to me . I wish you all the best on your journey and I hope you never have to navigate the path of estrangement.

    • keithdhendrickson

      lcjantzi Thank you http://www.livefyre.com/profile/109640568/ for your response.  Thank you for sharing your story.  Unfortunately the damage I face myself by cutting off abusive relatives is a compromise I have to make; something I have to live and struggle with daily.  What you are saying is true.  We will never cut off a relationship without hurting ourselves.  But it's the only way to stop the cycle of abuse.  We have to find a way to live with our frustrations, our anger, and insecurities so we do not pass our negativity on to our children.

      The truth is, I don't know the whole story.  One thing I have learned is that, in many ways, I know very little about their lives.  I cannot begin to comprehend what others have gone through; their struggles, failures, their pain.  Honestly, even though I am always willing to listen, those things are none of my business.  But, when a bully hits you on the playground, understanding why they did it will help you to forgive them, but it won't keep it from happening again.  I understand and respect that others have experienced trials that I have not, but unfortunately we are all responsible for our behavior towards others.  Just my opinion.

    • The Scribe

      lcjantzi I agree that adult children sometimes "see" things which are NOT there at all. They form ideas from their experiences/thoughts/ observation while growing up but what they accuse their parents of might not have grounds. The non-truth could be very true to them probably through wrong interpretations of words and actions.

      Hey Keith,you should come to the East and see for yourself how "entitled" the parents here are,especially parents of the x-generation and of the baby-boomers. Parents of young adults who belong to the y and z generations have lost some of the "entitlement" that parents of the older generations take for granted. However,most of our "entitled" parents behave themselves but some do give their young adult children a tough time by being very demanding of their children -  their time and money. We are still traditional and filial piety is still the norm. A non-filial child will be criticised by relatives and close family friends. Thank you.

      • keithdhendrickson
        The Scribe lcjantzi Thanks for your response. There are many cultural and generational differences which cause tension in any child/parent relationship.  Times change and how we are expected culturally to treat our children and parents changes.  With my in-laws in particular, I've tried hard to appreciate this and take it intoMore consideration as they in do not accept me.  They are from a different era and a culture which is completely foreign to the one I was raised in (geographically and culturally).  Even still, I cannot accept abuse in my life.  Abuse will destroy your self worth, your marriage, your relationship with your children and will never end if you don't stand up to it.  I guess what I'm trying to say is that all I expect is to be treated with the same respect you would treat any adult.  Why should family be any different than any other relationship?  You treat them with respect because you know if you don't you will loose a friend very quickly if you don't.  But because we are family, it's ok to treat each other horribly.  After all you only have one family right?  - Just some thoughts.
        • The Scribe

          keithdhendrickson The Scribe lcjantzi

          Hi Keith,

          The problem here in the East is that few people see it as "abuse",especially the way they treat their daughters-in-law a few generations back. Of course,the situation is rapidly changing and soon it's going to be the daughters-in-law who will be doing the "bullying". 

          I agree that respect is of utmost importance. Family should not be any different. If we can treat friends,colleagues and neighbours with respect why can't we do it with family? Kindness and respect will end this estrangement problem that is largely plaguing the western world but has already reared its ugly head and disrupting many families.

          • keithdhendrickson
            The Scribe keithdhendrickson lcjantzi Yes, there is a fine line to walk between being the abused and being the abuser.  I live in the east, or rather the southeast haha, my in-laws are Polynesian, which you probably wouldn't think of as being an abusive culture, but it is what it is.  IMore know that in Asian cultures  especially revere the elderly which could lead to a lot of tension as you mentioned.
          • The Scribe

            keithdhendrickson The Scribe lcjantzi

            Hi Keith,

            You wrote that you live in the southeast. Of which part of the world,if I may ask? Could your in-laws be from Fiji or some Polynesian island? I live among Malays who have Polynesian ancestry. The Polynesians are a very gentle and likeable people yet abuse exists in any culture. 

            Revering the elderly (and people older than us) need not necessarily cause any tension if we simply accept the practice as part of a particular culture. Dissatisfaction arises when we question too much e.g. when you watch a fairy-tale on tv and you keep questioning this and that scene you won't be able to enjoy the story. We orientals are more simple-minded. We simply suspend our disbelief LOL and accept whatever practices bcs it's part of the culture. The young today (teens and adults too) feel that they must go against the norm just to showcase their individualism. We can always exert our individualism in ways that don't disrupt the norm of a society. 

            I mentioned that estrangement is rearing its ugly head here in the east bcs today's young people find it difficult to accept the culture of entitlement etc as a given.

          • keithdhendrickson

            The Scribe keithdhendrickson lcjantzi I am an American, which is where I was born and raised.  I live in Australia currently and my in-laws are New Zealand Polynesian, also living in Australia.  So as you can imagine, it took me a while to sort out what were socially and culturally acceptable differences and what was just abusive behavior.  I know that this is not part of their culture, it's just who they are as individuals.  The Polynesian culture is incredibly accepting and hospitable in most regards.

            As for you being Chinese, I can imagine with some of the recent western influences in China's culture and economy, there would be a lot of tension between the older family/community and "simple" philosophy which prevails with the elderly that you mentioned and the individualistic trends of western influences on youth.  Just some thoughts.

  • keithdhendrickson
    Wow I came here looking for some insight into my parent's perspective as it pertains to our estranged relationship, but everyone seems to be a victim here.  I don't think I've read one post where someone has taken responsibility for their own behavior.  I was NOT an easy kid toMore raise but while there are a lot of spoiled, entitled, and abusive kids there are also spoiled, entitled, and abusive parents.  What happens when a child matures and moves on but the parent is still practicing the same abusive habits; it's much harder for the someone to change who has been acting the way they have their entire life.  Very often relationships are cut off because, as an adult, you can see your parents behavior for what it is, rather than living in ignorance and denial as you did when you were a child.  I'm not perfect, but I'm not going to let any relationship, even if it's my parents, bring drama, insecurity, and abuse into my life, my family, my marriage.
    • NL Mom
      keithdhendrickson Yes Keith, there are a lot of victims here. We've had our hearts taken out of our chests and stepped on and trust me, we've spent months if not years trying to figure out why.If we knew what we were responsible for, we'd gladly carry that burden. And, weMore come here seeking answers and insight into why this is happening to us, so maybe we could learn what we did wrong. Trying to figure out where we went wrong and why consume many estranged parent's and it probably always will. Learning to live with the estrangement is all consuming, everyone here loved their child(ren) and if would gladly trade our limbs and eyes for a relationship with them. I don't see one spoiled, entitled or abusive parent here, I see parent's looking for answers, living with grief and despair, if that seems like something else to you, that's fair, it's hard to see ppl going through what these parent's are going through and understand it unless you've been there. Good luck and take care of yourself. I hope your relationship with your parent's, if not is mended, that you find peace with it.
    • Debbielg725752016
      Sounds like you have conquered not being a victim...
    • Roadtohappiness

      @ keithdhendrickson

      Yes there are allot of adults on this site that don't take responsibility for their actions, allot appear to have absolutely no idea what they did ? and are victims. In life it is not always possible to get along with everyone (weather it be family/ friends etc.). Sometimes relationships are just are not meant to be. There is reason and purpose behind everything (and this can be hard to understand).

      At the end of the day we need to put our own marriage, family, the people that are apart of our lives that help us, support us at the time, our relationship with God first. Stay away/ avoid people that are abusive, bring insecurity, drama into your life. It's the smart thing to do!

      As for you being a "difficult kid/ teenager) to raise...all kids/teenagers can be disobedient towards parents, kids lie, some steal, some kids have tantrums, some swear, some are shocking at school, some experiment. What children don't speak out, they act out!! Maybe not right, but it's apart of growing up, learning consequences and how to make better choices. It is completely normal to make bad decisions in life, especially as a child, teenager. Don't let anyone make you feel guilty for things you did as a child or teenager. The healthy thing to do is learn from these bad decisions.

      Take care.

    • Steve Drettler
      How about me as a father who was always loving and caring to his only daughter and after a very contentious divorce my daughter went over to her mother's Sid and hasn't spoken to me in 15 years I communicate thru texts Facebook etc she hasn't unfriended me but won'tMore answer back. My heart breaks everyday
      • keithdhendrickson
        Steve Drettler I'm very sorry Steve.  I don't know much about your relationship.  From personal experience though, I know it is very hard to tell your parents how you feel sometimes, especially when you know it will hurt their feeling.  It's easier to just cut them out and spare theirMore feelings from your anger and resentment, the whole time leaving them in the dark to try to piece together what could have gone wrong.  Maybe she blames you in some way because of the divorce.  Regardless, there is obviously something there that she is holding on to and is not comfortable talking to you about.  Like I said, I don't know your relationship, and it's none of my business, but thank you for your response Steve.  Hope things will get better someday for your daughter and you.
      • lcjantzi

        Steve Drettler from lcjantzi

        It is hard to believe sometimes how children often reject a very loving parent who is willing to talk about things and listen. I was sad to read that your daughter has carried her judgement and punitive behavior as long as 15 years! It's as if she remembers nothing of the loving and good things that you did for her. Or maybe it is because she cannot reconcile her relationship with you and maintain her relationship with her mother. It seems to me that our children's generation has little discernment or strength of character to see that you can love both parents that have divorced. In my case, it was obvious that their dad's sex offense and continued practice of it, was the cause of our divorce but I didn't ask them to not have a relationship with him. I only asked them to be careful around him; I knew that they would need to have some kind of relationship with him.

        I hope that your daughter grows to the point of understanding that you have been waiting for her and how long-suffering you have been. Maybe she takes you for granted because she can read your communiques and continue to punish you by not responding. I can't imagine any loving parent, such as yourself, deserving of such continued punitory action.

        I made a very conscious decision NOT to communicate with my adult children anymore. Here's what I thought: They haven't responded to my continued, loving communication for over two years now. (I don't know how you have carried on for 15 yrs., Steve, but I may find out.)  I have come to accept that they have rejected me as their mom. So be it. I can't change their mind though I've tried everything I know to do. I decided to write them one last time and let them know that I am at peace with the idea that we may never see or speak with each other again. This wasn't easy to write to them or to live with after sending it but I do feel a bit lighter and more peaceful.

        Steve, I've said plenty. I hope you can find your way to peace on this path of estrangement that we have been forced to navigate. As one dedicated parent to another, I'm on your side.

      • Debbielg725752016
        Hi Steve,. My son went a solid 12years without talking with me. We have talked and even spent time together but he continues to be unavailable and angry far too often. I see a counselor. I continue to text him but I believe heMore never reads them. It is a deep despair and I am sorry for you and have great empathy. Wish I had a magic wand! ~ Debbie
        • NL Mom
          Debbielg725752016 Debbie, I have to ask, after so long, how did he approach you to restart the relationship, and did you find that difficult? Can you trust him not to do it again? I haven't seen my son is almost two years, last contact was a FB message eight monthsMore ago. I don't know if I could let my son back into my life. I wouldn't be able to look at him with any respect or warmth.
          • Debbielg725752016
            Thank you for the insight. Very helpful
          • NL Mom
            Debbielg725752016 Hi Debbie, sorry if I am dragging this conversation on. I know it's tough sometimes to even speak or think about our estranged children. Could it be that your son is frustrated with himself? I know of an instance where the son tried to establish communication with him momMore but he didn't know how to do it, he felt like an idiot, and couldn't look his mom in the eye out of guilt. Just a thought.
          • Debbielg725752016

            He didn't approach me

            After a 12 year search I found him

          • The Scribe

            NL Mom Debbielg725752016

            I agree with you NL Mom. Any child who can ignore his parents for months and years are not worth the trouble. How could you feel any respect or warmth for such a child? Not more than 6 months is reasonable. Anything over a year is overstepping the boundary of decency.

      • NL Mom
        Steve Drettler Heartbreaking Steve, I'm so sorry for you. I have a friend in the same situation, he has three daughters. He doesn't talk about them much but when he does you can see the pain in his face. I'm sure you think that your ex wife had something toMore do with it, and even if she didn't (which I doubt) she should have encouraged your daughter to have a relationship with you.
  • JohnDashnerIII

    My father and I have been semi-estranged for about twenty five years now (since I moved out). We really haven't had a good relationship since  my preteens. I can remember physical threats being  made if i were to say the wrong  (at about five or six years old), not to mention getting spanked VERY severely with a wooden racket over bad grades in the third grade. 

    Thing is, even after threatening me as a little child, he thought it was perfectly okay to constantly make remarks about my weight in high school. They even had me sent to a therapist in order to find out why i wasn't relating to other people my age.

        My mother made the  to move me I out after my entry level discharge from the Navy. My father then started using his house as control, and would tell me i was not welcome there unless I did exactly what he wanted, even if he was sticking his nose where it was not wanted. He would view my visits as an opportunity to criticize me about things in my life which he did not agree with, then would act puzzled when i would leave and not come back. 

      Fast forward to two years ago, my mother had a stroke and was put in a nursing home. He talked glibly about how it was going to bring us  'closer  together'. Three phone calls to him the following week lasted no more than five minutes apiece. That hasn't changed in a year and a half, regardless of who calls who. He will call when there is something to tell me about the nursing home, that's about it. I only wish we could have a relationship, but looking  it never seems like it was that way.

    • Leftnlonely
      That is very sad. One day your dad is going to bel a very lonely man. Sounds like you gave i t your best shot. Sounds like he won't let anyone into his world. Try again sometime. Leftnlonely
      • JohnDashnerIII
        Leftnlonely Oh he does, but they are people who cater to his every whim. Some of his old friends have even stopped talking to him, this is on account of his feeling entitled to say anything he likes to anyone, no matter how rude.
      • The Scribe

        Leftnlonely How are things with you,Lady? Move on and make your life worth living. Life is short so make it sweet. 

        Allow me to present an analogy on life. 

        There are 3 types of Chinese tea - bitter,sweet and mild. The sweet tea does not need sugar bcs it's naturally sweet,the bitter tea can never be sweetened no matter how much sugar you add in and the mild tea is to clear your mouth of the bitter/sweet tastes. Many people forget and drink all their sweet tea in their youth,leaving them with only bitter tea in their old age. The Buddha tells us to leave some sweet tea for the later part of our life.

        • Leftnlonely
          Lefynlonely . That was a very good analogy. Very good advise. I even got myself a partime job at a dinner theater as a hostess. Whichnis very flexable. The people all all very happy for a night out for dinner and a show. More So iam around mostly all happy people. Its been fun. So iam trying to help myself but it was a hard push. I still miss my son and think snout him but iam not as upset.
  • Missingbill
    My son Bill stopped talking to me about 7 years ago. It's a long dramatic story. A councillor told me I should have a funeral for him, because their has never been any closure. I'm considering sending out some invites (as support) and buying a new black outfit for theMore day( to help cheer me up). Thoughts & opinions please? Would ordering flowers be "over the top"?
    • NL Mom
      @Missingbill Your councillor needs to find a new line of work. A funeral? Do know of anyone who has a lost a child, had to stand there while they lowered their childs casket into the ground? Unfortunately I too am estranged from my child but I know that as sadMore as our situations are, every single parent how has buried a child would switch places with you or I in a heartbeat. Further to this, imagine if your son found about his "funeral" do you not think he would he hurt, that there is any context he could view that in as ok? I know you're hurt and I have to admit, I've been angry for months and can't get past it but I don't project my anger on anyone else (ok I'll admit the punk who cut me off yesterday got two fingers and some not so choice words). I hope you get past whatever stage you're at now and keep moving through the stages until you are at a point that the hurt is something you can deal with. I hope to forgive my son for the hurt he has caused me but that doesn't mean I am hoping to have a relationship with him. I've hoping to accept the situation and get on with my life. I hope the same for every parent here.
    • The Scribe

      @Missingbill Due to cultural differences I would tell you NOT to do such a thing. Maybe westerners or white people are not superstitious like us in the East. There is a Malay (the language we use here) word called 'pantang' or taboo in English. We believe words and actions can bring good luck or misfortunes. That is the reason why if there's nothing good to say it's best to just keep quiet.

      I am really an "observer" as I'm not directly involved in estrangement from adult children. I like to read the posts here and engage in discussions. 

      Here in the East we are still traditional and our young adults still have much filial piety toward their "entitled" parents but most of the parents here do their duty and behave themselves. 50 years ago the parents here were even more "entitled" but there was no such a thing as estrangement. I think this started with the x-generation in the west or could it have strated with the babay-boomers? here in the East it started with the y-generation but we could see this non-aggressive cancer slowly spreading. Whatever the case may be I'm now observing two young adults (both girls,both well-educated,both married to well-educated men who hold well-paid jobs) in my extended family behaving against the norm,meaning they are becoming unfilial. 

      Kindly let me apologise in advance if what I wrote in paragraph 1 offended you but you did as fo thoughts and opinions. Thank you

      • Missingbill
        Thank you for your honest advice The Scribe.
  • lcjantzi

    Thank all of you who responded to me. It feels so good to be heard by those who can understand. I appreciate that you are here for me and allowing me to be there for you.

    I want to say here that I believe there is a "process" that I've gone through since my experience being estranged. Maybe it is much like processing a loved one's death or any loss like divorce. Though it may be unique to each person and your circumstances. For me, it seemed to follow a pattern of hurt, confusion/ denial, realization, anger and acceptance. The hardest part for me was going through the confusion, getting stuck in the anger and, my many attempts to get to acceptance (one step forward, two steps back). I don't feel any shame for being or staying in any one of these "stages" for the length of time that I needed to, in order to complete the process thoroughly. AND, I reserve the right to "back-slide" when something or someone "triggers" me. Being human, I'm complicated. But it is obvious to all that it is difficult to navigate this painful issue with our children/family that has become a seeming pandemic in the world we live.

    From time to time I remember to "coach" myself with the Grace that I believe that God would give me. I tell myself, "You're angry now, but you will work through this. Give yourself time, rest, some healing balm and tackle it again tomorrow. You're almost there."

    • NL Mom
      lcjantzi Thanks for posting! Your way of dealing with estrangement sounds so much like mine. I've been stuck in the anger stage for about five months now and I am trying to get past it but I seem to be stuck here. I'm trying to get to being indifferent butMore I can't imagine how it would feel.
  • lcjantzi

    I want to say here that I believe there is a "process" that we go through when we experience being estranged. Maybe it is much like processing a loved one's death or any loss like divorce. Though it is unique to each individual and the circumstances. It can follow a pattern of hurt, confusion/ denial, realization, anger and acceptance. The hardest part for me was going through the confusion, getting stuck in the anger and, my many attempts to get to acceptance (one step forward, two steps back). I don't feel any shame for being or staying in any one of these "stages" for the length of time that I needed in order to complete the process thoroughly. AND, I reserve the right to "back-slide" when something or someone "triggers" me. Being human, I'm complicated. But it is obvious to all that it is difficult to navigate this painful issue with our children/family that has become a seeming pandemic.

    From time to time I "coach" myself with the Grace that I believe that God would give me. I want to say, "You're angry now, but you will work through this. Give yourself time, rest, some healing balm and tackle it again tomorrow. You're almost there."

    • Debbielg725752016
      Thank you
  • Leftnlonely
    I have terrible days when I just want this all to stop.  I will apologize or do anything but takes to at least be abke to talk to my son and have a better relationship.  Life is to short.  For this we neec to make amends butbwith no wsy toMore communicate what can you fo.  Iam so heart broken
  • Leftnlonely

    Someone just please tell me how this all happened to begin with. My son and i were best friends forvthe past 8 years traveled together hsd many laughs . He went bsck with an old girlfriend that he told me hurendous stories about why they broke up. Then she comes bsckmin his life. He doesnt tell me at first. But decides to tell me. Iam shocked amd not sure what to say

    He adkse if she can come to the house i dsy well i guess if your going to be together i should get used to it and here she is. 6 weeks later they get married snd i get the dump. I was good to her i thought she liked me and all was mutual. Mow we are all estranged. And u csnt figure any if it out. Any help out there. Please

    • JohnDashnerIII
      Leftnlonely I'm sorry, it sounds like what your son did hurt you terribly. It might have been his girlfriend's doing.
  • Leftnlonely
    To the scribe...i totslly agree. I never thought of it that way before. It all m akes sence. Iam.only b 5vmo into this abomination, and my son got married at the same time he abondon me. I still.miss him and wonder if this will everMore chsnge. Leftnlonely
    • The Scribe

      Leftnlonely Dear Lady,

      Do not feel so bad bcs you had done your duty by your son. He's the one who should search his heart. Almost all parents do their best for their children and worry about them. Many Asian parents still go to the extent of financing the first property for every child. It's crazy but all well-heeled Asian parents do that. I don't believe parents should go to that extent. Giving them a good basic education (up to first degree) is enough. The rest is up to them.  

      Parents have to look out for themselves in old age. Make sure you're financially stable so that you're in control of your life. Enough of grieving. Once you've sorted out your thoughts and feelings start enjoying life. He's not worth wasting away your whole life. Move on and start living for yourself. If my adult child betrays my love and sacrifices I would turn the table on him,leave the ball in his court and make him the guilty one. In the East parents always win hands down. Then I would go out and live life to the fullest. Travel (come to the east),eat,wear comfortable good clothes,go to the casino and play a little for the fun of it hehe generally do whatever you enjoy.

      • Leftnlonely
        Thank-you so much SCRIBE. You put it all in perspective. Thank you.. big help.
        • The Scribe

          Leftnlonely You're welcome. I empathise bcs I feel for someone in my extended family who is experiencing negligent and callous young adult children (they have not dared go to the extent of cutting off the parents). Now that their father is sick they are trying to wriggle their way out of doing their duty. In the east,particularly where I live,this kind of behaviour is still rare bcs the majority of the population are muslims. The teachings of Islam forbid children to wrong their parents. 

          I do not want to have to experience this first hand as to be treated unkindly and unjustly by one's own children after going thru' so much sacrifice and hard work is indeed very painful. 

          May your son come to his senses soon. Meanwhile,take care of yourself,especially your health.

          • Leftnlonely
            Iam sure hes not coming to his sences in my life time. My health is good as far as i know. I just have to accept what has happened not knowing why. Hopeing that karma really is out there. And remembering the More good times. Thats all i can do. Bill still he checking in here fir support. Becsuse ill always need that
  • MumofThree

    Hi Everyone, I'm newly estranged from my eldest son (February). He lives with his fiancee and their 15 month old daughter. Although I haven't been allowed to see them, my youngest son (12) has been visiting as I felt it important for him to sustain a relationship with his brother and neice. However when my youngest has been returning from recent visits he's been complaining that my son's fiancee hasn't been very nice to him and his big brother has not intervened.

    Also, every so often I send my estranged son an email (only communication left open by him) saying that I miss him and love him but recently he's answered twice saying he wishes I was dead.

    I'm now worried about allowing my younger son's visits. I'm worried that they will be a bad influence on him. If my estranged son can message me things like that, if he can use my granddaughter as a pawn then surely he wouldn't think twice about using his little brother?

    Tonight I plan to have a talk with my young son and explain that he cannot visit his brother again. Explain that as a family we're "backing off" until things have cooled down. There's also a part of me hopes that with no family link then my estranged son may just begin to think about the situation.

    Thoughts please....

    From mumofthree xxxc

    • JohnDashnerIII
      MumofThree  No son who loves his mother would EVER say that, he should be ashamed.
    • NeedForPeace

      MumofThree I am so sorry for the difficult and painful situation. If you fear for your youngest son when he visits his oldest brother, then you need to protect your 12 yo. Perhaps instead of visits, the 12 yo can talk on the phone.

      Even though it feels impossible now, perhaps occasional emails or cards will keep a line of communication open and leave open the possibility of a reconcilement when your oldest son works through whatever is causing his need for distance.

    • Healing Heart

      That's a sad thing to hear from our adult kids, kind of feel the daughter in law may be the culprit ti this strife. If your younger son is being mistreated and your older son made that remark, then go with instinct.. Your older son can call him or write emails back and forth. There is a chance your older son may cut you off entirely, but he doesn't seem to be giving you the respect you deserve.

      As for the continued emails from you to him, I've been there but not with such severe response as what you recieved. What I learned after all my kind emails reminding my own how much I loved her because felt it was important for her to know that and not getting acknowledged is that it became more painful, nobody likes rejection...so I stopped altogether because it's just important that I feel loved and if not from her, from myself.

      I only have one, if I had another that's a minor I'd just focus on that one and eventually the other one can live with their words that I'm sure he regrets but will not see if you come back with words of any magnitude. Silent respond do what he said will be something he has to live with....don't be a doormat/victim, take your power back.

      Just my thoughts...go with your intuition and wishing you the best!

      • Missingbill
        Bill stopped talking to me 7 years ago. I only have one also. I focus just on one. How do I take my power back, because I'm not a doormat?
        • Leftnlonely
          To MissingBill. Thatsxa tough one. Arecyou saying you only have 1cchild and its Bill. Do you have,other children's abd hes the only son??
    • The Scribe

      MumofThree Wow. Poor mom. How could he say that of his own mom? All I can say is he's immature. A mature person would wish his mom good health and longevity. 

      We in the east NEVER curse our parents. Islam is the official religion where I live though I'm not muslim. Islam teaches that heaven is at your mother's feet and if your mother curses you 7 times the curse will come true. Being filial to your mother brings you greater blessings than being filial to your father but in Islam (as well as in buddhism) it is a big sin to ill-treat one's parents/elders. We don't dare ill-treat our parents. Even today,young muslim adults treat their parents very very well as compared to young adults of other faiths. I do envy the muslim parents here and respect their adult children.

  • Healing Heart
    Sometimes you can go either way in parenting, tough love or tender hearted but if they cut you off as adults then you can't blame yourself. We are adults here and it's an even playing ground, I used to give my parenting report card an F but then now IMore give the daughter card one too. I'm no longer parenting, that job ended when she became an adult. Live and let live...not worth losing quality of my life to someone that can't play nice!
    • Roadtohappiness

      @Healing Heart

      Allot of angry mothers on this site. "I used to give my parenting report card an F but then now I give the daughter card one too"....then you continue on to write: "not worth losing quality of my life to someone that can't play nice!" Just out of interest, what do you give YOUR DAUGHTER on her "report card"? I hope it's nice.

      • Healing Heart

        Most are just hurt, this ain't a place to pass judgement. Choosing to no longer play victim shouldn't be dictated as anger. Being too hard on oneself compromises health, which I strongly believe nobody is worth that.

        That day her grade would have been poor, but hey my long story, only walking in my shoes would be clear picture. Take care road to happiness, we are all after the same thing, just got different ways of coping

      • Healing Heart
        most are just hurt, choosing to no longer play the victim doesn't dictate anger. not gonna lie, on that day it wasn't a good grade but hey long story, only person in my shoes, my story would understand . But this ain't a place to judge!More Take care Road to happiness we all got our own way of getting there.
  • Leftnlonely

    Leftnlonely. Well like they say karma will get you

    After all my entitled som hasx done to me and how he has shut me out

    His vehicle was stolen last night. Minimal insurance, so no.help there. No way for him snd his wife to get to work. No way y to get groceries and no friends becsuse they have also cut them off becsuse all they need is love and each other. Wonder how thats working now. Sometimes it does come around

    • Spirited Lady
      Leftnlonely Let's hope they learn from this and reach out for help and relationship.  Unfortunately, many don't change.  Many just blame others and excuse themselves, not making the link.
      • The Scribe

        Spirited Lady Leftnlonely

        Looks like many of today's young adults learnt from Robinson Crusoe LOL but even he needed his Man Friday. I've heard that they also cut off all their friends and colleagues (they only communicate while at work) as if they only need each other. Karma indeed!!!

        • Leftnlonely

          Leftnlonely. To the Scribe. Thst is exactlyvwhst he does every friend but 1 has been cut out of his life. He only socializes at work. That's it. He has very few friends he keeps in contact with. His best friends are gone but older friends hes had msny years ago he has contacted once again

          Oh my daughter and i eill NEVER get caught in this agsin. He has run out of luck with the entire family. Thank you for noticing me.

          • The Scribe

            Leftnlonely You're welcome,Lady. 

            Indeed,I'm wondering what's wrong with many young adults today. How come they have become so insular - insular like some americans LOL bcs the US is cut off from the continents of asia,europe and africa by the atlantic ocean. People from the UK or the scandinavian countries or a country in western europe know about south-east asia but few americans do (hopefully I don't offend well-travelled/well-read americans). 

            Minds become insular when people cut themselves off from others.

    • lcjantzi
      Thanks for your post. I am so relieved to hear this. This means you don't have to do anything about the car. I know that would've been a hard step to take, so I'm glad that they will get this chance to learn from their choices. Now, to be strongMore enough not to rescue them, right? Know that I'm cheering for you.
      • Leftnlonely
        Thanks si very much i need that cheer to Icjantri from leftnlonely. Time is helping. Not alot but got to crawl before we can walk. Lefynlonely
      • Leftnlonely
        Its,a different car i still have to pay for the ladt one. That one wasnt stolen it was sold. I didnt sign for the stolen one his sister did.
        • The Scribe
          Leftnlonely Looks like your son made use of both you and your daughter. He lost nothing and still made money from the car he sold bcs you still have to repay the loan. Insurance will deduct a sum of money from the amount they pay out called "caution money" toMore teach us to be careful with our cars. Your daughter would still have to repay the loan. In both instances your son came out unscathed. Do not let him manipulate you/your family again.
          • Leftnlonely
            He will never have or get a chance tobdo tjis again ever.
  • chokonoko

    So far my adult children still do not have any contact.

    Maybe I am fooling myself but I am actually happier than I have ever been.I was a mess when they did have contact with me. I did not see it, I was blind.

    I would work all the time, all my money went to them. I could note even afford underwear, crazy, isn't it!

    I am at peace that I did all I could, that I am a good person and I was a fantastic mom.

    As long as I now know I did my best.

    I was all broken, but my happiness and a fruitful life is now not based on my children. I will leave the door open but no longer a fool.

    If they want contact or not that is their choice.

    I am now in the process of having a wonderful life. I am now able to laugh.

    I truly though in the beginning I was worthless because of their rejection but now I see that they have my ex's personality, they have inherited ugliness and lack of empathy.

    Meanwhile I will travel, sell my house in California, buy a cute little home (paid) and as long as it is near a hospital, senior center I will have plenty to do.

    I am doing good with my beekeeping, selling my honey and won first place/ blue ribbon for my honey at the fair.

    • Spirited Lady
      chokonoko Good for you!  You sound very healthy.  It's a process.  Even in the best of circumstances learning to live independently from ones children and child rearing responsibilities is a process... and learning to relate to our children as adults, accepting their decisions about lifestyle and the amount of contact.More  Bu all of us have more extreme situations to adjust to.  Like i say, it's a process and you seem to have done the work to get to a happy place.  Congratulations!
    • Leftnlonely
      Sounds like uour doing very well. I have noticed iam happier too, but i still do miss my son. We were so close and traveled so much. Iam still at a lose. Alrhough i have to say i dont miss running to the airport More 3 times a week to pick him up and take him back , he works for a major airline and if his flight goes out lster inbthe day he comes to my house so he dont have to dleep in the crew lounge. So.its 1130 pm to get him. Then 530am to take him back. Not much sleep. I want to get to the point you are at. Your doing so well .
    • Lydia Alexandra
      chokonoko Fantastic !!  Take care of the bees as they are not as plentiful as they once were.  Best wishes to you. X
      • The Scribe

        Lydia Alexandra chokonoko

        Take care of them bcs they take care of you by letting you earn from selling the honey. And the blue ribbon too! Congrats.

    • lcjantzi
      I feel happy for you because you've found the freedom that I am just embarking on in my life without contact from my children. Thank you for sharing and giving me a boost to keep living my life guilt-free and still productive.
  • RebeccaW_ParentalSupport

    The Scribe 

    Thank you for your question.  We appreciate your

    interest in our site and in our articles.  Here at Empowering Parents it

    is our goal to provide a supportive atmosphere in our comments section for

    parents who are struggling with the issues presented in our articles.  We

    publish comments from people of all backgrounds and with varying opinions, but

    since we can’t publish every comment, we do limit comments which are off-topic

    or which are criticizing another parent’s choices.  We really want to

    preserve a supportive atmosphere where parents can learn some new tools and

    receive help.  Thank you for reaching out for clarification.

  • lcjantzi

    attempts, the months of hospital stay for my grand baby where I spent many days and hours while almost losing my job, his death and his dear mom's broken heart and more suicide attempts. Oh, and lest I forget, I'm going through menopause this whole time. Well, maybe I just did the best darn job I could and all my mistakes don't wipe out all the loving things I did.

    But it takes work to sort out the truth and love to cover over mistakes (I'm not talking real abuse, here) and 20 and 30 year olds just don't seem to have the time for it or maybe the brain development, I don't know. What I do know is that my life is more peaceful without these broken relationships and I don't desire to have those relationships. What I continue to hope, pray and believe for, are reconciled relationships with these people, based on mutual respect. I've done all I know to do to for my part. I'm open to learning new was of communicating, different approaches to to problem-solving, and creative ways of connecting to family. God helping me, I will wait and try to maintain a strong and loving place for my adult children.

    What is impossible for people, is possible with God. Between the wrong-doing and the right-doing there is a field. I'll meet you there...

  • lcjantzi

    I'm having one of my angry days when reading to catch up with the new posts on this website. Spirited Lady wrote that we should consider giving our 20-somethings some time for their brains to develop. Well, I did that and then I was estranged. It's been two and a half years and I've wondered many times if it would have been better for me to just ave called-out my oldest on her lying, manipulating and controlling behavior when she was in her twenties. Maybe she would've respected me for requiring that she give me the respect and consideration that she gave to the other people in her life but as her mother. But no, I thought she would grow out of it. I attributed it to the complications of her dad's arrest and the subsequent divorce, her need to make "mistakes" as part of her self-discovery, her need to focus on her boyfriend, then husband and his family, her need to establish her family as she had children, and on and on until she made it clear that MY need(s) didn't matter and I should "just stop feeling that way".

    I use to feel guilty because a big part of me was relieved that I didn't have to persevere any longer. I didn't have to deal with her game playing, lying and interference in my relationship with my other two adult children. But what really tops it off is how these "adult" children go to the extent of putting us in a position of having to be the one to do something that they know will make us look bad. In the case of "Leftnlonely", she will have to stop the payments and/or repossess the car. In my case, it was not giving a large amount of money as cash.

    They are the ones who have damaged the relationship but they play out to make us look unfair, unreasonable, unloving.

    They would be right in saying that I wasn't a good parent because, in hindsight, I should've stood up to them in a strong way during that time and disregarded the fear of risking the loss of my relationship with them. Maybe it had something to do with their dad's sexual deviancy arrest, going through the divorce, starting a new job, a daughter with an unplanned pregnancy, their use of drugs, their suicide

    • Leftnlonely
      You cannot be responsible fir other peoples actions only your iwn. Dont blame yourself. We all had. Stepping stones to jump over. But you jumpeddony blsme yourself. Did you get the instruction booklets at birth? Me neither.
    • Leftnlonely
      We were to good of parent's. Thats the problem wecwete to good to them. Yes i agree you shold have stoodbup to her in her twentys. I should have stood up to ly son then too but also didnt . Hes now 40 and has tossed meMore to the wind. After many years of being so close i died inside. We will remain estranged he set the stage and iam done . This site helped me to be so strong. Yes i will always miss him. I will not alliw him to run my life deplete money and all the drama 10 ppl couldnt stand. Life is much calmer without the drama. I will always miss him we had 8byears of fabulous vacations and a millon laughs. Didnt know i was being set up
    • Spirited Lady

      lcjantzi Sounds like you're still blaming yourself... playing the "what if" game.  When I talked about giving them time I wasn't talking about accepting abuse.  I never experienced that from my son.  During his high school and college years he went through a lot of ups and downs with me but never what my husband or I felt was abuse.  Once in high school he used profanity and my husband told him "We don't talk like that in this house."  He apologized.  Although he was sometimes moody because of other things going on... or not happening ... in his life and he had various issues with me (I tend to be late, we had an exchange student he resented), my son and I had many delightful times together when he was in college and afterwards.  It seemed to depend upon the attitude of his girlfriend at the time, or whether he had one.

      When he got engaged, however, he told me "You are losing a son and you are not gaining a daughter.  You are not to treat her like a friend and you will not be part of our life."  Apparently that was part of their marriage contract.  I thought at the time this was related to his issues with me, with his father's death, etc.  Yes,he said it was "because of my behavior.".  But it's 6 years later and it's become clear to me that It's not about me or my son, it's about his wife and her need for control.  What they meant by my behavior was my taking her to lunch, entertaining her family for Thanksgiving and inviting her to live with us for a few months so she could take a job she wanted in our community.  Last year she informed me that communication from me is unwelcome. (I sent her emails a couple times a year.)  That's rude, but it's not abusive.  I simply don't communicate with her now.  My son has communicated with me less and less as his life moves on.  He sends a 2-word text greeting on my birthday and Christmas and responds to requests for info about gifts.  It must be sad for him as well.  But he'll never leave those kids and I don't want him to.  I just pray the other parts of his life work well.  But I'm concerned about the attitude and the impact on the children.  My son said I could only be "a name on a card."  So I send gifts to his toddlers with loving notes from Grandma.  

      So, you see, there are a lot of different situations.  But, no, I do not advise accepting abuse in any form.  And I do not advise sending gifts the way I do if they are a source of abuse.  

      Your daughter sounds narcissistic.  If so, her relationships with others may not be as respectful as you think.  It's ok to be angry with yourself for accepting years of manipulative, abusive behavior.  You need that anger to stop allowing it.  But you don't need to feel guilty about being loving in spite of abuse when your child was an adult.  If you allowed it when she was a child, then, yes, you taught her that as a way to deal with life.  But you're not responsible for her choices as an adult.

    • The Scribe

      lcjantzi Here in the East it is considered shameful for adult children to neglect/ignore the parents so when parents voice this out to friends (their own and those of their children) or family the young adults feel offended with the parents. If I really hear something unpleasant about the parents I would tell them "if you feel ashamed then don't do it". I read that in the West it is the parents,especially the moms who feel shame about estrangement or being cut off by their adult children. Our cultures seem to be at opposite ends. 

      You wrote -  "in hindsight, I should've stood up to them in a strong way during that time and disregarded the fear of risking the loss of my relationship with them." There are actually two sides to a coin. Being too tough could also bring negative results. However,I notice that always giving in and giving them everything (buying their love) could also end up the same way. That's why I wrote much earlier here that bringing up kids is like kite-flying i.e. how would parents know when to let go the string/how much to let go and when to pull it back/how much to pull back. Kite-flying is a highly skilled sport so one needs to practise but in parenting there is no such thing as perfect,no matter how many kids yo have.

      If your adult child deems it fit to ignore his/her own mom/dad then let it be. Do not hanker after them. Once you stop clamouring for them they will come to you. Once you stop bothering they will get worried. I remember I wanted my parents' approval until the day they passed away so I guess it's the same with all children.

    • violetlace

      lcjantzi I totally agree with you when you say 'they are the ones who have damaged the relationship but they play out to make us look unfair, unreasonable unloving'.  I too have walked on eggshells for so long as I knew one word from me that would even look like criticism would send him running and yet his father and I are the ones that are always in the wrong.  About a year ago we were invited to my son's and his girlfriend's house to see if we could put things right but my son sat in the chair with his head down the whole time and let his girlfriend ridicule us and tear away at our core values.  She spoke for my son apparently when she said we thought Dad (yes she calls us Mum and Dad) should have had a different kind of surgery (he had bladder cancer) so that it would make it easier when we went out together.  (He takes longer in a washroom as he now has to catheterize)!! 

      The girlfriend has been a guest in my sister's home where she pretended to massage my sister's knee (she has arthritis) and told everyone later that she had pressed hard on the knee because she didn't believe my sister had anything wrong with her knee!   She said I did it to test her!!  My son said nothing!

      I too feel angry, I am determined my son or his girlfriend will not disrespect me ever again.  I have cut off all correspondence to him, if he wants to mend this relationship the ball is in his court.  (By the way my son is 50 years old)  I am at the point where I am wanting to change my will to leave all to charity and to people who do respect me.  My husband wants us to hold off but he too feels it is almost hopeless.

      My anger does subside and I am carrying on my life and enjoying it, I see no alternative.  I am determined that they will not ruin my life.

      • lcjantzi

        Violet lace

        I needed your reply. It was so affirming to me when you used the words, "walking on eggshells". Oh, phew, you got it! That's exactly how I felt, increasingly, for almost 10 years.

        I felt sad that your son allowed his girlfriend to talk to his parents about such a grave matter and without any empathy but you've indicated that this is a just one of a series. I wonder if your son's overt posture displayed his inner, silent shame and/or turmoil. In any case, I'm sure you were looking for him to speak up. Even to say he agreed would at least let you know where you stood with HIM. What I mean is, I was able to deal more easily with my middle daughter's out-and-out anger at me rather than when she allowed her older sister to do all the communicating.

        I, too, have seriously contemplated the idea of changing my will but I felt that had to wait until my anger no longer influenced my decision. I'm almost there and I think the time is a factor. It's been 2.5 years and I'll wait another six months and probably make the major changes. What makes it harder is that I'd like to leave it to my grandchildren but have no way to get their SS numbers.

        I'm enjoying my life too. I'm still hopeful and it will not define my life either.

        Thanks again for your reply!

      • Lydia Alexandra

        violetlace lcjantzi I envy people like you who as you say - i am carrying on my life and enjoying it.  Its probably because you have a partner, whereas my partner had trouble keeping his zipper up, was a gambler and cleaned us out.  I therefore worked 2 jobs to put my son through a private education and i purchased a house that on my 60th i finally paid off.  Over the years i lost all contact with people/friends as i was working whilst my son was at school and working whilst he slept with a paid child minder staying in.  

        I think thats why it has hit me so hard, and has totally crushed me.  I now have inflammation of the colon and depression big time.  I am so dead inside that its as if i sleepwalk.  My son also totally abandoned me once he met someone.  What he owns i gave to him all my inheritance as i know he's frugal and clever with money.  I dont regret it nor resent it to be honest, but he has totally wiped me out of his life.  At 68 where do you go and start somewhere again, as i have this incredible desire to pack and leave and live elsewhere, downsize and spend my money on me, pampering myself as thats what i did for others for over 22 years (thus giving me flexibility to see my son in all the things he was performing in at school) .  

        The idea of having a decent hairdresser and not DIY (here in the UK i lost my pension in the recession and solely exist on the state pension) have lovely massages and reflexology, go on nice trips with Saga (holidays for those over 50 and many are single) instead of living in this existence. 

        When your sons girlfriend spoke on his behalf did you not say to him - and what do you thing ?  Why was he so reluctant to talk for himself.  It appears to me that she has earbashed him about it, and wanting her not to leave him he has gone alone with what she says.  If he honestly thought what she is saying was right would he not voice his opinion, after all its his body not hers.  

        Your son behaves like my father, for peace sake goes along with it all, but when there is nobody to blame (in my case everything that was wrong with my mothers life was my fault) because you will passed on - he wont know what hit him.  After i left home my mother totally destroyed my father and he had a complete breakdown.  He was a vicar and the church sacked him.  

        One of the things i learned years ago - though didnt use it with my son is - WE TEACH PEOPLE HOW TO TREAT US.  I applaud your strength of character in how you get on with things.  I too have felt like changing my will and leave it to whoever ends up taking care of me in my latter years.  I cant see any change where my son would want to make me part of his life.  

        Best wishes to you all. X

        • Leftnlonely
          I dont have a partner either and yes it is much harder and takes longer to recovery and realize what actually happened to us and what did we do. We dud the bestvwe knew hiw and if wecwould have known how to do it betterMore we would have. I didnt get the instructions at nirth woth my son. How,about you. Stay with us here. They are helping me and its great to feel not alone
        • Spirited Lady
          Lydia Alexandra violetlace lcjantzi Lydia, why don't you follow your dreams?  Just continue imagining where you would move and how you would live.  Focus on that instead of your loss.  Our feelings just happen, but then we get to decide what to do with them, about them.  You choose whether to stayMore depressed and sleepwalking, feeling sorry for yourself and focusing on all you've sacrificed and how mistreated you've been or to start planning a new life.  To me, at 75, 68 doesn't seem all that old.  Look into your options.  I know you have health problems, so take your time, get information about care as you age.  In the US there are apartment complexes for seniors.  They have activities and are close to doctors.  Is there something like that in England?
          • Lydia Alexandra
            Spirited Lady Lydia Alexandra violetlace lcjantzi Thank you, but i would hate to live in a place like that.  My GP told me when i had my pre-op assessment that i should live well into my 90's as apart from arthritis i have no ailments.  The colon inflammation is just recent due toMore stress. If i wanted to live in such a complex best to go back to Australia where the weather is very much in my favour.  I dont think i am ready for anything like that yet but thank you for your imput much appreciated.
      • The Scribe
        violetlace lcjantzi Bravo to you violetlace. Leave the ball in his court. Turn the table around so it becomes his problem,not yours. If he does not see the necessity to reconcile rewrite that will. If tyhey don't respect the parents they don't deserve their hard-earned money. Better still,enjoy yourmoney while you can.More Travel,eat,whatever.
  • moving on
    leftnlonely - Cant you refuse to pay your loan payments on the car and have it repossessed?  Best to take some control over the situation than allow it to control you.
    • Leftnlonely
      I have no choise but ti pay it. Its in my name only. Lesson well learned the gard way. In a year it will be paid
      • Leftnlonely
        Yes i did talk to the lender. And its justvthat my name is on the loan i have to pay the loan will never ever ever happen ahain. Dumb mom. Leftnlonely
      • Spirited Lady
        Leftnlonely Apparently you paid with a loan that did not use the car as collateral.  That seems very odd.  Yes, the lesson learned was yours.  Have you talked to the lender to see whether there's any possibility of reducing the payments?
    • Leftnlonely
      No he sold the car almost a year ago i asked him to pay the loan. He sid the oayment comes right out of my paychecks what are your worried about. No iam not paying it off i need things. Stupid me. As someone onceMore said don't sign any loans for your kids only donate what you can afford to lose because you're not getting it back. Best advise ever
    • Spirited Lady
      moving on I agree.  Talk to the lender and see about a way you can have the car repossessed and still protect your credit, probably through a few payments that would be much less than making the car payments while she drives it.
      • Leftnlonely
        My son sold the car so it cant be repossessed. Thete is no car just the loans is left. O only wish i wouldnt have had so muvh faith on my son s hard lesson learned.
  • Leftnlonely
    My son was free to become whatever he saw for himself.  He has done very well,  iam very proud of his professional choises he makes
  • Leftnlonely
    I forgot to mention we have traveled extensively for 8 year, togeher.  Iam 70 years old,  he is 39.  He also stopoed talking to all family members.   He hasn't talked to his father in 3 years.  He and I are divorced but we remain friends and talk whenever necessary.More  He has 3 sisters  which he does not talk to.  1 just had twins,  his remark to me was.   Well she jyst ruined her life, now I guess I have to pretend I care and come back here to see them.  WHAT.   There is a problem here,   any help  please.
  • Leftnlonely

    My adult son and I were very close, we traveled together,  had great times.  Alwats had plans together.  He got married to a very nice gurl.  I understood our relationship would change.  Her and I got along well.  Then all of a sudden my son became very angry,  he accused me of lying to him, which I did not, he saud I was harrassing him Everytime I tex him, I was very gspoy for him.  Then bam,  he changed his phone number, y

    Tokd me to diconnect thepkan we had together because she would not pay it and also refused to pay a bank loan I took out in my name for his wife's car.  I have nit heard a word in6 montgs iam just sick over this snd dont kniw what to do.  I miss him very very much.  What can I do,  no means of communication except mail.  Iam in Pa he is in Maui

    • GenaGaddis

      Leftnlonely

      Sometimes we will never know why. That is so damn hard for me to accept. Your pain is shared by others.  You are not alone. I have a grandbaby that I can not see and it is breaking me into!

      • Leftnlonely
        Take itceadynon yourself. Yes the baby mskes it harder. But this was not your choise, you have to make it and youbwill. We think to much. Thsts our biggest problems. Go out with friends, go to a mall and people watch. Try toMore keep your mind busy. I know easier said than done i still have bad days and just sit and cry and i dont want to but sometimes it just happens
  • Spirited Lady
    I'm reading messages by mothers of 20 and 22 year old sons.  In today's culture they are still adolescents... really into their 30s.  The judgement part of the brain does not develop until the 30s.  So your sons have not yet figured out who they are, what they want andMore how they fit into society.  It's a huge challenge in today's culture with so many options but fewer real opportunities than we had.  So give these youths some time.  Don't make judgments about them.  Be open to who they turn out to be.  They need time and space to figure it all out.
  • The Real Mom
    Wrong advice. This article assumes all parents are nagging and pushy. The best thing in that case was for the son to grow a pair and make it on his own. But more often these days, with divorce damaging the parental bonds by rewarding the selfish parent, the children areMore weaponized and trauma bonded to a manipulative, controlling, infantising parent. Those unlucky children get great power from abusing all parents, grandparents, teachers, whomever is available. I don't believe anyone can advise good rejected parents how to cope with the pain successfully.
    • Leftnlonely
      But we have to try and be there for each other we are mot going to solve eachnothers problems butvwe are not in this,alone either
    • Leftnlonely
      @The Real Mom then what is the answer.  How can you make amends with that adult child ir children
    • Deela1226
      @The Real Mom, I couldn't agree with you more.  My daughter estranged her father (my ex), and now it's my turn.  She chooses to stay in anger and be a victim.  My only concern is my 11-year-old grandson who both he and I are extremely close, and what effect this mayMore have on him.  I keep the door open only for him.  I have no interest in her due to her abusive behavior towards me, her son, her husband, and so many others.  I will say my prayers for her every day, but I do not hold hope as she sincerely needs psychological help and tools for her life, but is completely incapable of recognizing this.  She was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder years ago, and I was hoping by now, in her mid 30s, she would have believed this diagnosis, and done something to help herself and others in her life.  She chose not to because of her military career, and the consequences of this diagnosis on her record.  Very sad, indeed.  But I will always love her.
      • Spirited Lady
        Deela1226 My understanding is that borderline personality disorder is not treatable.  And it's not going to improve with time.
  • Brenda Alvarado 885

    I have been estranged from my son for 3 years now.. He was 17 at the time and was overly disrespectful and didn't want to follow rules.. I wasn't a perfect mother because no one is but I always supported my son and provided for him.

    When I was finally fed up with his behavior I reacted by telling him to follow my rules or leave my home a choice I regret since he has not returned back home he ended up going to my sisters house whom I am also estranged with and she took him in. My plan was just to have him respect me as a parent.

    My son is 20 now and have recently run into him at a family friends function he was hired as a photographer. Our interaction was limited since he was working I asked him for his number which he did not give to me he gave it to his kid brother my younger son whom he has also abandoned. I tried reaching out to schedule some time to talk but he keeps referring to me by my first name and not Mom! I was so hurt! I told him I dislike that term since I am his mother and he refuses to call me mom and said that I lost that privilege when I put him out.

    My heart is so broken am depressed I have been missing work I can't concentrate all Ido is think about how bad of a mother was I on his eyes to keep hurting me this way! I love my son but I feel that his continuous disrespect and hurtful behavior I must just leave him alone since it is tearing me up inside. I don't even want to talk to anyone about this because i am embarrassed. Every time I see my friends enjoying their time with their adult children i start to envy them.

    I really just need to get it together if not for me but for the son that does want me in his life hopefully I will continue to have a good relationship with him but I just want the hurt to go away

    • Leftnlonely
      I have the same hurt and it sucks. But i can't change it. I have no way to contact him or even go see him. I want it to go away also. Time will help. Staying busy also helps. I know how youMore feel
    • numberfiveminusone

      Brenda Alvarado 885

      So sorry Brenda. Don't be embarrassed. I also felt that question of my identity as a parent.

      My boss and I are very friendly and have known each other for years. She is truly a kind person. So today when she asked me how I was going to spend my vacation, I told her it would be low key and confided in her regarding my daughter.  She started to cry. Tears poured down her face as she confided in me that almost the exact thing happened to her with her son just recently. The common denominator was that our adult children are on the path to wealth and power.  I could not believe how cruel her son had been to her. Our pain is something we left at the door when we went to work. I was amazed to find so many similarities to our situations. 

      In the end you are not the only parent experiencing this. In the end I believe as open as we are to forgiveness we need to ask ourselves what a continued relationship with our adult child entails. Do you accept that he will call you by your first name and consider that having a relationship with him as a privilege? Or do you express that you want a relationship with him but it needs to be based on common courtesy? We teach people how to treat us and they do the same. We only need to be nice to each other in our conversations and time spent together. . If not, the other party should respond with "I would love to talk to you, but you are not being nice, please call me or see me again when you can be nice" We should expect that they would say the same thing if we were cruel. 

      And some days are way worse than others. That depression does creep in as it should. Why wouldn't you be heartbroken? You care. I think the heartless write self help articles on how great it is to lose someone you love so you can "find your passion" and create a wonderful fulfilling life all your own. Such bull IMHO.  We are allowed to grieve because we cared.

      • The Scribe

        numberfiveminusone Brenda Alvarado 885 fiveminusone,

        You make it so clear. It's clear as daylight that these young adults "are on the path to wealth and power."  They make use of their parents as stepping stones. How deceitful! Then they turn around accusing the parents of a hundred and one things. The real reason is to wash their hands off their parents who once were their heroes but are now considered a nuisance,stumbling blocks to their success. I've heard it being said that they are making a sacrifice by cutting their parents off. I wonder who is the sacrificial lamb here. they don't want to share their success and wealth with the only people who will love them,be they a failure or a success.

        If they are still struggling and need your help I bet they will pretend to be loving,at the least nice even though they are impatient with people who are slow and get in the way (and they are slow with the computer except for a handful of computer-savvy old folks). They think old people are stupid,as if they won't ever grow old and as if the computer is God.

        • Relica

          The Scribe numberfiveminusone Brenda Alvarado 885

          What wealth and power? I live on my own and it's harder than ever. It would have been beneficial to both of us if we could have helped support each other but I told her I was not going to stand for her bullying me, treating me like a servant and taking things out on me as an adult like I did has child. Screw that. I'll stay broke. I'd rather live pay check to pay check than ever live like that again. I'd rather work two jobs. I'd rather be homeless.

          By wealth and power did you mean that these resourceful adults found jobs and marriages that enabled them to escape the abusive adults they were no longer forced to be dependent upon? Was that on the day they told themselves: you know what, despite everything mom and dad have said/done to me I AM actually intelligent and lovable and can make my way on my own?

          Cause if this brings wealth and power I missed the memo. Someone forgot to send me the step by step.

          • The Scribe

            Relica The Scribe numberfiveminusone Brenda Alvarado 885

            Right! You missed it LOL.

  • RaeWright

    I love how this article is gearing towards the parents (pure sarcasm), yet what happens when the adult child has tried over and over and over again to have the relationship that was never there to begin with to no avail?

    My mother has told me since birth that I was the result of a failed abortion attempt, she hated me and so on. She beat me as a child severely. At age 18 she held a butcher knife to my throat telling the state police of NJ she was going to kill me. They had to escort me out of the house. My father in turn told me that I was dead to the entire family for not moving with them to Tennessee and taking on the life they wanted me to have. It took him 6 years to find me and contact me. It has been a vicious abusive relationship ever since (1994). I have tried to be the "good" daughter over and over again, only to be dismissed over and over again. This last time I was told I was dead to my mother and then when I tried again she said that I am confused and my mother died at age 93 (my grand-mother). Then just yesterday she puts on Facebook how I am estranged from her. I post their birthdays on Facebook, I send out e-mails to them each and even try to call them. I even planned on moving to where my mother lives to help take care of her if she needed it. 

    She posts on Facebook how I supposedly abused her, yet I wrote her stating how badly I wanted a loving relationship with her as her daughter. I thanked her for giving me birth even. NO abuse whatsoever. Never has been abuse on my end. My heart is broken at this time.

    How the adult child take it? What do we do when all we want is to be loved by the ones who were supposed to raise us, nurture us and give us unconditional love?

    • Healing Heart
      I'm so sorry to hear about your terrible ordeal. Doesn't sound like parents deserving of your big heart. I think most parents on this site are trying to reach out to their adult children that cut them off for small issues or just no reason at all, or to findMore themselves without considering their parents relationship,worry from distance . No one is over needy, just acknowledgment once in a while. Many of these parents sacrificed and gave their kids non violent atmosphere and did best they could...for cases of what you described as your upbringing then your entanglement would be understandable. May you find peace in knowing you're the better person in the truth and live well from no longer being in that world of your childhood. As child you didn't have a choice with the chaos now you do and in truth can be happy.
    • Leftnlonely
      Iam so sorry. I have no other words. And sorry isnt enough
    • tctiptop

      RaeWright Having been a survivor of both situations, I, as  a mother, thank you for having such a good heart. 

      Your mother, like mine, may have been mentally diseased, long before we gave such things labels. 

      My mother was and is pure evil, and I could never really see it. What would I know as her child? We look up to our parents for all things good in the world, never dreaming that they would not or could not deliver. My father was as bad as her. They were both selfish and self-centered, -narcissistic is being kind. Mirrors would have run away in fear of being told they were flawed! 

      My mother developed dementia, now living in her self-made hell. Long ago, my father developed a bad case of deadbeat, and hasn't made any worthy efforts at fatherhood, since. When I was told all those negative things, called names or beat up with belts, I would immediately go into my defense mode of "she really loves me. 

      She has good in her, she loves me, and on and on and on. I felt more like the runt of the litter than the youngest child.

      "I stopped telling myself these lies of love when I felt solid about being me, and finding out it was okay to be me, flaws and all. Then I told myself, she is the sick one. 

      Turns out I was right... .

      So fast forward, I had two children I love forever. My daughter is having issues with me and I am sure I earned them as the adult in the room. Now we are both adults. I know we will communicate in the future. That is good for me. I am learning patience for good reasons, not bad ones anymore.

      Right now she is living her good life, not "Fighting the good fight!" She saw and heard enough of that when my mother and I fought in front of her, only words, but weapons of destruction nevertheless. 

      My mother went beyond the 'being human' excuse long, long ago. My father I just pity. 

      I thank this website for my sanity and new path in life.

      Please don't let broken people break you. 

      Facebook is not your friend. Ignore it. Free up your mind so it won't give your mother any more free rent in it. 

      When my mother's disconnects began, she said mean hurtful things to everyone. They weren't spoken because of disconnections in her brains, they were spoken because all the censorship filters wore away. She really meant what she said, the difference being, she no longer cared who heard what she had to say. She is mean to everyone, accuses everyone of the worst things, has become extremely hard to tolerate and no one wants her negativity to touch their lives.

      We can only live our own life the best way possible. That is all we have to account for. I hope you know that it is not your fault. Give yourself the hugs you so richly deserve. Allow others to be a positive part of your life. This helped me realize that there are so many good people in the world, and, oh, now I'm one of them. And you are too! Thank you for being here!

    • The Scribe

      RaeWright Rae,it's time to move on and leave them alone. If I live in the US I could "adopt" you LOL but I live on the other side of the globe. It's now Wednesday,24 August 2016 9.50am while your time is 9.50pm Tuesday 23 August 2016. 

      Your pain is REAL but give them time to come to their senses. Parents don't know what's eating their children and vice-versa because there's no real communication. Nobody wants to talk about the real reasons why they are behaving this way because they are afraid that they will sound petty and in most cases the reasons are actually petty. That's why the world is at war. People cannot put aside their pettiness.

    • Spirited Lady
      RaeWright Rae, your life story is very sad.  Unfortunately, this type of treatment happens to many children.  You're not alone.  Sadly, your parents are not capable of love.  And their behavior is not even common decency.  No one deserves to be treated this way.  You are a child of GodMore and God loves you.  Please allow yourself to grieve the childhood you never had and move on with your life.  You need to forget about the possibility of a loving relationship with your parents.  It's ok to cry your eyes out.  It's sad.  But you need to live in the reality of who they are.  You need to talk to the little girl inside you and tell her that you're sorry about how she was treated.  Tell her you're a grown up now and you'll take care of her.  Look around for people who are kind and cheerful and spend your time with them.  I love the saying, "It's never too late to have a happy childhood."  You can give this to yourself.  Be your own best friend.  Your parents are not worth a second thought.  There are other hurting people all around you who would love to have the warmth and care you've been focusing on your parent.  Look for people who are appreciative.  God will open doors and bless you.
    • Lydia Alexandra

      RaeWright Stop torturing yourself, if things are as they are they will never get better.  My mother constantly told me all through my childhood how she wished i was never born.  She beat me, spat at me, and would pull my by the hair so often i had patches.  My father would then belt me for upsetting my mother.  I came home 20 minutes late from school as i had missed my tram after having to stay back with others to put away the sports equipment - on arrival home she grabbed me and viciously beat me, and called me a prostitute, i had enough and that evening i took all my fathers heart tablets and ended up on the cardiograph machine.  When i recovered i was given a belting for upsetting mother.  It was my mother who put me there.  My father wanted peace at home no matter the cost, and so mother was always right.  When i left at 19 she turned on him, divorced him and the church sacked him. He died a broken man.  

      A lovely friend who is a historian and a retired oxford professor in history offered to find where my family origins were , and where they came from.  He was surprised when i said - and meant it, i am not the least bit interested.  They are both passed on and one would think that would be the end.  I try hard to push childhood memories out of my head, but they come back in my dreams.   Your photo is of a young face so don't waste your years trying to be loved, learn to love yourself and me your own best carer.

      If life at home is so toxic, constantly, you have to break ties and leave.  They will destroy you totally.  I became a mother and gave my son all of me, never hit him nor abused him.  He had a first class private education from 2 all the way through to Uni.  I gave too much of me as i got so little when i was a child. The result is that when my son met someone he now has totally abandoned me and never calls.  I now am trying to crawl out of dark lonely existence and at 68 its not easy, as i am not equipped emotionally to deal with what to me is an enormous loss.  But don't stay where you are, it wont get better so don't expect miracles.  You have to go out and make your own life as best you can.  

      I wish you warmth and love, Lydia

    • numberfiveminusone

      RaeWright

      So sorry Rae. This article and most of the posts are geared towards parents. But with that said it IMHO estrangement is about being betrayed regardless if it is the parent or child being betrayed. You describe a horrific childhood and continued abuse to you as an adult. My heart hurts for you. You did not deserve this, you do not deserve this. I want to reach out and give you a hug. So many of us, mothers, daughters, sons, fathers who just don't understand why we are not good enough to be loved. We all are of course, but when family treats you like you are not it just leaves us so hurt and empty. My mother was much the same as your mother. I posted how IMHO opinion the family cycle of abuse continues. A child is raised abused. That child tries to raise his/her children with extra everything to make them feel loved. That child becomes selfish and a narcissist and raises their children in a cold and abusive way. The cycle is then repeated over and over again with each generation almost guaranteeing estrangement for the next generation. 

      Please don't let the article being geared towards parents dissuade you from support. We as mothers and fathers have support to give you. We want you to be happy. We wish we had raised our children to be a kind and loving as you appear to be. We wish you happiness and love and we are down right pissed off that you are not receiving it. Come to my house RaeWright and I will brush your tears away, draw you a bath, and light candles in the bedroom you will sleep in. I will have lit candles and hope you enjoy the high speed internet as you text your friends and catch up on the latest shows.  I will prepare your favorite food and beam from ear to ear if you say you like it. When you tell me you are going out with your friends I will ask you if you need my credit card. I am so happy you are here with me and sharing your life with me.  I as a parent am just like you as an adult child. I just want to be seen and loved. We are kindred spirits. I wish you all the best.

      • The Scribe

        numberfiveminusone RaeWright I am touched by your kind reply to Rae.  

        I especially like this "...IMHO estrangement is about being betrayed regardless if it is the parent or child being betrayed." Indeed,it IS betrayal of the worst kind. 

        They might not have done it yet but threats are just as bad. Long ago children were afraid of getting chased out by strict parents. Today's young adults bully their parents by threatening to cut them off. They have found a weapon to keep their parent "in check" which really means they know that such threats give them control over their parents.

        • Spirited Lady
          The Scribe numberfiveminusone RaeWright What is IMHO?
          • The Scribe
            Spirited Lady The Scribe numberfiveminusone RaeWright LOL it means"in my honest opinion". These days bcs of sms on hp people use a lot of short forms which sometimes only the writer knows. You can google to find out what such short forms and internet slang-words mean. There's the urban dictionary to explain theMore modern meanings of many words that carry new meanings and "new" words coined by today's smart young people who think they are so clever e.g skinship LOL. Such a word doesn't exist in the English language but it means intimacy. There are lots and lots of newly coined words that look funny. Check out urban dictionary.
          • Spirited Lady
            The Scribe Spirited Lady numberfiveminusone RaeWright I wanted to be sure I wasn't missing a key piece of information, because I disagree that an adult child cutting off contact with a parent is a betrayal.  A betrayal involves doing something morally wrong - exposing one to an enemy or breaking a contract.  InMore Western culture there's not a contract that says adult children must take care of their parents.  In fact, we have retirement benefits, social security, health and many other benefits precisely because we realize that many adult children lack the resources and others lack the willingness to care for aging parents.  Abandonment, yes, but betrayal, no.  Young people have many reasons for cutting off from their parents.  In some cases it's a wise decision.  In others it's a concession to a spouse.  In still others the adult child has become involved with drugs and lost all sense of direction.  And there are probably more variations.  The bottom line is that they have a right to make decisions about their own lives.  It's up to us to assess as best we can whether and how to reach out to them.  And at what point we need to back off and simply wait for them to rethink their decisions.  Most do, as a matter of fact, eventually seek out their parents.  What we do have control over is what they find when that happens.
  • violetlace

    I for one would love to have you for my daughter.  My son does not speak to me, will not answer letters, does not send me birthday cards or call me on the phone.  As far as I know I have

    done nothing to deserve this.

    I am so sorry for your situation.  It is puzzling to me the attitude of your parents.  What happens between you and your sister is really your business.  I can't understand your sister either

    for telling your parents what goes on between you and her.  This seems to be a childish thing to do.  I wonder if she is jealous of you for some reason?

    If only families who are in conflict would come together and communicate and try and work something out but most don't want to.

    I do feel your pain Ginger, All any of us can hope for is that one day our loved ones will come around  and things can be worked out.  In the meantime though I think we should carry on with our lives and try not to let this rift in our relationships control our thoughts. 

    I wish you all the very best.

    • GingerMaynor

      violetlace Thank you for saying you would like me as your daughter.  I agree with your last comment about carrying on with our lives and not letting this rift control our thoughts.  I believe at some point we need to just let it be and focus on what we have in our lives that makes us happy.  I assume your comment about my sister being jealous is correct because I can find no other explanation for her continued behavior.  As for my parents, I don't think I'll ever understand their perspective.    

      A ray of sunshine came into my life 4 years ago when a long-time friend of my mother's pulled me aside and told me she believed I had been "overlooked" and that she supported me and I was not alone.  She has been around the family for 30 years and knows the personalities.  She subsequently calls me once or a twice a year just to chat and continues to be a bright light in my life.         

      I also agree with you that families in conflict don't seem to want to work things out.  I am so impressed with the parents on this site because they find it looking for answers and open to resolutions.

    • The Scribe

      violetlace Dear violetlace,

      You do not have to feel guilty. No need to blame yourself. Your son does not want to share his life with you for reasons only he knows best. He wants to live in isolation. Read what *fiveminusone* wrote to me here and you will understand why some young adults behave this way. She explained very clearly,using Erik Erikson's theory about young adults to illustrate her points. This behaviour has become a cancer among young adults today,even in traditional cultures like mine,especially among us overseas Chinese. In mainland China and Chinese Taiwan the situation has not become a scourge as yet compared to what we overseas Chinese are experiencing. 

      Do watch some made-in-China and made-in-Taiwan romance dramas or comedies online (there's a lot available on YouTube f.o.c.) to see how deeply mainland and Taiwanese Chinese value family and their elders (even those not family or blood-related. In most cases they will not be unkind to elders. Art mirrors real life so I won't say such an attitude in modern China/Taiwan is an exaggeration). You will enjoy such dramas which place great importance on the family,on the elders in a family and the relationship between children and parents. The children might leave in a huff because many parents try to exercise complete control over their lives but eventually the parents and children will come to a compromise. The parents will realise that they cannot dictate to their children (and in many cases order their lives for them to the extent of trying to force them to marry partners of their choice) or they will lose them and the children learn that they have to show their parents what we call filial piety. Parents can consider themselves very lucky when their children are filial - care for them,concerned about them,show them kindness,take care of them when they are sick,give them some money even if they are multi-millionaires,and most of all share their lives with their parents. All the best to you.

      • The Scribe
        violetlace I forgot to add that many of these serial dramas (in episodic form but some are full-length movies) have sub-titles in English and many other languages if you do not understand Mandarin Chinese. I understand many Americans dislike subtitles (that's why we see Jacky Chan speaking his Hong KongMore English in his Rush Hour movies) as it's hard to read and look at the screen at the same time but we must be practical. If you don't read you will not be able to appreciate the show fully. I'm used to subtitles because my country will subtitle every American/English,Chinese,Indian whatever language show in Malay (only when Malay is spoken there will not be subtitles) and even if I understand the language being spoken I have already formed the habit of reading the subtitles.
  • GingerMaynor

    I take solace in the postings on this site, but my heart breaks. It seems most of the posts come from parents, but I am an adult daughter with a distanced relationship with my parents.  I want to cut them off entirely so I can have an end to the turmoil, but I won't.  Turmoil has been increasing since I turned 30, and am now in my mid-40"s.   The turmoil mostly starts with my older sister who stirs the pot, and our parents (in their 70's) always jump into it.  My sister and I are different people with differing opinions.  As a result, we have conflicts - but nothing real bad.  She continuously informs our parents of all details of each conflict or disagreement.   Within a few days, they call me and tell me how wrongly I behave with her.  It is minor stuff such as not attending one of my sister's kid's recitals or soccer games.  They think I'm not involved enough in my sister's life or that I don't really love her.  I get only negativity and judgement from them.  I have asked my parents to stay out of conflicts my sister tries to pull them into, but after a quick agreement, they jump back in the next time my sister calls them.  I've asked my sister to keep our parents out of our disagreements because it is hurtful but she just replied, "No, It hasn't been that bad and I'm not changing". I told her that leaves our relationship in a bad place.    

    I think my parents have developed a negative mind-set about me based on years of my sister's negative dialog.  A few years ago my dad said I treated him and my mother very well, but he thought I should be more attentive to my sister.  He further said he didn't care if I never talked to him again as long as I had a good relationship with my sister.  I thought at the time he was exaggerating, but I believe now that he was truthful.  He stopped calling me about a year ago.  He only talks to me on the phone if my mom calls, which is not that often.  My dad used to call me on my birthday, but he stopped doing that about 5 years ago.    

    I always celebrate mother's day, father's day and their birthday's with them.  I have been fortunate enough to have a good job, so I've never asked for money and they never gave me any.  If a week goes by when I haven't spoken to my parents, I usually call them just to say hi.  In June my mother went to visit a friend who lives out of state.  Knowing my dad was alone, I went to his house and took him out to dinner one night.  While at their house I noticed the father's day card I sent him was still out on a coffee table.  My sister does not send cards, so my card was the only one.  I thought it was sad that he so strongly supports my sister who cannot find time to get a card in the mail.   

    I can't help but wonder if any parents on this site would be happy to have a daughter who celebrates their birthdays, sends cards, visits them when they are alone, and still calls them? My parent's biggest complaint is that I don't spend enough time with my sister.  They seem to have no regard for me, and I wonder why I even try to have a relationship with them.

    • numberfiveminusone

      GingerMaynor

      You sound like a perfectly wonderful daughter and I am sure many parents on this site would be so happy to have the time, attention, love and devotion that you show your parents. I hope there are other people in your life you appreciate your kindness. If not, please take time to take care of yourself and give yourself some of the kindness and support that you give to others.

      • GingerMaynor
        numberfiveminusone GingerMaynor Thank you so much for replying.  It lets me know I'm not invisible.  I do not get affirming responses from my parents in much of anything I do.  I know I never will.  When my thoughts start going down the bad road that my parent's criticism takes me, IMore have to be deliberate about re-focusing on happier relationships.  I am grateful for my wonderful husband of 15 years and a friend from childhood who give me acceptance my parents will not.  I do not have many others, and this world is not perfect.  I like your comment about giving myself kindness and support and I try to do a little of that every day.  I hope you do the same for yourself.  You seem like a great mom - I can tell in your responses posted elsewhere on this site.  I wish there was a place we could all meet in-person as a support group and share a warm cup of coffee and some chocolate!
        • Spirited Lady
          GingerMaynor numberfiveminusone It sounds like you're doing fine with your life.  Give yourself a pat on the back for surviving all this... and that goes for all those who have made positive lives for ourselves in spite of unhappy childhoods.  It takes work, but it's worth it.  I agree that itMore would be delightful to all meet.  I'll carry that vision in my head.  I'll be drinking tea and have a scone with it.
  • The Scribe

    I've noticed a funny thing among young adults who have made the choice to cut off their aged parents. After some time of non-communication,out of the blue they decide to visit as if nothing had happened. Maybe their conscience had been eating them. Maybe they wanted to check out what they had lost LOL. I've never asked these young adults. They must have their own reasons to visit.

    They then expect the estranged parents to welcome them like they are the prodigal son or daughter. If the parents don't (perhaps they were still feeling the hurt so at best they could only behave in a civil but friendly manner) they would later be criticised for treating their prodigal son or daughter badly. I've heard criticisms like their parents think they are hard-up for the old folks' love etc. What do these young adults expect from their aged parents after they had neglected and ignored them for months and some even for years? How do you begin to understand them? Could some kind soul please explain such behaviour? TQVM

    • Leftnlonely
      Please explain the same to me @leftnlonley
      • The Scribe

        Leftnlonely  " Hi Leftnlonely,

        Below I copy-pasta the very clear answer by numberfiveminusone which is self-explanatory. If you need further clarification kindly do address me again. I've highlighted whatever I think you should look at closely.

        Here goes :-

        "Scribe you asked a question so I will try to answer from what I believe is true.. During young adulthood psychologist Erik Erikson referred to this stage as intimacy vs. isolation. So from the 20's to late 30's some of our adult children will try to form intimate relationships such as marriage.  They are willing to isolate at this stage. Which means if they feel that their closeness or conflict with a parent may get in the way of forming that intimate relationship- they are willing to distance themselves.  Even estrange themselves from their parents. I believe it goes a step further. If you have raised a narcissist that narcissist may want to portray themselves in a way that is not quite true. Having family around that may differ from the narrative they have created may threaten them.  It seems many of us have been too close to our grown children (and may know their weaknesses)and they may perceive this as a threat in that they need to develop their own identity and family.  This is of course extreme when the need to cut off the parents or other family members arises.  It may be due to selfishness or insecurity. If they are a narcissist they have taken on a character they want to portray.  If they are insecure they may try to be the person they want to be.

        As some young adults navigate this stage they may develop maturity and try to "mend" a relationship. As you mentioned the relationship with the parents may have been extremely damaged.  The young adult may find themselves confused and not take any blame when they come back and expect the relationship to be as they left it. The parent after estrangement most likely has lost trust and is unwilling to trust again.  The parent may also reflect that their life is less complicated and more rewarding with the adult child gone if they placed the needs or their adult child before their own and they trust them no longer. They may find it is good to experience that volunteer work is rewarding and taking care of their self and or their spouse in a more generous way. For example I am still extremely hurt and only about 1 month into estrangement. But I have 1K extra in my bank account (since I am not longer paying for many of my daughter's expenses) and have much more free time since I am not cleaning her house, doing her laundry or being the listening ear to her many thoughts.  I now have time to volunteer, go out to eat, make new friends and travel to places I have always wanted to go. I am learning about myself away from my daughter. My husband and I experience new intimacy as only "we"  get how bad this hurts and we go through this pain together. We have become a stronger unit as partners instead of "mother and father." 

        It is also a time to reflect on other things wrong in the relationship with your adult child that you may not have seen when you were too close. For example my daughter always liked to point out that everyone loved her more than me. This even pertained to the dogs. She would ask that we put them in a different room and then have someone open the door to see who they came to first. She always wanted to be first.  Or that my grandchild (her niece) would love her more because she was "young" and would related to her better than me.  I didn't realize how demeaning this was to myself until we became estranged. 

        I do not believe for one minute that my adult child owes me anything for the sacrifices her father and I have made for her. She did not ask me to bear her and did not ask me to be a good parent to her.  It was my pleasure from the first moment I saw her. But now, I do demand respect, honesty, and  kindness to anyone who wants to have a close relationship with me. Unfortunately she has not engaged in that type of behavior so I will not be up for a visit anytime soon."

        From the explanation above it would seem that the young adults today are mired in self-conflict. It used to be so easy being a young adult when we were young bcs we had no choice. If you in-laws or spouse's siblings annoy/irritate/impose on you you'll simply have to take things in your stride. Cutting off a despicable or nasty relative never entered our mind.

        • Healing Heart
          I love this so positive and move forward type of approach. Especially the last sentence, generation x just lost family values and distance is their only resolve. But the taking care of self, increase closeness and intimacy with spouse, more money in bank....just living our own lives is so trueMore and rewarding vs. being on standby to sacrifice at their beck and call!
          • Leftnlonely
            This is very well put and 100% right on the money. Leftnlonely.
    • NL Mom

      The Scribe

      They appear out of the blue as if nothing has happened because they can't face up to what they have done. It takes a very big person to admit that they are wrong. Or, they hope that whatever drove them away has changed and they are tentatively trying to reconnect without bringing up the issue.

      The parents who are/were estranged would be shocked by any attempt at communication and trying to avoid anything that would drive the child away again. Tiptoeing on eggshells I imagine. I can't imagine how I would react if my son reached out to me.... I"d hope that I could sound positive but not over the top, but in reality, I really don't want anything to do with him anymore. He hurt me and I'm not putting myself back into a situation where I dwell on him constantly and cry constantly. It's taken me a long time to become myself again, and there is some semblance of happiness in my life. I can again function. I'm not going to give him the ability to hurt me anymore.

    • numberfiveminusone

      The Scribe

      Scribe you asked a question so I will try to answer from what I believe is true.. During young adulthood psychologist Erik Erikson referred to this stage as intimacy vs. isolation. So from the 20's to late 30's some of our adult children will try to form intimate relationships such as marriage.  They are willing to isolate at this stage. Which means if they feel that their closeness or conflict with a parent may get in the way of forming that intimate relationship- they are willing to distance themselves.  Even estrange themselves from their parents. I believe it goes a step further. If you have raised a narcissist that narcissist may want to portray themselves in a way that is not quite true. Having family around that may differ from the narrative they have created may threaten them.  It seems many of us have been too close to our grown children (and may know their weaknesses)and they may perceive this as a threat in that they need to develop their own identity and family.  This is of course extreme when the need to cut off the parents or other family members arises.  It may be due to selfishness or insecurity. If they are a narcissist they have taken on a character they want to portray.  If they are insecure they may try to be the person they want to be.

      As some young adults navigate this stage they may develop maturity and try to "mend" a relationship. As you mentioned the relationship with the parents may have been extremely damaged.  The young adult may find themselves confused and not take any blame when they come back and expect the relationship to be as they left it. The parent after estrangement most likely has lost trust and is unwilling to trust again.  The parent may also reflect that their life is less complicated and more rewarding with the adult child gone if they placed the needs or their adult child before their own and they trust them no longer. They may find it is good to experience that volunteer work is rewarding and taking care of their self and or their spouse in a more generous way. For example I am still extremely hurt and only about 1 month into estrangement. But I have 1K extra in my bank account (since I am not longer paying for many of my daughter's expenses) and have much more free time since I am not cleaning her house, doing her laundry or being the listening ear to her many thoughts.  I now have time to volunteer, go out to eat, make new friends and travel to places I have always wanted to go. I am learning about myself away from my daughter. My husband and I experience new intimacy as only "we"  get how bad this hurts and we go through this pain together. We have become a stronger unit as partners instead of "mother and father." 

      It is also a time to reflect on other things wrong in the relationship with your adult child that you may not have seen when you were too close. For example my daughter always liked to point out that everyone loved her more than me. This even pertained to the dogs. She would ask that we put them in a different room and then have someone open the door to see who they came to first. She always wanted to be first.  Or that my grandchild (her niece) would love her more because she was "young" and would related to her better than me.  I didn't realize how demeaning this was to myself until we became estranged. 

      I do not believe for one minute that my adult child owes me anything for the sacrifices her father and I have made for her. She did not ask me to bear her and did not ask me to be a good parent to her.  It was my pleasure from the first moment I saw her. But now, I do demand respect, honesty, and  kindness to anyone who wants to have a close relationship with me. Unfortunately she has not engaged in that type of behavior so I will not be up for a visit anytime soon.

      • The Scribe

        numberfiveminusone The Scribe Thank you so very much for taking the time and the trouble to explain it so clearly to me. I've read Erik Erikson the american psychologist but could not remember what he said about young adulthood. In the olden days one marries a whole family and there was no opportunity to show any intimacy in the open but not today. I'm speaking as an oriental/an easterner but today our young are becoming very westernised and they freely show their affection in the presence of their elders. The influence of the internet has been particularly strong these past 2 decades,more so than the tv. These days we hear youngsters simply mouthing/writing the 4-letter word all over cyberspace. We don't swear this way so indeed times have changed very drastically for us here and we need to re-look our values in order to survive our young.

        I guess as parents one should "know" how to strike a happy balance. There's a saying that bringing up a child is like flying a kite. How much of the string should you let go and when should you pull it back. If you let go too much you could lose the kite. Likewise,if you hold on too tightly the string might snap and you will still lose it too. So flying a kite is a skill which we learn as we go along. This parent-child dichotomy has never been more apparent than today in the east. What started decade ago in the west is slowly but surely becoming a "disease" here today. 

        I agree with your last paragraph when you wrote "I do demand respect, honesty, and  kindness to anyone who wants to have a close relationship with me".  This has always been the way with easterners because we had always believed in filial piety and in treating our elders this way. However,today the social landscape has changed so much it has become unrecognisable. It is sad but looking west is the trend and is embraced wholeheartedly as it is perceived as "progress" LOL. Whatever I think parents and elders should demand nothing less than "respect, honesty, and  kindness to anyone who wants to have a close relationship with" them. Bravo!!! The young should also have a re-look at their values. Even if they don't owe the world anything they should behave within the bounds of decency as far as parents and elders are concerned. TQVM.

        • Spirited Lady
          The Scribe numberfiveminusone I love the kite analogy.  That's exactly right.  And no one does it perfectly.  It takes time and practice.  Yes, relationships are changing, but applying Western behaviors to Eastern culture is devastating.  We have Social Security and Medicare, so we are not dependent upon the younger generation.  InMore the early years parents are still working and often have far more money than the young people.  Our kids can walk away and know we have the resources to live well, plus a satisfying lifestyle.  I know my son is struggling to establish what we already have, plus it's harder for his generation because there are not now the same retirement plans and job securities that our generation had.  In the East I think things are different.  We volunteered in China for 5 weeks in 2008 and I could see many differences in our cultures and also how the traditional culture was breaking down.  In particular, there were not the children to help with the farms.  And no benefits for the elderly.  Also little medical care available.  This is a very difficult situation.
          • The Scribe

            Spirited Lady The Scribe numberfiveminusone Indeed it is a very tough situation in China (I've been there only twice for a total of 25 days only i 1992 and 2008 so you would know better since you lived there for 5 years) now bcs they had the one child policy for many decades. Looks like they are relaxing the rules a little. Farming families had secretly been having more than one child anyway bcs sons are needed to work the farms. These days though young adults leave their rural homes for the city so despite having two or more children the old folks are eventually left to fend for themselves. It seems the Chinese government has legislated laws that a child must not only visit his parents a certain number of times a year but must also give the parents monetary support. 

            In Singapore if a parent reports a child for neglect the law can force the child. Forcing is not good. I am Han Chinese but I live in one of the south-east asian countries. Free good quality medical service is not an issue here but if one does not have a pension or wealth from business then old age could be a huge challenge as many young adults are struggling to set up life. They are finding it difficult to support their parents financially. Both spouses could be graduates with high incomes yet times are very challenging with runaway corruption in government and other types of mismanagement in the public sector.  Even parents who are financially independent are somehow neglected by their busy,struggling children.

            What you wrote about applying western behaviours/attitudes to eastern culture is so true. It is not only devastating. It  is very harmful to the whole social fabric of our societal setup but the young cannot see the havoc and destruction an alien culture will wreak on the long-held traditions and practices of the east. We could only watch helplessly as our young warmly embrace everything western that has swept across Asia as far away as Mongolia. It is only now that we are experiencing parent-child estrangement/shunning and what not which the Y gen have dared to consider. The only country on earth that is not badly affected today could perhaps be Bhutan at the foot of the Himalayas.  It is the only country on earth that uses happiness and not wealth as a barometer to measure the health of the nation.

          • Lydia Alexandra
            The Scribe Spirited Lady numberfiveminusone How incredibly interested that we of many cultures share our situations and circumstances.  I find the information about China etc., incredibly interesting.  I love your last sentence.  Bhutan at the food of the Himalayas is the only country on earth that uses happiness and not wealth asMore a barometer to measure the health of the nation.  Amazing.  Bless you and thank you.
          • The Scribe

            Lydia Alexandra The Scribe Spirited Lady numberfiveminusone Dear Lady,

            Thank you for your kind words. Although I am Han Chinese and discussed China with Spirited Lady I live outside China. I am what you call overseas Chinese. I am not a citizen of China. 

            It is only our cultures that are different but we all share the same feelings and concerns. It is good that we can gather here and peacefully discuss an issue that has become a thorn to today's elderly.

            If I have the opportunity and the money Bhutan is one country I would like to see. The country controls the annual number of tourists to protect the environment. The government has already implemented a daily levy on tourists. It is expensive as the levy is in USD. Imagine if you come from say Taiwan where 1USD is equivalent to roughly NT$30. If the levy is 100USD a day a Taiwanese would have to pay the equivalent of NT$3000. You'll have to be a rich Taiwanese to visit Bhutan for a week. Bhutan's young king is American-educated and a benevolent king. He is highly concerned about his people's happiness. If a country is well-managed with corruption at a minimal level then it is easy for the citizens to be happy. Buddhism is the official religion and you can be jailed if you preach/try to convert a Bhutanese to another religion

          • The Scribe
            Spirited Lady numberfiveminusone Sorry dear lady. I misread. You were in China for 5 weeks,not 5 years. But during that 5 weeks you sort of lived among the people. The situation all across Asia is getting bad as far as child-parent relationship is concerned. With the current world economic scenario andMore the widespread corruption in Asian and African countries the young are finding it difficult to care for their elders even if they are filial.
          • Spirited Lady
            The Scribe Spirited Lady numberfiveminusone Yes, we lived in a wonderful rural village and taught oral English to middle school English teachers.  We had a delightful time with those young teachers.  They were mostly women so they took care of their families and came to classes with us.  A handful invited usMore to their homes or, in some cases, their parent's home for refreshments or a meal.  They were very welcoming and generous to us... lovely people.  One took us out to her family farm to meet her 92 year old grandmother.  She said she wanted her grandmother to know she had lived long enough to meet a foreigner.  In another case the teacher lived in another village and stayed with her parents during the week so she could attend our classes.  In a couple others the parents were visiting.  So we saw close family ties.  For harvest the villagers went out to the farms to help.  But it's all a challenge.  On the other hand, traditional ways had challenges as well.  We must not forget that parents were sometimes abusive and children had no options.  There are no perfect solutions.  All cultures can be abused.  From studies it seems the countries with low corruption and high social benefits produce the greatest sense of happiness and security.  That's Belgium, Denmark, Norway, Sweden. But as a Christian I cling to the notion that God is present in all our challenges, cares about us and is slowly moving us toward greater justice and peace.  The Buddhist notion of peace through detachment seems to provide similar comfort.  The point, I think, is to take a long view and stay hopeful, always looking forward to a better tomorrow but living today in a way that is kind and generous both to ourselves and others.
          • The Scribe

            Spirited Lady The Scribe numberfiveminusone The Chinese in China learn their English from the Americans. They have learnt well and fast. When I first visited in 1992 very few Chinese could speak English but when I went again in 2008 I could communicate with many young Chinese in Englsih. I learnt mine from the Irish. I cannot spell without the "u" - words like behaviour,flavour, harbour, neighbour LOL when I see words that don't have the "u" I feel annoyed. It's my British English heritage. I feel uneasy listening to China's version of Mandarin Chinese. Almost all young Chinese are unable to speak Chinese dialects. The Mandarin Chinese that is spoken by every Chinese,even by very very old people is not a Chinese language while the Chinese dialects are Chinese languages. Mandarin belonged to the Manchus who colonised China from 1644-1911.

            You were perhaps the first white person the 92 year old living in a village in China had ever seen LOL. If you were blonde and have blue eyes and went to China or India say 300 years ago they might think you were a goddess (you might have read the Rudyard Kipling's book The Man Who Would Be King).

            Yes,traditions can be abusive. Man can be a slave to tradition if he blindly clings to tradition as not every practice is good or beneficial. My paternal grandfather grew up in China but migrated to British Malaya when he was about 20. He was verbally abusive toward his wife,daughters,grand-daughters (children of his sons) and even his daughters-in-law. He had no relationship with his daughters' children and sons-in-law as they were considered "outside" family. Sons and the children of sons and the daughters-in-law were considered "inside" family. It is still being practised by the Chinese today,even by overseas Chinese but girls today receive high education and are better off.  Females traditionally received much ill-treatment. Confucius taught about filial piety but he also had a warped attitude toward the female gender so whenever Confucianism was in favour with the ruling emperor women would have a hard time and legalism (harsh rule of law) would be practised. 

            A true episode illustrates very clearly my paternal grandfather's warped attitude toward women. When my father was a child his paternal grandmother from China visited my grandfather in the then British Malaya. A circus came to town. The roads from one town to the next was not yet macadamised in the 1930's so they were simply dirt tracks. Transportation was mostly on foot or by bicycle. The circus troupe walked the animals through the village to get to the next town. My paternal great grandmother had never seen an elephant or a tiger in her life although China has such animals. She was so frightened she fell ill with fever. Instead of being sympathetic my grandfather scolded his aged mother for being foolish. He was "abusive" even to his own mother. The only way we can overcome this kind of abuse is with a western education. On the other hand,it is western education that has wreaked havoc on the traditional life in the east today. We are faced with a dilemma LOL. I had never felt any moral conflict though the education I received was 100% western (my values were traditional + catholic universal values) yet the young adults today are full of conflict despite some of them having received a traditional Chinese education for 6 years of elementary school.

          • Lydia Alexandra
            Spirited Lady The Scribe numberfiveminusone I remember someone telling me many years ago that in Denmark, Norway and Sweden children sleep with parents till around 7 years of age, and those countries had the least juvenile crime in the world.
      • Lydia Alexandra

        numberfiveminusone The Scribe I envy your incredible strength of character.  Are you able to give me any idea as to why my son who is a law graduate from oxford, who has had a private education from two and a half years, primary school, high school and college for 4 years (his choice where he did 5 academic subjects and then chose which one to take as a degree) then a 3 year degree and graduated in Law turning to me with his degree in his hand and said to the amazement of other parents, this is for you Mum because without you i would not be standing here.  He now has a live in lady from a family where Dad had problems keeping his zipper up and left home, and mother turned to the bottle where now she suffers with blindness.  Its his first serious relationship at 32 so a slow starter.  She has no level of conversation, i have no idea what the common denominator is - but i am out of the picture.  His choice not mine.  I am baffled.  I today have been diagnosed with inflammation of the Colon, stress related as i have trouble keeping food down.  

        My son has never asked for money, (though it was my choice to give him my inheritance as i had a toxic and abusive childhood and didn't want the payout) is very together in his position at work and in his private life.  He has many friends, colleagues at work think the world of him and he has had excellent references from school into his area of work when moving from one department to another.   Because i have brought him up on my own, i feel that this is why I feel so incredibly empty.  I prayed daily for him to meet someone as i didn't want him to feel the loss in my passing, so i dearly wanted him to have someone in his life and would often say this to him.  I simply am no longer part of his life as it appears. At 68 its hit me hard.

        • numberfiveminusone

          Lydia Alexandra numberfiveminusone The Scribe

          Lydia was your question directed at me or the Scribe? If it was not me I apologize for my answer. Every relationship is unique so I can only offer possible answers. It seems that very close relationships between parents and children can become "enmeshed," This is where we are very close with each other, share common personality traits and views on life and "get" each other. We are super close and boundaries may blur for the parent and child together, or one or the other. This IMHO becomes a problem if the parent or child is clingy and needy. Or if the grown child or parent cannot allow distance for the other. For example it is normal for an adult child to take a spouse and create "their" family. But it is not normal to cut close parents or family out of their life or "dump" them when they create that transition to this stage. So why do they do this?  

          Possible reasons include low self esteem, fear of disapproval, immaturity, differences in value systems or control issues.  For example, an adult child who has recently experienced rejection by a romantic partner may choose to prove that partner wrong. They may choose to covet what that former partner held dear and "win" by showing them they have exceeded their goals. More specifically if that former partner valued money, beauty, status, partying, whatever it was they will one up them to gain back their self respect. It's an ego trip and they won't let anyone (even mom or dad) get in the way. The root problem is insecurity or narcissism. They may choose to embrace a value system that is not their norm and will not allow anyone to be a moral compass in achieving a remedy for their ego injury. They may choose a new value system to soothe an ego injury. They may not have developed a healthy identity and are being swayed by their emotions regarding rejection.

          For others- they may fear disapproval by the parent that will get in the way.  They know they love their parent and that parent's opinion will hold great value. If they believe their parent will not approve they remove the parent in their life. They are willing to destroy relationships to achieve intimacy.  This is not a healthy way of going about things and will result in further isolation down the road. 

          Or the parent has an unrealistic view of the relationship they had with their child. For example the narcissistic parent who truly believed all was right in the world while they bowled their child over with their wants or their needs. The adult child truly needs to escape to find themselves.  They were not able to do it in adolescence so they do it as a young adult when they have better tools.

          From what you have described with your son (32 years old and a slow starter) I wonder if he has isolated himself due to feelings or rejection from a female who he fell in love with. Now that he is willing to become intimate again he fears rejection again. He is putting his whole heart and soul into this new relationship and is willing to destroy a close relationship with you so that he may give his "all" to this new relationship in hopes that he achieves true intimacy. Somewhere along the line (please forgive me for saying this) something went wrong with his relationships with females and I suspect previous rejection. If so- you my dear are collateral damage for him to gain intimacy. You need to take care of yourself. Your gut is inflamed due to stress. Now is the time to learn more about yourself and to take care of yourself. 

          And also take a good look at your adult child for substance abuse/alcohol issues. My adult child was by her own words and by her actions was very happy with her life. She fell in love with a man who abused RX drugs. She started to take ADHD drugs (she does not have ADHD) during the day and started to drink alcohol and night to "relax" as he did. She suffered an ego injury (perhaps for the first time in her life) and is taking a drug that acts as an amphetamine. She needs alcohol at night to counter that effect to sleep. With that said she dumped her fiance and had her new love at her house that night. So there are issues with her character that I ignored and possibly contributed to by my unwavering support of my adult child. With that said parents are not the sole influence in their child's life.

          I would like to say that again. Parents are not the sole influence in a child's life. As the child becomes an adult they are influenced by not only their parents but their genetics, their peers, co-workers, corporate culture,  and their experiences.  We as parents always want to reflect on how we failed our adult children.  In the anger stage of grief we want to blame them. But mostly we are looking for an answer in how the heck things got so bad so quick. And we may never know. Our adult children have their secrets just as we have ours. We may never know the why. 

          In the end I hold this true. Love your adult children. Hope and pray they are happy and fulfilled with or without us. But please expect them to treat you with the kindness and respect that they would treat a co-worker, boss, neighbor, or friend. You deserve that much as a parent.

          • Lydia Alexandra

            numberfiveminusone Lydia Alexandra The Scribe My question was to anyone who wanted to give me an insight into why this suddenly has happened.  I have read your reply  and i marvel at your wide understanding and knowledge.  May i ask if you have studied psychology at any level or are you just incredibly well read on the subject and if so from where can i gain this knowledge as well.  

            You're right, our children have secrets, and there may be a possibility that my son was rejected by a female at some stage though i am not aware.  When he left home and bought an apartment i saw him weekly, and nothing was said nor discussed regarding relationships.  He then sold his apartment and another rental that he let out and bought the house that he now lives in.  Has had the whole place rewired, new windows, re-plastered, and now has extensions going on at the back with builders.  He is busy.  Meanwhile he and partner live in one room with only 10% of his clothing the rest is at my house.  

            Some time back i phoned as his partner at 24 was having her wisdom teeth extracted.  I said that he may consider buying her a mouth wash for that reason (not the normal mouth wash), as when i had mine done at 23 you cannot clean your teeth but you need to keep your mouth free of infection and keep it clean.  I thought with a course he needs to be signed off for by end of year, all the goings on in his house, working long hours, and partner has moved in, that's the last thing he may consider.  I also said as he is considering to rent the upstairs whilst he and partner live downstairs when the building work is done, he must be aware as she does shift work, having male tenants may be a problem.  Imagine he has gone for the day, she is sleeping in the day and some guy decides to create problems.  After all they are not family but complete strangers. He went absolutely nuts shouting at me to "stop organising" anything needed has been addressed.  

            I was shocked at the anger he showered on me.  That was the first time i saw this behaviour and over time he has become totally distant.  My mother on her death bed told me that as a mother she was very poor.  Apart from the mental, physical and emotional abuse i endured almost on a daily basis from my mother with a father a vicar that looked the other day i had no warmth, demonstrative affection, kindness - whatsoever.  I heard my son once say to his friend who stayed over as my location was an easy connection to where they needed to go, my mother is very mothering (when i cooked them a breakfast and packed food for their trip) which i find normal.  My sons friend had lost his mother when young and showed surprise that i bothered.  I always had my sons friends over to visit or for birthdays etc., and i would take each and everyone home as i found this the decent thing to do. I would ask my boy to walk them to their front door.  This was during high school years not when he was working.  

            You can gather from this that i was very involved with anything that needed doing that involved my son.  He has left home, that's fine, though at times when there has been a hick-up he would ask if i could pick them all up from an airport as flight was delayed and they had no way of getting home as public transport had stopped.  No problem.    

            Perhaps i was too involved, though i didn't push ever nor was i nosy.  I would always say - if you want me to help just say and leave it that way.

          • numberfiveminusone

            Lydia Alexandra numberfiveminusone The Scribe

            I have studied psychology only on a basic level for my profession.  Having my mother and my sister cut ties with me (and most everyone else in the family) led me to search for answers. I have been fortunate to have access to a University library for research articles.  I have poured over thousands of them.  I also have friends (doctors and nurses) who work in psych and addictive medicine. I have been able to bounce ideas off of them. The most valuable resource I have found is my husband who speaks from his "gut." Uncanny how accurate he has been. He is a very observant regarding human nature. 

            I am very sorry your son took your concern for his partner as being "too organizing."  I believe your suggestions were valid and made with love.

          • Spirited Lady
            numberfiveminusone Lydia Alexandra The Scribe Thank you for your wise and informative postings.  I believe my son fits into your description of having difficulty finding a suitable partner and being willing to cut us out of his life in order to accommodate his wife and their lifestyle.  We're not particularly judgmental, butMore they have a counter-cultural lifestyle that would be hard for us to be very close to.  Seeing them at our family reunion every three years is the only thing we're allowed besides sending gifts.  I don't think my son and I were enmeshed, but we were struggling to stabilize our adult relationship at the time he became engaged.  I believe she thinks she is protecting him from me.  And isolation is a pattern in her family.  She has no contact with her family, which they prefer since they won't accept my son.  I do think her father expected to control their lives.  So isolating themselves seems like a good solution at least to her.  His knee-jerk reactions to suggested plans were always positive, but then the answer was no from her.  He is giving us a LOT to be with her.  But they share the same lifestyle, friends, etc. and now that there are two children he will never leave.  I feel accepting the situation is the only way I can bless him.  And it's the only way I can avoid having my feelings hurt even more.  My son is sensitive and we were close, hence the difficulty on both ends in detaching.  But I'm allowed to send gifts and that's more than is allowed some of my friends, who I know were not enmeshed with their children.  I'm told sizes and wants and occasionally thanked.  But I think as it gets harder for my son to sustain this separation, he becomes less communicative.  And I think that's what's happened with my friends' sons as well.  My son has said, "That's all that will work with my family."  And of course he means his wife, since the children are toddlers.
          • The Scribe

            numberfiveminusone Lydia Alexandra The Scribe I'm sure Lydia directed her question at you. Thank you for such a comprehensive answer. You seem very clear about this whole complicating issue. My friends used to say that after the age of 20 children are emotionally and mentally more stable and they will be safe. However,looking at/reading about young adults today i think they are still exposed to all kinds of danger until their 30's. This is because there are so many influences all around them.

            I find your paragraphs 2-5 so enlightening. Thank you so much.

        • Spirited Lady
          Lydia Alexandra numberfiveminusone The Scribe Reading about your son saying his diploma was for you, I think he will be back.  He needs some time.  This young man apparently was academic rather than social and now he'll be learning hard lessons.  Keep praying for him and his life.  He has ventured out,More which is good.  Give him some time to figure things out.
          • Lydia Alexandra
            Spirited Lady Lydia Alexandra numberfiveminusone The Scribe Thank you for taking the time in answering, very much appreciated. X
  • The Scribe

    After reading through some of the posts here I can't help thinking that this is a worldwide social landscape among young adults today. Why are they treating people who had nurtured them,cared/sacrificed for them for 25-30+ years so callously? I cannot,for the life of me,understand how they could be so selfish,self-focused and unfeeling. How could parents who had given their all to bring them up be called "toxic" once they become financially independent? 

    Everything is honky-dory until the parents fall sick or are unable to meet their needs. Today's young people make use of their parents,then discard them when the tide turns. Even if they don't love their parents for whatever reason and have an axe to grind with them where is their conscience and gratitude? True,they never asked to be born. However,according to karma whether they like it or not they WILL be reborn,if not by this set of parents by another which could be a thousand times worse. They could be born into some family which is on the brink of starvation or they could be born into a family in a war-torn country. Were the parents not the ones to give them the opportunities to enjoy whatever they have achieved now? If the parents had not given them life they would never have been able to enjoy themselves now. When they taste the sweetness of life they forget their parents but when it comes to bitterness they blame the parents. 

    I'm in the east,south-east asia to be exact and the social climate here is the same. Many young adults today do not practise filial piety anymore. The Buddha said we should NOT drink all our sweet tea at the beginning of life and leave all the bitter tea to the end. We must leave some sweet tea for the end too and drink some bitter tea in our youth. Many of today's youth do not know this precept. Today's youth are so hellbent on enjoying life that they ignore their filial duty toward their parents and elders. Neglected old folks are increasing in number these days,even in the east where filial piety had been practised for thousands of years. This is the phenomenon that began toward the end of the last century. 

    Their children watch how they treat their old folks and when their turn comes they might experience worse. There is an old Chinese story about a son who carried his aged and sick father to the mountain in a basket. He left his father day. His own young son tagged along. When his father deposited his grandfather somewhere on the mountain the young boy said to his father, 

    "Pa.don't forget to take the basket home". The father asked why. 

    The young boy replied, "So that I could bring you up the mountain when you grow old."

  • LLWright
    July 26, 2016 my 26 year old daughter moved out with her BF and took her son.  I don't know where they are and she has quit talking to me.  I have been a part of my grandsons life since he was born.  Now I can't see him or talkMore to him at all.  Her BF is my grandsons father.  They have broken up/got back together repeatedly.  We were all living together but they were not contributing financially to the house and we began to argue.  I do not like this guy, never have.  I simply went with it because I love my daughter.  He is a felon and in my opinion, a complete loser.  My parents are not handling this well and have become obsessed with trying to contact her and see my grandson.  I on the other hand have decided to take a step back and let things cool.  I texted her three times to ask to see my grandson and she responds with simply a NO.  My last text, I let her know that I love her and my grandson, want them in my life and my door is always open.  I received no response.  She has blocked me on all social media and no longer responds in any way.  My daughter and I were always close and I considered her my best friend.  She was the closest person in  my life.  Now, because of this guy, she has abandoned all family and has ceased communication in any way.  I went through all the phases of a death.  Anger, sadness, hopelessness, despair, no reason to live, etc.  I wake every morning and simply try and get through my day as best as I can.  Not sure what else to do.  I have lost two people that mean more than anything to me.  I pray to God every day that this ends.
    • numberfiveminusone
      LLWright So sorry you are going through this.  Yes it is devastating and emotional. It will take time to work through you feelings so take your time. Losing your grandson must be especially hard on you and once again I am so sorry.  My loss was recent just like yours.More Today is the first day I felt like myself again, although a bit sad. I hope you get a  "good day" very soon. I have found that exercise helps and me and hubby have been making ourselves get out even though it's hard. You are not alone here as Lydia, Spirited Lady, myself and others have experienced your pain. Hang in there.
    • Spirited Lady
      LLWright I understand your devastation, but you're causing this to be more emotionally traumatic than it needs to be.  You haven't lost either your daughter or your grandson.  You simply are unable to have contact with them right now.  You don't go through all the stages of grief in lessMore than a month.  Yes, you can feel all the emotions, but stages take a lot longer... years really.  You are very wise to hold off and let things cool down.  This young couple needs some time to get a reality check.  If he's as bad as you and your parents think, your daughter will be back to your home before long.  You will need to let her know, when that happens, that you were fine without her living with you, but it was terrible not having contact with her and your grandson.  Your emotions are not her responsibility.  She has a right to her own life.  And she needs to find out what this young man is all about when he doesn't have to compete with her family.  View this as her wise experiment.  Because if he proves not to be the person she hopes, she will be able to move on with her life without him.  Thankfully, you have been very wise and left the door open.  This may very well be the step in the right direction needed to break the impasse.  My advice is to pray for a good outcome.  God's plans for your daughter are much bigger than any of us can imagine.  Make your prayer ones of trust in God's providence.  And know there are thousands of other mothers out there going through similar experiences... and worse.  Trust that your daughter knows she's loved and help is just a text away.
      • LLWright
        Spirited Lady LLWright Thank you so much.  I agree totally.  It's getting my aging parents to do this.  They just can't seem to stop contacting her.  I will discuss with them more.  I have put it in God's hands because it was too much for me to handle.  Yesterday I criedMore nearly all day and it was a rough day.   Today I wake up with a new power and strength to leave it be.  Let it run it's course and she will see what we see in time.  The hardest part is not seeing my grandson.  I miss him so much.  Thank you again for your words.  I appreciate it and I needed that more than you could ever imagine!
        • The Scribe

          LLWright Spirited Lady

          Indeed it's a good idea to let things run its course. Even your body will recover if you let a cold run its course. Such children do not deserve their parents' fuss etc.One day she will realise she needs you and will come back to you on her own accord. She will realise how much her son loses. Good luck and God bless.

      • Lydia Alexandra
        Spirited Lady LLWright How wise and down-to-earth you are.  Your emotions are not her responsibility.  Thats where i am stuck and will have to deal with.  Thank you x
        • Spirited Lady
          Lydia Alexandra Spirited Lady LLWright Plus, Lydia Alexandra, you have a right to a life of your own.  I love the expression, "It's never too late to have a happy childhood."  This is a time for you to identify things that make you feel good.  Healthy things like a walk in aMore park, a long bath, a cup of tea, a good book.  Even if you cry the whole time you're walking or bathing.  Let yourself feel your feelings.  Know that you had a right to loving care as a child.  Talk to that child in you.  Tell her you're sorry for what happened to her and that you''re going to take care of her now.  Be very patient with yourself.  Your feelings are YOUR responsibility and you can decide how you're going to feel.  It takes time and work, but you can come out a stronger, healthier, happier person.
    • Lydia Alexandra
      LLWright I know exactly how you feel.  I wish i could find you an answer, though i think taking a step back is better than constantly trying to contact your daughter.  Last thing you want them to say is that you are a nuisance.  The thing is, though you (asMore was my son) and your daughter were close, she was your best friend, they always choose their partner as my son has and like you getting through the day is a real trial.  There are no easy solutions, but what i have done is not email  nor txt ( but every few weeks i may send an email and just say - hope you are in good health, am thinking of you, take care.  I don't go on about the fact that i feel as if i have died inside, or that i miss him desperately, or that i just want to sit across the table and talk to him, otherwise i feel pathetically needy.  Thing is i am not a needy person in nature, too independent and a bit of a lone ranger (horrid childhood) so i don't clasp onto people in despair.  I simply miss my boy.  There was just the two of us -  i drove myself to hospital and gave birth, and drove home.  There were complications and i could only see him through an incubator but i begged God if he was to leave the hospital healthy i would spend the rest of my life taking excellent care of him,  and i did.  My mothering days were the best and happiest of my life and when you give so much the loss of not seeing that person is simply unbearable.  Some of the lovely people i have communicated with on this site have immersed themselves in volunteer work, bless them and their strong characters, giving of themselves when they feel as they do.  I am simply not strong enough, i find it hard just getting through the day, the emptiness is unbearable.
  • numberfiveminusone

    Right now my daughter is trying to pick fights with me via text and even cussed me out which has never happened before. I think she is trying to make me the bad guy so she can have a reason to totally cut me off.  I think it is hard for her to save face with her friends because they know me so well and are confused at her actions. Even when they call me and ask me why she is acting this way I never say a bad word. I just say "well this is what makes her happy so we need to be happy for her."  I think she wants to give them a reason she dumped us so they don't have sympathy and she isn't embarrassed. I am choosing to not respond in a negative way to her texts. So she continues to push. This makes me not want to respond at all. It is so very hard.

    I was wondering how many of us estranged parents had abusive parents and families? My family and my husband's family were horrible. We went out of our way not to parent as we were raised. We never hit our children, we negotiated the rules as they grew so that they were respected. We gave them every opportunity we were denied and just showered them with love, money and kindness. My heart goes out to those adult children who were raised by narcissists and abusers who read our posts and think we must be lying and the true story resides with our children because they can't believe that this type of parenting results in estrangement. My heart also goes out to us parents who are told we must have been selfish and estrangement must be our fault.

    So I want to warn adult children of abuse to not go overboard in raising your children. Do not give them everything and overly praise them. Do not put them as the center of the universe or you may find yourself estranged one day when your child decides they no longer need you. It seems counter intuitive to believe what I am telling you but read our stories and you will see a pattern. I think that is why estrangement is multi-generational.  I was raised by an abusive narcissistic mother and we became estranged because I would no longer tolerate the abuse. I spoiled my child to the point of making her a narcissist.  She will raise her children as a narcissistic mother. The pattern will probably repeat itself over and over again through the generations.

    • Qiana wirag
      Omg you are so right. My mother was a crackhead who would get high and make me sleep in the park until she was done. She never gave me a birthday party or even cared to talk to me or check my homework or anything. She would leave me ,More I was 8, and my brother who was 4 alone for a week while she went on her crack binges and we had no food so we would eat a loaf of bread and try to make it last. When I was taken into a group home she never came to visit or call or anything. It's funny thou that when I got older I bought a big house and took care of her until she died. My son who is 20 treats me like garbage. When he was growing up I spoiled him and had huge birthday parties and did everything with them. My mother never took me anywhere or done anything with me. But I would of done anything for her if she asked. I can't even get my son to watch his little brother when I had to go to the hospital. I am so hurt and just shocked. I'm a single mother with 4 boys and I spend every second with them and whatever they want they get. I had 1 pair of shoes and they had holes in them and I bought him 6 pairs of sneakers for school and much more for Xmas and then he tells his dad he didn't get much
    • Lydia Alexandra

      numberfiveminusone I am stunned by what you have said, utterly stunned as its so true.  My mother despised me with a passion, everything was my fault, i was told constantly that she wished i was never born, she beat me physically, would pull my hair back and spit at me quite often when she was in one of her rages, for stealing money which she then would find but never apologise, or if late from school (sports practice) she would never greet me with a warm hello , always with rage like a lunatic.  I took all my fathers heart tablets at the age of 12 and ended up in hospital on a cardiograph machine.  I had enough of it all.  I was fed up with spending my lunch hours at school hiding my belt marks on my legs as we wore tunics and short socks.  When i eventually came home, it was my fault that i had put my mother through that embarrassment of ending up in hospital.  My father a vicar looked the other way.  Thats why i dont go to churches - i was brought up by christians?  

      My sister told the vicar at my mothers funeral how i was physically and emotionally abused.  It is why my sister wont have anything to do with me and hasnt spoken to me since my parents passing.  Her reason is that seeing me again would bring back what she as a child (8 years younger) would see.  I wanted to give my boy the kind of upbringing that i would have liked to have.  I always talked to him not at him, my mother only spoke to me to criticise me.  I never hit him and i gave him my time when i wasnt working.  There weren't any relationships, only friendships so that if i was invited i would take my boy as well.  I didn't spoil him, but i gave him a private education and bought a house myself so though bills and fees were paid there wasnt a great deal to splash out on, though everything he needed he got.  I gave him my inheritance as i could not bring myself to use it, and he used it well, flipping it a couple of times with properties he now has a lovely house and he is only 32. 

      My mother was beautiful and knew it, she destroyed all my photo albums before she died - all 5.  The whole house was full of her photos only, there wasnt one of me..  Long stunning dresses that i looked lovely in were cut up and made into short dresses for my mother to wear.  She was blond blue eyed and beautiful and my father did everything to please her, and after i left home she turned on him and everything was his fault.   She eventually left him, divorced him and the church sacked him.  She soon found another man to share her life with, whereas my father had a complete breakdown.

      A narcissist mother most certainly.  I never run my parents down to my son.  I would also be with him on our visits (every 4 years abroad) and his relationship with them was different.  He had a grandma and grandad and wrote and phoned them often.  Now that he has his lovely house and a lady in his life, i am totally forgotten about.  I would honestly like to know why.

      • numberfiveminusone

        Lydia Alexandra numberfiveminusone

        So sorry Lydia.

      • Spirited Lady

        Lydia Alexandra numberfiveminusone I am so sorry for how your mother treated you.  It's amazing that you survived that kind of trauma.  It's also amazing that with that history you were able to be a gentle, accepting mother.  Your son is still at a stage in life now referred to as "late adolescence."  In other words, he's still finding out who he is and how he fits into the world.  Our society has become so complex that what acculturation, which at one time was largely accomplished by the late teens or early twenties now requires another decade.  During these stages young people are still quite self-centered.  It doesn't mean he always will be.

        It sounds like you need to focus on your own life and develop friends you do things with.  Your son may never be interested in spending much time with you.  My son got married and moved far away.  His wife dislikes me and they have said I can only be "a name on a card."  My son and I are not estranged.  He's not angry about anything.  But it is far from my idea of family.  I grew up with grandparents I saw most days.  My son was very close to my mother even though we were in different communities.  

        But they get to choose.  And we might as well come to terms with our own emotions.  I do a lot of volunteer work.  What I like best is facilitating a class at the women's prison to help young mothers who are incarcerated come to terms with their addiction and the childhood abuse that led up to it.  

        I suggest you think of something that pulls at your heart and get involved helping.  That's what does the most to comfort me..

        • Lydia Alexandra
          Spirited Lady Lydia Alexandra numberfiveminusone Thank you for your words of wisdom and suggestion, i am grateful for your contribution, but to be honest i simply dont have the drive, enthusiasm, and energy to deal with what you are so admirably doing.  I wish you well.
        • GenaGaddis

          Spirited Lady Lydia Alexandra numberfiveminusone

          My daughter and i have always been close. She had a baby a few months ago. I flew 4000 miles to be there. Her BF was a complete jerk. My husband and I had paid their housing deposit, bought furniture, etc., but were treated horribly. I always looked forward to my daughter having a child, it was suppose to be wonderful. Instead, she was cruel, didn't want me at the hospital, would barely let me hold the child, etc. My son and his wife were furious. They too had been kept at a distance by the guy. Nonetheless, it was my daughter that allowed all of this! Heartbroken after she said horrible things to me, after three different melt downs, i left. I stayed with my son and daughter in law for a few days, then flew home. My daughter then said I had abandoned her when she needed me! I can't afford to fly back anytime soon and can not understand why she has made such poor choices. She dropped out of college, met this guy, then got pregnant nearly a year and half later. I

          m so broken! She was my best friend, she said the same of me. She feels she must stand by this guy and be a couple. Meanwhile I have been kept from my only grandchild.

          • Lydia Alexandra
            GenaGaddis Spirited Lady Lydia Alexandra numberfiveminusone Perhaps because having just had a baby, with months prior him chirping in her ear putting you down, her reaction was to side with him thus abandoning you and your good intentions.  How lucky she was to have you there, and how sad and shocked you mustMore have felt when she reacted that way.  Then to say that you abandoned her when she needed you most, that sounds to me like she is in a bad place, all mixed up, confused, lonely, scared, wants to side with him when perhaps he is the reason why she has changed so much towards you.  You must have returned feeling devastated and really upset.  Something tells me she needs just to be left alone and see how things pan out.  I found when everyone is at me giving me all this advice and i am at my lowest (years ago when living with my parents) it made things worse for me.  But in time, on my own to think and see things for myself you start to see things as they really are and not how they seemed then.  I wish you inner peace some time soon.
    • Spirited Lady
      numberfiveminusone What you're saying makes a lot of sense.  Did your daughter's abuse start when you stopped doing what she wants?  Did you have trouble standing up to her when she was a child?  I've seen this happen... and heard it from other mothers.
      • numberfiveminusone

        Spirited Lady numberfiveminusone

        She only recently became cruel to me.  As a child and young adult I never had troubles with her. But then again we gave her everything she wanted as a child and adult. She just had to say " I want this" and we gave it to her. She always thanked us sweetly. We never had fights or arguments even through the teen years.

        • Spirited Lady
          numberfiveminusone Spirited Lady I don't think you need to blame yourselves.  I have friends (more than one couple) who reared 2 or more children, are wonderful people from wonderful families, and are estranged from one child but not the others.  Often it's the spouse of the child who insists on theMore breach.  I think those of us who had unhappy childhoods are much more impacted by the loss.  It triggers the trauma of our childhood losses.  And it's obviously a greater loss for those of us with only one child.  And even greater if you don't have a spouse, don't have extended family to support you, don't have a faith community to provide a sense of community.  In fact, that isolation probably has a lot to do with the need young adult children feel to escape the pressure of needing to fill all those gaps.  There are several different patterns, I think.
          • Lydia Alexandra
            Spirited Lady numberfiveminusone I understand why you say what you have and i would as well as I/we feel so raw, but things once were different.  I taught Russian to adult students twice a week, was besotted with theatre so went often, i also earned a living and went to theMore gym three times a week.  I had a busy life and enjoyed dining out and cooked and baked at home often especially over the weekends.  Now i do absolutely nothing apart from keep house and garden.  I simply cannot be bothered.
  • Jewel0202
    Hi, I happened upon this blog and wanted to say Im so sorry for the heartache everyone is going through. I am going through the same experience that all you are. I have a 41yo daughter I raised since she was four(stepdaughter) . Her father and I divorced 20years ago.More In 2008 my father passed away and left me an inheritance he told me to use as I wanted.I choose to help all my children. Last month she asked me for money to buy a house and I told her I could afford to give her any money. she will not speak with me except to assist that she see my inheritance paperwork to prove she should have gotten more. She got a B.A.at private college, MBA paid be me, money for her first house, a wedding and I took her in following her divorce. I took her and my two grandkids in for three years and asked her for no money, i paid the bills, except she wanted internet and i could afford it so she paid that. I waited a few weeks and thought id try texting her, she texted back that "she is still in shock and was not ready to forgive" . This is especially hurtful because i live in a modest older home(circa 1910) in neef of paint and repairs, drive an old car 2001 while she just bought herself a brand new 2016 Toyota Highlander with all the tvs in it etc. This blog gave me the courage to send another text to all my children explaining Ihave no more money to give,but have lots of love , care and fun to share. One daughter called to say how much she loved me. One said she was appalled at my text? and my 41 yo chose not to respond. So to all you out there, you are not alone and you are in my thoughts and prayers.?
    • GenaGaddis

      Jewel0202

      Yes, money seems to be the factor holding many parent/child relationships together. I just do not understand my daughter, cutting me off from her and her baby. I did everything I could. Paid 1000's to help. My son and his wife are thankful and appreciative. They never ask for anything. Maybe we do too much. It becomes expected.

      • Royann
        That seems to be a major factor in the estrangement of my oldest son as well as soon as the money train stopped he stop speaking to me. Absolutely won’t have anything to do with me has totally cut me out of his life only to add insult to injuryMore on mine he claims to be a good Christian and is studying currently to be a minister! How’s that one for a cherry on top! My husband says we did too much but it still hurts like hell every day!
    • numberfiveminusone

      Jewel0202

      So sorry this is happening to you. Thoughts and prayers to you as well.

      • Jewel0202
        Thank you for your prayers and I am sorry for your loss of your son. Every morning I wake up and it feels like things will never be right again. but as the day goes by I get busy and can forget for awhile. Then the next morning it startsMore all over again. Its just been such a rough couple of years and one of my daughters had a severe stroke. I had to use some money to pay her bills and support her and her son(shes single). My other children understand, but the 41 yo wont listen to reason. Does everthing have to be exactly even??? She should be glad i had the money to help her sister but she says some of it was hers?!? I told her it is my money anyway to use as I see fit and what if she was the one who had the stroke??...wouldnt she want me to help her?? She just isnt ready to forgive???? What have I done that she can't forgive??? Except help her disabled sister as best I can?? It saddens me to think she is so selfish. I pray that God will open her eyes. Thanks for your thoughts and prayers ?
        • Lydia Alexandra
          Jewel0202 I am so sorry that things are so difficult and especially saddened by the fact that your daughter had a severe stroke.  I was wondering are you the only one assisting your disabled daughter and her son?  Would you not feel it appropriate to ask your other children ifMore they could take their turn in helping her whether its taking her shopping, or a visit.  I get to feel that you are doing it all, and yes as mothers we do, but a little help would be so much appreciated.  Take care and thank you for your contribution.  This would also mean that everyone would be seeing more of one another - after all they are all part of the same family.
          • Spirited Lady
            Lydia Alexandra Jewel0202 These are very wise words, Lydia Alexandra.  You speak of yourself as weak, but I see wisdom, compassion and strength to reach out to others who are suffering.
          • Lydia Alexandra
            Spirited Lady Lydia Alexandra Jewel0202 Thank you for your kind words, how very appreciated they are.  x
        • Spirited Lady

          Jewel0202 You need to stop beating yourself up for your daughter's lack of compassion.  There's nothing in this story to forgive and your acting like there is contributes to this daughter's false sense of injustice.  Your responsibility is to do what you think is right.  You made the right choice.  Now just stick to that.  This daughter is not going to change, so your peace of mind can't depend upon that.  You can pray all you want to... and I do believe in prayer... but God works in God's own ways in the world and, sadly, it doesn't usually involve a change of character..

          On the other hand, if's possible this daughter is actually asking whether she is loved and whether you would do the same for her.  Before writing her off, and instead of defending yourself, give her a lot of assurance that you love her too and that you hope you will be able to be there for her when she really needs you.  Identify what's special about her and let her know you appreciate these things about her.

  • NL Mom
    I read so many comments here and my heart breaks. I see anguish, despair, pain and anger. All part of alienation. My son alienated me. He's 22. It started out as parental alienation but it took a few years and we started to rebuild things and things were good, notMore ideal, but good and that was all I had learned to expect. Christmas of 2015 I spent a small fortune on him. When I put all the gifts under the christmas tree my heart broke.Most of the presents were for my older son who had estranged himself from me. There was little for my younger son who was only 13 at the time.  This made me take another long hard look at what I was doing. Nevertheless things were going ok. When my older son when back to his dad's that night he took a photo of all the gifts I had given him and he posted it on FB, with the hashtag #awesomemom. I was sooooo happy, I was on cloud nine. The next day the post was gone. He did get to tell me that his dad got mad at him for posting it. I saw him once more since then, a few weeks later by happenstance and I was so hurt when he hugged me that I couldn't hug him back, I did apologize and we communicated by facebook a few times. That was Jan 2015, since then I got one phone call on mother's day in in 2015 and he said, "I haven't treated you very well." He hung up crying. I haven't heard his voice since. Christmas he messaged me on FB and said he loved me and that he would call, nothing... a week later I messaged him back and said this was a sad situation and I loved him etc, we arranged to meet, he canceled five times. Obviously he doesn't want to see me. I am now trying to move on. I can't insert myself into his life, I"ve tried everything I can think of. I was understanding, never critical, supportive, told him I was proud of him, did everything and still it's been six months since a one sentence fb post. I am now just accepting that I have to move on and live my life. I can't dwell on what could be or hope that we reconcile. Life is short and boy is it hard. For those of you hoping to reconcile, I don't think contacting them is a good thing at all. It makes them take us for granted and it also keeps us clinging to hope that this FB msg, this text, this card will work. Nothing will work until they decide that they want a relationship. I am now trying my hardest to move forward with my life, At least I have another son and stepdaughter who love me and I love them dearly, great friends and a loving mother ans sister, From what I understand my son is happy and healthy, and I'm grateful for that, but it's time I moved on and started liveing a full life again, but that's not so easy. I wish you all the very best and if you do reconcile I hope you post here, I'd love to read your posts. God bless.
    • The Scribe
      NL Mom Do not try to "buy" their love.
    • Brenda Alvarado 885

      NL Mom First off i want to say how truly sorry i am for what you are going through..i understand your pain as I too am estranged from my adult son who is 20 years old. i agree with your advice about backing off and not contacting them for reconciliation after so many failed attempts. i want to say thank you for your inspiring advice and your strength. I have recently made interaction with my son after 3 years of estrangement, he left home when he was 17 (in bad terms of course) and after 3 years of emails (cause he changed his number so email was the only form of contact) i never got a response. i bumped into him months after he left home only to be ignored in the streets! i was humiliated..i followed him only to be ignored i had no choice but to walk away in distress and shame. he was recently hired as a photographer for a family friends sweet 16 where i attempted once again to make contact. He was formal but still cold. I asked him for his phone number but he declined to give it to me himself because he already gave it to his kid brother my 13 year old son he said if i wanted the number i could get it from his little brother. I contacted him a couple of times via text and calls only to get ignored as usual. He was hired to be a photographer at another event which i knew he would be there so i made it my business to attend. he said hello but referred to me as Brenda not mom. I was hurt and for him to disvalue me in front of other people at an event where everyone knows he is my son was another humiliating moment for me. I addressed him and told him I dislike when he refers to me by my first name then he became defensive stating that i lost that privilege since I kicked him out. when he was 17 his disrespect was at an all time high not coming home doing whatever he wanted, he wouldn't even wish me happy mothers day or happy birthday he even refused to participate in family vacations. i was too hurting at this time since i couldn't understand why my son that I love with all my heart would treat me this way. He didn't even invite me to his High School graduation after i paid for all his senior dues which was my duty as a mother but no gratitude was displayed to me and I was treated as if i was a dead beat mom after years of being a single mother working hard to make sure he needed for nothing. When he was 12 i got into a serious relationship and we are still together to this day. at first he got along with my mate but as he got older is total disregard for my boyfriend also caused friction for us. My mate had also contributed to providing for him we were actually living better then when i was a single mom we were able to vacation several times and financially i was able to provide even more lavish gifts and anything he wanted. I even lavished his girlfriend just so that I can be in good graces with him. after several episodes of the disrespect he displayed i put my foot down and told him if he did not obey the rules of my home he will have to leave. He decided to leave and go stay with my estranged sister of course she took advantage of the situation by taking him in instead of trying to mediate and make things right between us. I have no desire to fix things with my sister as i feel she has done the unthinkable to me building a wedge between my son and i and for that I will never forgive her. I emailed my son the other day to address the issue of calling me by my first name i wrote him a respectable letter displaying all my feeling of hurt and shame. I told him in the letter that I will love nothing more then to reconcile but i will have to be acknowledged as a mother not anything less. he writes back again addressing me by my first name stating that he wishes me many great years and that one day i will have to see what I have done as a mother and he wished me the best of luck. This killed me I called out of work 2 days in a row because i have been crying off and on can't concentrate on anything my heart is completely broken but i will not give in and lose my dignity in the process of trying to have a relationship. I feel that us as parents tend to get stepped on and manipulated just for a relationship with children that don't even appreciate us. I am broken but in time I will heal. Luckily I have a 13 year old son that loves me and my boyfriend of 9 years has been more then supportive throughout this ordeal. i really hope that both are sons come to their senses and see that they are blessed to have mothers whom want to be in their lives and provide love and assistance with life which we both know can be seriously hard. there are many people including me who's mother are deceased and don't have the luxury of spending time with their mothers. I will keep you in my prayers. thank you again for your enlightening advice you are solider with the heart of an angel! god bless you!

      .

    • lcjantzi

      NL Mom,

      Thank you for sharing. I'm not sur I can put into words what your post meant to me. I'm very sad but I'm not alone is basically what comes to mind. I'm sorry but I just wish I didn't have this in common with you and others but I'm grateful that the pain of loss seems a little less when I read your's and other's account of estrangement.

      My three grown children decided to demand "no contact" by sending me an email after Christmas of 2013. We'd been through a lot in the prior 15 years: the arrest of their dad for a sex crime, the eventual divorce, their acting out as teenagers involving drug & alcohol abuse, an abortion, one getting married, the births of three grand children, the death of one grand child, etc. I don't want to go on. I did my best and I now understand that they somehow put me under a microscope, as it were, where every good thing I did for them becomes minute in the magnification of my mistakes or faults. My oldest has lied to the other two about something terrible I was suppose to have said about my daughter and her deceased son, my sweet grandson. But she has been telling lies to others about me and lying to me for years and even believes that I had something to do with their dad's sexual deviancy.

      I, too, was told by a therapist that I needed to send special occasion cards and keep in contact. I did this until now, though everything in me said not to. The little return communication that I received from my younger daughter during this time, was abusive and revealed someone suffering from a mental illness. My therapist suggested that my adult children needed time to grow up and learn to take responsibility for their own decisions and stop blaming me. She maintained that I should keep letting them know that I loved them and would be waiting to hear from them when they are ready.

      Since reading the current posts on this website, I have peace about not contacting them anymore. The posts confirmed what I had been thinking a lot about lately, i.e. Not bugging them or being a nuisance, giving them the space they asked for (demanded), hurting myself by waiting on a response and getting nothing, or worse, getting more abusive language.

      All this to say, thank you and all others who share the stories of the heartbreak of estrangement by our adult children.

      Without my relationship with Almighty God, I would despair. . .

      • Spirited Lady
        lcjantzi Unlike Lydia Alexandra, I have a faith community.  It is so very comforting to be with others every Sunday and pray and sing and hear a message of God's love and care.  It also provides me and my husband with a social life and with opportunities to serveMore others.  I'm involved with ministry to women who are in prison.  Listening to their stories and providing them with a recovery program sharing God's love for them keeps me going in the face of my only child's neglect and distancing.  I'm still sad, but I stay busy and know that all is in God's hands.  My daily prayers for my son and his family along with the gifts I send (he does let me know what gifts would be welcome) provide me with a sense of connection and comfort.  Every Sunday I light a candle at church for him and his little ones, and even for his wife, who seems to be the source of the problem.  I refuse to be bitter, but it helps to acknowledge my sadness.
        • Lydia Alexandra
          Spirited Lady lcjantzi I dont wish to offend but am surprised that your son accepts gifts but has distanced himself from you and your husband.  Unlike me you have managed to keep yourself active with others and involved.  I feel completely frozen and simply cant mix.  I communicate with nobody whoMore is close to me apart from exchanging pleasantries and a passing hello to neighbours.  I dont feel bitter to be honest just incredibly empty.  I simply have nothing to say.
      • Lydia Alexandra

        lcjantzi I just got in from shopping, a lonely horrible experience, children are on their hols now and you see them as your children once were, loud and full of life and full of wonderment.  How different it once was and how little did i know as to what can happen one day and there is no reason why.  I am sorry for your incredible pain, and what you have had to go through.  I wish i could put it right for you or at least say - dont worry it will get better - or it will in time go away, but that is not the case because who knows.  I like you have my faith, and believe in the power of prayer though i am not a church goer and hate labels so am not calling myself a christian, but i just hope that things become easier eventually.  What i would do is write a letter to each and every person in your life with whom things are difficult.  Do one every Sunday, as i dont go to church Sunday its when i write my letters.  When you have them all, go out one day and post them all together.  The content would be - your side of the story, keep it short, and end with - i will always love you if and when you want to contact me, i will be there for you.

        You then have said what you wanted to say, perhaps not to the persons face but you have said it.  Things unsaid and not put right eat away at you - let them know your version.

        And that is all you can do.  I wish you well, emotionally, and with tenderness, i know how empty if feels like a deep hollow, almost like a bereavement, a feeling of incredible loss.

        • Lydia Alexandra
          lcjantzi I know about the depression and am grateful some of these people that i have had the pleasure of communicating with are able to get involved doing things and helping others so helping themselves to cope and get through the day.  I write letters, just as i can tellMore all typing here, yet to the outside world i am a closed book, i dont discuss it with anyone else - so we are all different in doing what helps at a time when its simply - difficult.  All i can say is that i am very grateful for this website where i can tell it as it is and not be expected to put on a happy face when at times i feel as if i am dying inside.  Keep well and thank you.
        • lcjantzi

          Thank you, Lydia, for your compassion and kind words. I'm not sure about doing the letter writing. It sounds good but I seem to have to overcome a large wave of depression after writing to these people. Still, I think it might give me a sense of closure. Thanks for the suggestion and for caring enough to respond to me.

          I don't like labels either, Lydia. My husband and I have just found a church but not involved as yet. We meet with several groups to recreate and have neighbors and friends over regularly but my thoughts are never far from my adult children and my young grandchildren.

          I was sorry to read your story. You sound like you are dealing with it in healthy ways, though you still have triggers, i.e. seeing children while shopping brings memories. You are still open and pray but realistic. That was helpful to me.

          It is a struggle we will continue to have, living with this is gaping hole in our life and the wound that is hard to heal but I'm comforted in knowing that good things can come from our suffering, like this website where those hurting comfort one another.

  • guest 40

    Yesterday my husband sent an email to our daughter telling her that the CostCo card had been renewed and that our car was available for her to use while we were away for two weeks.  

              We received a text message written  at 3am that stated:  ' Please try and respect my request that I do not want any contact as much as it hurts, as I have tried to say it in the kindest and most honest way possible.  I know that you do not understand but have done my best to explain it to you.  I hope that I do not have to hurt you again with this request.  I also am angry that you do not seem to get it.  I love you.  I want the best for you and mom but am not wanting to be contacted until I am ready  I am sorry that this is harsh.  I keep feeling so bad.  I am also so angry that I have requested this and have tried to explain that I am needing this.   I wish you both well.  Please let me be as too much happened.  I cannot heal !   Please!            

    My comment to all of you here:   We are told and I have read, keep your love flowing through email, cards, messages.   We have tried as you can see from the above but she does not want it.

    Our hearts are broken.  We younger son passed away 9 years ago and our daughter walked out of our life 3years ago.  We have lost both our children.  We are 'old' and I am afraid I will die with a broken heart.

    • numberfiveminusone

      guest 40

      So very sorry that you received that text. It was a very nice thing to offer your daughter your car and pay for the CostCo card.  I think it would be best to respect your daughter's wishes on no contact even though that feels like a knife to your heart. Not just for her but for you. You don't need heartbreaking texts at 3am. Take care of yourself.

    • Lydia Alexandra
      guest 40 Hi, i am so incredibly sorry that your son has passed away, and now your only other child your daughter has behaved this way.  You as myself are getting on, and its now that we would love to be close to them and be part of their lives.More  I feel your pain enormously, i feel empty and hollow and nothing matters anymore, at least you are not on your own, you have the understanding and comfort of your partner.  As horrid as this sounds, you will have to do as she wishes and simply leave her be.  She for some reason wants to be alone and deal with what is bothering her and you are "bugging" her with YOUR needs.  I too have not contacted my son, either through email or phone - and yes i keep checking to see if there is contact but as he doesnt want it i have had to detach myself from being a nuisance.  I  cant tell you the hell on earth that my existence has become.  x
  • tctiptop
    tctiptop numberfiveminusone I had a similar experience. Dr Phil helped and we are both in a better place as a result.
    • Lydia Alexandra
      tctiptop numberfiveminusone Do you mean Phill McGraw - was it something you watched on TV or was it something you read written by him?
  • Lydia Alexandra
    I brought my son up on my own.  No family backups, just the two of us.  I drove myself to hospital, gave birth and drove us to our modest apartment.   I would take my boy to school and go to work, and in the evening after homework, music practice,More dinner etc., when he went to bed, when the child minder arrived,  i went to work.  This went on for 21 years and he graduated in law and would often say, do you realise what you have achieved, a home you purchased and paid off and a private education for me.  To be honest i felt - if i can i should, and so i did.  I never looked at it as a big deal.  I was healthy and well so why not go for what you can achieve for you and your child.  We have always been close, i gave him my inheritance as a deposit for property which he flipped a couple of times and now has a large house at 32 years of age with a small mortgage.  If he couldn't contact me, he would worry, he always looked out for me, house security, if unwell etc., Now he has a lady in his life and i am totally forgotten about.  I would often say to him, as there is just the two of us, my passing will hit you hard, i would love to think that you have someone lovely to share your life with and have a family, so i was quite elated when he told me that he has met someone and she has moved in - shocked that it happened so fast but happy for him.  He now doesn't phone, nor txt, nor visit.  There are things in the house i cant do as i am badly arthritic having worked physically for so long.  I don't mind admitting that i am devastated and feel an incredible loss, it has hit me hard and i have no idea why he has chosen to cut me off the way he has.
    • numberfiveminusone

      Lydia Alexandra

      I am so sorry this has happened to you. I too feel devastated and grieve the emotional and physical loss of my only child. I have been told I will become numb after awhile. That time cannot come fast enough for me.

      • Lydia Alexandra
        numberfiveminusone Lydia Alexandra How can we become numb, we carried our child, gave birth and cared for our child through illness, and good times.  The school days, birthdays, its etched inside our hearts.  How wonderful it would be if the pain did go away.  I hope you have someone close toMore you, that you are not alone as i am.  Christmas and birthdays must be hell.
        • numberfiveminusone

          Lydia Alexandra numberfiveminusone

          Thank you Lydia.  I am so sorry that your son was angry that he was called while you were ill. I wish you would not be angry at yourself for your years of giving as that was a loving thing for your to do. We should not be angry that we loved. Please don't feel pathetic regarding your need for care after surgery. There are rehab facilities that will help you get ready to go back home. I hope your surgery is helpful and alleviates some of your physical pain. Take care of yourself.

          • Spirited Lady
            numberfiveminusone Lydia Alexandra I want to second the wise words of numberfiveminusone to Lydia.  Please know, Lydia, there are many parents suffering this outcome of their love and card.  On the other hand, there are kids who never leave home and are dependent upon their parents at the same time theyMore abuse them.  That would be even worse.  Your son is on his own and God loves him as much as you do.  I hope you get wonderful medical treatment and recovery care.  I'm so impressed with how your thinking has become clear and you are facing these painful challenges.  God bless you!
          • Lydia Alexandra
            Spirited Lady numberfiveminusone Lydia Alexandra Thank you so much for your time and effort, much valued and appreciated.  I have to snap out of this fog that i have been living in, what has happened to my drive and energy?  One must move on, or simply die.  Thank you x
          • The Scribe

            Lydia Alexandra Spirited Lady numberfiveminusone Madame,Spirited Lady is right. It would be worse if the kids sponge on you in your old age. Just move on and enjoy the good years you have left. It's not worth "dying" over such young people. While you grieve these callous kids could be having so much fun. 

            I had the good fortune of learning something new today. It seems young adults see estrangement from their parents as a sacrifice! It seems they have to "sacrifice" in order to achieve their brand of success. It seems Steve Jobs "sacrificed" too to arrive at the top of his career. He did not acknowledge a love child before he achieved his spectacular success. What happened to him in the end? He died of cancer. He did not escape the fate of man despite being a phenomenal success in the world of computers and business. I don't see what these young adults are after to the extent of "sacrificing" their parents and families.

            Just move on. Live well and be happy.

          • Spirited Lady

            The Scribe Lydia Alexandra Spirited Lady numberfiveminusone Interesting that we are on three continents having this conversation.  What a privilege!  I want to add that the Chinese women we worked with in the Chinese village were very close to their parents.  Two of the teachers were staying with their parent while taking our classes.  We were in both homes, one for dinner.  Two others had their mother visiting for a summer vacation.  The fifth was the one who took us to her parents' farm to meet her grandmother.  Their weddings had been traditional... being taken off to the husband's family home.  But the women were very loyal and close to their own families.  And that will be very much the case with the one child generation.  The young couples will need to take care of two sets of parents.

            In the US, most of my friends are very much involved with their children and grandchildren.  Many take care of them after school.  They definitely celebrate birthdays, Thanksgiving and Christmas together and many other holidays.  Grandparents attend performances and athletic events.  Even at a distance, my husband's children call him on his birthday, Father's Day, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas.  And they exchange gifts and cards.  Plus there are annual visits, or close to annual... even across the continent.  

            So that's a lot of why it's so painful for me and my friends who are not blessed with all this.  That's why this blog has been a blessing.  I'm just grateful that I'm allowed to send cards, notes and gifts.  It helps me feel connected and, hopefully, it provides the children with at least a little of the connection which you correctly identify as so important for their emotional health.  Plus, I'm hoping it says to my son that the door is still open despite his poor treatment of me, which I'm sure is an embarrassment to him.  But given his wife's hostility, he apparently has to choose.  And I don't want to be a factor in a divorce.

            When we were together at the reunion of my husband's family, which my son is part of because he was only 8 when we were married, he was very relaxed with me and thrilled with all the items from his childhood I brought him.  There was something from every stage of his life and he was delighted that I had kept them. Many were t-shirts and he wore them all.  He and I spent most of the time following his 3 year old around.  I took a lot of videos and photos.  But children grow and change fast.  

            Anyway, I help women in our state prison (most are there because of drugs) express the abuse and abandonment they experienced as children and sort out their lives.  The lack of a deep connection to at least one healthy, loving adult is typically the problem.  I am working on providing mentors for the women, since, as an ongoing volunteer going into the prison, I'm not allowed an ongoing relationship with the women.  But my nonprofit raises money to provide a lay pastor who is in the prison every week.  There are 800 women, so we only work with a few, but it's very rewarding... most of the time.  And we have other programs as well, which I coordinate.  The work keeps me going,.. keeps my mind off my losses.

            And every Sunday I light a candle for my son and his babies.

          • Lydia Alexandra
            The Scribe Lydia Alexandra Spirited Lady numberfiveminusone Thank you for your good wishes, I don't understand that as a "sacrifice" but selfish behaviour.  I grew up seeing families be very much part of the whole family, where Grandad and Grandma shared the opening of presents on Christmas morning together, and everyone shared everyMore birthday with the whole family, (though not in my family)  Grandparents came to schools to watch plays being performed by their grand children, and music concerts etc.,  This kind of detachment that i see now is weird, not healthy, and flawed.  It may be the new vogue way to live, but it is cruel, selfish and to be honest i cant see who gains from it all.  If you have seen a documentary or read a book on any well know criminal, it always shows a detachment of some sort and at times abuse.  I am not suggesting our children are under that umbrella, but detachment is not good for anyone, not for the person who has instigated it nor for those suffering it.  I know there is nothing one can do - apart from just trying to move on and accept it though your heart is breaking and the void is impossible to fill.  Yes i am slowly moving on.
          • The Scribe

            Lydia Alexandra The Scribe Spirited Lady numberfiveminusone The keyword is DETACHMENT. Look at modern housing. Even if the houses share two side walls and the backyard wall neighbours do not interact. The rich live in detached homes,what we call bungalows here (the word bungalow actually originated from India). 

            Detachment from the community is bad enough but if t's from the family it's very unhealthy but like you I observe this trend among young adults today. It gets alarming when a great number of families suffers from this syndrome.

          • Lydia Alexandra
            numberfiveminusone Lydia Alexandra Thank you for your good wishes. I now am awaiting a letter for a surgery date.  It could be a couple of months who knows, and in a way i am preparing myself to take care of myself whilst i am unable to walk.  It could be worse,More imagine if it was cancer and i had to have chemo not knowing where my tomorrows are.  And so it is, this is it, this is how things are.  Best wishes to all the lovely people i have communicated with, no goodbyes, stay in touch, but thank you.  This is not something one can easily talk about - guess what my son has abandoned me.  Love to all xxx
          • The Scribe

            Lydia Alexandra numberfiveminusone We can only do our best as parents,then pray and hope for the best. Many young adults are like your son. The parents give them the best education and everything they could afford. Once they make it they turn their backs on their old parents. Some daughters are like this too. Once they meet somebody whom they are obsessed with they will simply abandon their parents. All they care about is the man in their life. It's a vicious cycle because the same thing would happen to them when they grow old.

            It's happening in the East as well. Today's young Chinese adults have all but forgotten about the concept of filial piety put forth by Confucius/Kung Fu Tzhi. The best is not to expect too much from our children so we won't be too disappointed. How many children you have is no longer relevant. If one child cuts you off the others might follow suit because they think in so doing they can escape wasting time,energy and resources on people who have become a nuisance to them. Parents become old and dependent financially,physically and emotionally. 

            Many young adults today make use of their parents then leave them to suffer on their own in their old age. This is the reality of the 21st century. Things will get worse in time to come. This is what the world call progress LOL.  People become more and more impersonal,unfilial,disloyal and uncaring so just accept and move on. There's no point wasting your life. When they need you they will come back. When they don't need you they will cut you off. It's only parents who love unconditionally. children never do.

      • Lydia Alexandra
        numberfiveminusone Lydia Alexandra Hello, thank you for taking the time to reply.  I have just come home from an appointment with the consultant, nothing serious, but the MRI Scan results say i now have to have knee surgery.  I was given 4 sheets of paper to fill in, a pre-op assessment,More and when it came to the next of kin i have deleted my sons details.  A couple of times when taken by ambulance or admitted to hospital (i have degenerative osteoarthritis from neck to toes and sometimes i totally seize up and cant move use the loo etc., ) he was angered at the fact that i called him from his work.   I felt pathetic today saying to the nurse that on my return home i have nobody to take care of things as i have to be off my feet for some time.  Years of working, paying and providing - i am angry with myself for giving so much of myself.
        • GenaGaddis

          Lydia Alexandra numberfiveminusone

          Heartbreaking. I m so sorry

  • Goldendarnit123
    The thing is, my parents would NEVER admit that they were at fault for anything. Suggesting all this advice about realizing your faults and discussing things only works if both sides are willing. My parents would never admit their faults. They would twist my words to put me at fault.More They gave never ever acted as parents to me. In some cases, these relationships really cannot be salvaged. And some of the parents reading this would think that "not me, I'm not that kind of person" without taking a deeper look. I'm not saying that all parents are at fault for their children cutting them out of their lives, I'm saying that so many parents fail to realize their own mistakes. I am only 19, but once I pay my parents back fully for their contributions for college (I don't want to "owe" them anything), I will be cutting them off. I might give them a call on their birthdays, but I do not plan on communicating further with them. I honestly can say that my parents are terrible human beings and I simply can't see myself reconciling with them. I may just be being "immature" or "misguided" but I know that my life will be better without my so-called-parents in it. Thanks for reading.
    • numberfiveminusone

      @Goldendarnit123

      That is a tough situation to be in.  It is important to listen to your children and I understand why you have become angry and frustrated with your parents. Good luck in school.

  • tctiptop
    I stopped by to help someone else as much as one person is able to do so, and I read on. Then I realized, ... ., we must all be related to each other! We all have the same family!!!!! I had no idea how big my family really is!More We all have to smile once in a while!
  • Missmydaughter
    I agree totally. I personally have given up trying to reach my child. I still love her very much. I think of her everyday. But like a messy divorce, I know I must let it go. It never stops hurting. A counselor advised meMore to have a funeral or memorial service. Because unlike the loss of a child through death, there is no closure. Am I stronger now? No. Will I ever forget her? No. Going through life constantly thinking of what might have been is not really living. I have only one life and it's precious and worth living, after all. If your child stays away as long as mine has, you will no longer really know that person. I remember my daughter as she was in 2006. That's the last time I actually spent time or talked with her. now she's in her late 30's and I don't know who she is or what she's like. Her dad and sister miss her as well. What can we do except live without her?
    • moving on
      Missmydaughter I am truly sorry for your trauma re the silence from your daughter.  Your counselor's advice to have a funeral or memorial service for her, however took me by surprise.  Surely those occasions are for the dead and your daughter is not so.  She is alive and while there isMore life there is hope.  I often wonder where these so called experts get off.  Your daughter has gone away for a while so in the meantime I think it is up to us to push on with our lives so that if and when there is a breakthrough both parties are in the best position to re-form another relationship which hopefully is much stronger than the last.  If there is not a reconciliation then at least we haven't wasted our precious time pining for something that has vanished.
      • runcie

        moving on Missmydaughter 

        Maybe the idea is more along the lines of putting the immediacy and grief to rest - not a funeral, but something kind, gentle and symbolic, to open up the loss, and create acceptance around it, that could then  ease the parent toward the ease to let go and move on.

  • Soi
    I disagree with the Parent continuing to reach out once an adult child has made it clear with both behaviors and words that he/she does not want a relationship with the parent. Reasoning: We raise our children on a path for independence, self reliance and identity. If there was grossMore neglect or generalized abuse by the parent, the child is within their right to seek to break ties. Any Parent who continues to seek contact, is perpetuating the abuse. The child should press harassment charges, if the Parent persists. If the child is severing ties out of a sense of some unmet entitlement; let them go and learn how to earn money. Continue to send Birthday cards;WITHOUT money. Do not extend invites to eat out, or to go on vacation. Do invite them out for walks, dinner AT home and never reinforce any invitation for contact with a material addendum. If the adult child is abusive, the Parent should break ties and inform the Adult child the reasons why. Mutual respect is a basic expectation of any relationship. The adult Parent/child relationship is not exempt. If the abuse is not of a violent nature and there is no risk to safety, offfer to talk about issues, to participate in therapy and to work alongside his/her efforts. Do NOT under any circumstances send a message that abuse will be tolerated because they are your child and you love them unconditionally. Loving unconditionally is not a get away free card for Parental abuse. Loving unconditionally means that you are able and open to forgive and forget and move ahead. It does not mean, keep punching me in the face, heart or bank account; I will love you anyway! That is a very dysfunctional message to send out. While you are no longer in a Parental role with your children; you remain a reference guide to their own adult journey and you have a responsibility to uphold responsible and respectable examples in relationships within your family, because it is to them that the future of your family legacy falls. Ensure the entegrity of your family lineage, values and family culture, and value all of the sacrifices that you made to provide them with a better life. Teach them to respect themselves by modeling how you expect to be treated.
    • AListener

      Soi Agree that once an adult--adult child or otherwise--has made it clear he/she does not want a relationship, then as sad as it is for the parents, it is time to shut it down. Giving the person space is an act of love. If a loved one asks for space isn't that an act of love to give that person the requested space?  "If there was gross neglect or generalized abuse,the child is within their right to seek to break ties." I am not in agreement with this comment.  I do agree that physical abuse, sexual abuse, and certain forms of "emotional abuse" are an appropriate basis for an adult child to cut off his/her relationship with the parent(s).  Of the 3 categories, 1 and 2 are fairly objectively based.  #3, emotional abuse is very subjective.  Reasonable minds might differ on some forms of emotional abuse.  What is "gross neglect"?  Reasonable minds may differ.  What is generalized abuse?  Reasonable minds will differ.  I agree that EVERY adult child has "the right" to "break ties"---for any reason at all. Doesn't make it "right" (as in ethical, moral, compassionate, empathic, kind, considerate, loving etc).  An adult child can do this for any reason at all.  In my opinion that is wrong. In my opinion 2 wrongs do not make a right. And in my opinion, there is far, far too much cutting off taking place at this time in our world by adult children, particularly young adults, who have subjectively deemed their parents "too toxic" whatever that may be.  There are staggering numbers of parents right now in this world who are estranged from their adult children because the adult child has chosen to cut off the parent for this category of perceived "emotional abuse" and when you peel back the layers, it is just not there, objectively. Nothing more serious than a parent being too strict on the child growing up, having rules the child did not like, and junk like that.  These adult children are mostly young adults who are seeking out therapy as they reach adulthood, and are trying, like most everyone does, to come to terms with their childhoods and upbringing and parenting. These young adults encounter inexpensive, inexperienced therapists who seem to be recommending a course of action to young adults to deal with the people in the young adult's life that are "too toxic" for the young adult by cutting off that person. I am not such a fool as to say this approach is never appropriate, but given the numbers by which this is happening, it is equally foolish to believe that in most of these cases, the parent objectively deserves this harsh result. Parents make mistakes.  No child's upbringing is perfect. I have yet to meet a parent who set out to be the worst parent ever.  ALL parents have kids with hopes of being great parents--100% of the time that is the intent going in. And yet, mistakes occur. Imperfections happen. Children are going to test the boundaries that their parents set. Some children test boundaries more than others.  And sometimes this testing becomes a battle of wills, and control issues manifest themselves. And sometimes parents have bad days, are in bad moods, feeling impatient, sick, tired, etc.  There are endless variables that contribute to conflict.  Are we to say that in 100% of these conflicts, it is ALWAYS the parents "fault" and unless the parent acted with "perfection" (whatever that is) the parent was "emotionally abusive" and hence "too toxic, and hence should be cut out of the young adult's life?  

      If people don't talk, nothing gets solved.  Somebody has to be the bigger person.  I suggest these young adults need to reach out to their parents in those instances where the gripe or gripes is nothing more than perceived "emotional abuse" (or as you say "gross neglect").  Take some time to yourself. Get comfortable in your own skin and circle back with your parents and seek peace and love in your family of origin.  Those supposedly "toxic" parents changed your diapers.  Not just once. Every day.

  • JHB

    I have three adult children.  Two are not speaking to me.  They are children of a very early divorce.  i raised them alone, I never remarried.  Their Father is a Narcissist who has berated and belittled me for many years.  He remarried immediately and had two more children (who seem quite screwed up to me also)...My daughter, I believe is BPD...she cuts me and other people off often.  Being with her is like "walking on eggshells" you never know whats coming at you.  I've tried to get her  help, sat with her for hours on the phone through many panic attacks, picked her up and brought her back home when her boyfriend left her in a different city...the list goes on and on...but quickly she finds any reason she can to cut me off and be angry at me.  My older son and I also had a detached, but civil and helpful relationship...I believe he suffers from a mild form of Aspbergers...very very intelligent and successful, just detached.    He lives far away, but comes in often and usually found a meal to share with me...but still

    spent the majority of his time with his Fathers family.  i once asked him why...his response was awesome...he said "its not that I love him more, we just have more in common, like to do the same things, etc.)  That was good enough for me.  At that point i could handle a come here/ go away relationship with my daughter and an OK one with my older son...and then it happened!  I accidentally found out my son had a child out of wedlock (no big deal for me) and i had a grand daughter.  I was thrilled!  I reached out to my son, and he shut me down.  Refused to speak to me about it...ignored my calls, texts and e mails...most of them were just telling him how much I loved him...i later found out that my ex husband had known, although the story my son told everyone about this little girl and her Mother were a lie.  After about 2 months, quite accidentally again, I found the Mother on FBook....i was with a friend and he reached out to her....long story short, she contacted me.  I responded...Before i responded however, I did write to my son asking one more time if he could talk about this...no response.  I decided with the help of a therapist to meet my granddaughter.  I flew 4 hours and spent a weekend with her and her Mother.  They are both amazing.!!..during my visit both my daughter and my ex husband sent me horrific, vile, demeaning texts telling me that I am no longer welcome in "their family" and that everyone has cut me off for life.  One thing and the most important thing I left out is that I do have one other son...he is the only one that is married, a teacher, and him and his wife

    are wonderful people and wonderful to me.  They told me they are proud of me....my 88 year old Father is proud of me...for reaching out to the granddaughter my son refuses to acknowledge or see (he is court ordered to pay child support, and is)   Anyone Thank you for listening...and also today is my Grandaughters Birthday...she's 10...I've only been in her life for a couple of months.

    I gained a Granddaughter and lost a child....Everyday I cry for my lost children...but I do feel we are on some sort of path that we sometimes don't realize until way down the line.

    I wrote this just as a cathartic way of having my story out there.  I wish all of you a less painful day and a Happy Ending!

    • NL Mom
      @JHB Loved you comment "we are on some sort of path that we sometimes don't realize" My son cut me out of his life, I struggle with it daily, trying my hardest to move on and be grateful for everything else that I have. Your words have given me somethingMore to think about. I believe everything happens for a reason.
    • AListener
      @JHB Now that is a wonderful story!  Good for you. Life has its share of heartache, but in the end, there are rewards.  The fact that you are now getting to enjoy a relationship with your granddaughter is so rewarding to you for all you have struggled through.  Way toMore keep your head up.  Seems to me you are a living, beautiful example to your adult children of keeping your dignity and living your life with class.  You know, it is said the measure of a person is not who they respond in the good times, but how they respond when the going gets tough. You've been tested by setbacks in your life, and each moment you spend with your grandchild is a moment of reward for perseverance. I hope you feel happy for how things turned out.
  • citizenmm

    I get breaking contact with an abusive parent.  I have had to break contact with an abusive NPD mother, but I did give her boundaries (which she completely ignores) and went to 3 different therapists with her ( whom she completely ignored) before breaking contact.  And I still send her cards and offered to communicate in writing (she won't be abusive in print as it can't be keep secret.)  She chooses not to write. I grieve the relationship I never had with my mother.

    My own son broke off all contact with me at the badgering of his wife who threatened to take his child away unless he did.  Up until that point we were very close and he told me he did not understand why his wife did not like me, as I had been nothing but kind and accepting to her.   His wife was threatened by anyone he is close to and saw me as the enemy.  She sent me a text once that said  'I am the wife, I will always win."  I didn't realize there was a competition. She has forbidden him to go to therapy as well.  He wanted to earlier on.

    Letting my mother abuse me for years, without enforcing boundaries was a poor role model for my son.  Now, he is a co-dependent enabling his wife's poor behavior and becoming a poor role model for his own son.  The cycle of abuse continues.  And I grieve never having a chance to be grandmother to my grandson.

    • AListener
      citizenmm Given what you have shared, your choice to distance yourself is appropriate.  I especially love that you keep sending your mother cards, etc. That shows compassion on your part.  I am sorry for your losses. It is clearly not your fault. You were born into a family with someMore troubles, and those are the circumstances fate has said you must handle.  You are a wise and beautiful person to be able to see the circle of your life and understand it as you have shared. I hope in time, like right now, you will take what is yours and go out and enjoy it.
      • GingerMaynor
        AListener citizenmm My goodness AListener your reply touches me.  Having seen a cycle of behavior patterns play out in my own family, I too think citizenmm is wise to see a circle in her life and also beautiful to have such perspective.  I like the comment to take what is yoursMore and go out and enjoy it - that is something that is close to my heart and I work on every day.  It is hard when things are not as I would like, but I believe I need to take the good that is here and enjoy it.
        • citizenmm
          GingerMaynor AListener citizenmm Thank you both for the kind words.  The shame of not being loved by  mother, father and child can be unbearable and crushing to my self worth at times.  I am dealing the best I can, as I believe we all are.
  • Jennifer Smith
    I must disagree with the remarks you made about extreme distancing. You claim that 'the person doing the cutting off has difficulty resolving the problem directly and maturely.' In certain situations this is absolutely a false statement. I am a 62 year old woman with three adult children who wereMore seriously contaminated by my parents, an alcoholic NPD father and a mentally ill mother. Two years ago I was diagnosed with Complex PTSD and for the past two years I have undergone extensive therapy to help me heal from the trauma. There is not enough space to get into the facts about cellular DNA however my children were greatly affected by my parents, especially my mother who told them from the day they were born that I was nothing but a troublemaker, no good mother and so on. They were programmed from day one to hate me. My biggest mistake was that I didn't keep them away from her and my father. Since getting divorced 26 years ago I have worked so hard to mend my relationship with my children. I went through therapy, learned everything I possibly could about narcissistic personality disorder and co-dependency in toxic families, and have practically turned myself inside out. Did I make mistakes? Sure I did but the physical, mental, and emotional abuse stopped with me. Now that I no longer take part in the toxic behavior that my entire family still takes part in I have been gaslighted, criticized, verbally abused, alienated and the list goes on and on. I have chosen to go "no contact" with all of the members in my family and I made this decision with a very clear mind, wisdom, and maturity. My relationship with my family was extremely unhealthy and if there is to be any healing it can only come from distancing myself. If you truly want to help others heal you should learn more about narcissistic personality disorder and co-dependency. A good place to start is by listening to Lisa A Romano who is a life coach specializing in childhood trauma and abuse. A person can't take control of their own life until they know about Self.
    • AListener
      @Jennifer Smith Thank you for sharing your perspective and views about your individual situation.  It is quite insightful and, I believe, provides appropriate context to this major societal problem.  In reviewing your post, I certainly agree that your choice to seek boundaries for yourself is appropriate. Given what you haveMore shared, I must acknowledge that your situation is an appropriate choice to distance yourself from those that bring you severe emotional harm such as you describe. No rational contrary  argument that you should stay in those family relationships and put up with that could be made.  Having said that, I note that most of the estranged parents visiting this site and sharing comments are grieving estrangements and the underlying roots do not appear to remotely resemble your story.  There are also some young adult children that have made the choice to estrange on this site who have shared their choices, and while it is not always possible to completely assess what is going on in those familial situations, it also does not appear that the underlying roots mirror your situation.  I have written elsewhere here that personality disorders lead to estrangement, and your story is an excellent example.  The trouble with most of the estrangement taking place today is not like this. It appears to be some new psychology for young adults in therapy who are talking to a therapist about their lives and themselves, and quite naturally, at that point in their lives, coming to terms with their families, their upbringing, and yes, their parents. It seems "in vogue" to suggest these young adults should distance themselves from "toxic" parents, or from "toxic relationships".  Whatever the hell that is.  It's all so very subjective. I suspect that many of these therapists are young and inexpensive, and heard about this "theory" in school, and are now making this recommendation in droves to the young adults that are coming to see them and it has had explosive repercussions.
    • citizenmm

      @Jennifer Smith -   My son was groomed by my mother (malignant covert NPD) to disrespect me all of his life, but I thought he was stronger.  He was not.   I have been scapegoated and gaslighted by my family my entire life.  Until i got counseling, I just thought it was me, that I was unlikeable.

      My adult son cut off contact with me after marrying a malignant covert narcissist/ bpd who after trapping him with a pregnancy, insisted he cut off contact with me or lose his child.  I did nothing but support that girl, a huge mistake

      I too have had to go no contact with my family as they all have participated in this disfunctional  behavior and now my son is repeating this awful cycle of disfunction.   I have listened to Lisa Romano, as well as Richard Grannon.  Both have helped me alot, along with therapy.  I only wish I had learned more sooner.

  • mollymolly1

    Today is my birthday, I'm 54, I emailed my son, the following, I do not expect a response, and that is ok, I'm trying, as a mum,

    Dear Sean,

    I love you, I miss you, I hope that you are doing well and I will love you always, no matter what, I am so proud to be your mum.

    Unfortunately, hurting you, and Sophie, is the biggest mistake and regret, I know simply saying “I’m sorry” isn’t enough. I have no defence, I know my faults. having you, was the happiest moment in my life, i believe (though I know I wasn't a great mum), you know.

    Please think of Nan, we are hurting her too, I want my mum to be proud of you and me.

    I'm writing this letter, i won't pester you, beg, be emotional, so please understand, my options are limited, as respecting you and Sophie is important to me.

    I thought about finding an intermediary, friend or family member to approach you with an olive branch. As you may be receptive hearing from someone else, as my texts are so inadequate, I felt if someone spoke directly to you, no matter the outcome, the intention would be that you'd know I m not giving up. However, I decided against, As you and I don't discuss this with friends or the family. There is no one able to or has the influence to ask you to change your mind except me.

    Take more time, I'll agree to any rules, you and Sophie need, please.

    Love you

    Mum

    Sent from my iPad

    • numberfiveminusone

      mollymolly1

      Molly I want to thank you for your kind words to me after I posted my story. They were comforting to me.  I truly hope things with your son improve soon. You are trying and that is all that you can do. The rest is up to him. God Bless.

  • mollymolly1

    I'm copying this as, the advise, helps, my son will not define, my attitude, anger and hurt, which I feel, are damaging me and my wellbeing, I always send him positive cards, an email text, with happy messages, I believe parents need to always forgive, even if no response, it is a good example, to show or teach to a child whose vEry existence is because of us

    You might want to consider googling "parental alienation syndrome". There is a world of information available to you to read up on. You may get some insights into what is going on with your kids, and perhaps some answers too, though you may not be comforted much by the answers. Often times, when we know the root causes of a personal problem, the path out of that problem becomes more clear and eventually emerges to us to see and follow. It will be important to understand the root causes of the rift. I will also note that the problem you describe will not be fixed quickly. It will take time, and you need to be patient. I have read and digested much on this subject, and in the process, tossed aside some information that did not resonate with me, while finding other tid bits of information that really resonated with me. One such idea I will share is the idea of focusing on just putting positive energy out towards your kids. If and when you do communicate with your kids, be it a card, a letter, email, voice message, make it loving and positive. "I love you". "I miss you." "I hope that you are doing well", and "I look forward to a time when we can reconnect". "I will love you always, no matter what". " I am so proud to be your mother"...etc. Stay away from "issues"--no good will come from that in the short term. You may have to send out nothing but positive energy for 5 years (or more!), but have hope that those messages are being received, and your love being felt. It is one of those things where if you did it for some incredibly long period of time, without response, you would look back with pride at your choice to handle yourself with class and dignity. No negative energy. You have to accept that no good will come from putting any negative energy in the direction of your kids. As their mom, what they need from you at this point in their lives may just be nothing but pure love!! So give it. And believe that good things will eventually come your way from the positive energy that you put out into the universe. Love yourself!!! That is so importa

  • mollymolly1
    I feel your hurt and distress, please take comfort in knowing how wonderful a person, and parent you are. Adult children behave awfully, sometimes in the knowledge mum and dad, will love them unconditionally, they also make wrong choices, break free, my son hasn't contacted me for two years, becauseMore I wrongly interfered with his girlfriend, as a single mum, I supported a lot of issues and believed our bond was unbreakable, now I see a part of him, his lack of compassion, forgiveness towards me, I'm trying to move on though the gap left is huge, we can only forgive and forget these times, so we remain good parents, for when they return xxx
  • mollymolly1
    Sadness and hurt, permeates, our posts as estranged parents, I seek advise and support by posting, and I believe we wouldn't take time or effort, which in itself makes us good parents, so many different reasons, circumstances, but a common ground, for two years, I've punished myself seeking a resolutionMore with a 30 year old man, I know the reasons why he decided to cut me out, I accept I was wrong interfering, in his relationship, I've apologised by text email and voicemail, with no response, friends and family are starting to view his attitude to me wrong, meaning I have to keep my hurt to myself, in order to not speak unkindly of him, as a parent always, wanting our children to be protected from criticisms of others, saying how proud I am of his job, new house, etc, submerging my anger, hurt, and disappointment that he feels so little, compassion, even blame, for not teaching him values, as a single mum in a tough inner city, I was both his discipliomary and caregiver, to cope with teenage troubles, we became peers, strong and independant, I realise now, we our similar, and he learned from me, how to cope with difficult people by removing us, so that is how he is coping with me now, I have amazing memories and photos, I wouldn't change a moment of the challenge of bringing him up on my own, I try through yoga, therapy, to stay strong, i remind myself of the commitment I made when he was born and the determination and courage I had, a new me has to evolve, setting new challenges, as he is happy and healthy, I owe it to both of us, to live a new life, until one day I hear hi mum......again God bless to you all x
  • moving on
    I have just re-read "5 Things you can do" re parents estranged from their children and while the advice given may work for younger adult children who have cut their parent(s) off I do think there comes a time when we need to face the fact that we are notMore dealing with children but with responsible adults.  It's not the first time that my now 43 year old daughter has cut me out of her life.  This time however, things are different.  My daughter is heading towards middle age.  She hasn't spoken to her father for over 10 years and she has also cut her sister off.  In our last conversation she told me that her in-laws were now her family and she did not want any more contact from me.  I don't think my daughter could have put her wishes more succinctly. What I heard was a well educated adult communicating her decision.  I have moved on with my life as there is no point in pining for something that has evaporated into thin air.  She did not acknowledge mother's day or my birthday.  It did hurt and there is no way that I am going to pretend otherwise.  Therefore I will not be sending birthday or Christmas cards. It is my daughter's decision to cut me off and I must respect that decision.
    • AListener
      moving on Good for you!
    • mollymolly1
      I agree, and find strength to do the same, reading your post, your daughter has not only cut you out,but her dad and sister, a parents love is unconditional, however, as a grown woman, she has made a choice, my son is 30, I veer from anger towards his lackMore of compassion, worry that this attitude, may influence relationships, he is so attached to his In laws, like you I have no choice but to move on, I will continue to send him a birth card, as the day he was born was the happiest day of my life, I'll get no cards back, but that is his problem, I wish you all the best
      • The Scribe
        mollymolly1 The in-laws of a son or daughter could pose a danger to unsuspecting parents who eventually get cut off by their adult children who are under undue influence of such in-laws.
    • Spirited Lady
      moving on I understand what you are saying.  I'm wondering whether there are grandchildren.  If so, do they live with their mother?  Are they on their own?  Do you have a relationship with them?  I think it's such a loss for children when they cut off relations with an emotionallyMore healthy grandparent.  The greatest loss is to the grandchildren.
      • moving on
        Spirited Lady moving on Fortunately my daughter does not have children.  Cutting off a relationship with one's parent is one thing; denying that parent access to his/her grandchildren is another thing entirely,  In my view where this decision involves the estrangement of a healthy grandparent, the selfishness on the part ofMore the adult child is mind blowing and utterly unforgiveable.
  • violetlace

    I just came across this quote and thought I would pass it along.

    Nothing is more debilitating than to care about something

    you can't do anything about. And you can't do anything about your adult

    children. You can want better for them, and maybe even begin to provide

    something for them, but in the long run, you cannot do anything about someone

    else's vibration other than hold them in the best light you can, mentally, and

    then project that to them. And sometimes, distance makes that much more

    possible than being up close to them.

    Abraham

  • chokonoko

    So far the meds are helping me control my Daily crying bouts but the heaviness in my chest is still choking.

    I have learn along the way that money can divide families, good and bad.

    My ex informed my son, Jacob, that he will leave all of his assets to him, to be in charge for all siblings. But just the other day Jacob too disowned me because he sees me as a mere acquaintance. Rudy has always had control of the money and has always wielded it to divide people especially his own family. Just the act of allowing Jacob to oversee monies has caused him to make a choice, if he caters to Rudy he gets money, if he has a good relationship with me then Rudy will delegate management of his funds to the other siblings.

    I cannot buy a new car for Jacob, pay for school, insurance or food, money has won another child.

    Yes it is painful but in my opinion they are actually hurting each other by this action. I see no point of return.

    The memories of my experience with my children were fantastic, I loved being a mother, volunteering at school, swim classes, water polo, and Scouts. I know I did good by them, but scary Rudy, the ex, has always frightened me. We could not even smile in the house or giggle lest he get in a rage. Rudy won the children with promises and gifts of money but they are actually the losers.

    • GenaGaddis
      chokonoko My heart goes out to you. So sorry this is happening. I share a similar experience.
    • GingerMaynor

      chokonoko I too have seen money controlling members in my extended family.  Unfortunately the one with the money is divisive and mostly interested in how others can benefit him.  Actually, it empowers him if members of the family are divided.  I hoped as the "kids" got older (22 & 24 now) they would be able to see through his deception, but I believe they never will at this point.    

      These adult children show little regard for their grandparents, only speak to them if the grandparents initiate conversation, and never visit them even though they only live one hour away. I am their aunt and attend their special events and give them gifts, but never have received a thank you note.  Of course, we cannot do anything for these "kids" except love them and support them which they do not seem to value.  

      They show their father support, but to their mother and others they show very little regard.  These kids are even disrespectful to their boyfriends and girlfriends.  What they are missing out on is huge.  Things like developing integrity, knowing how to love someone and receive love, and strength of character are missing.  As for me, I cannot remain close to a family where such unhealthy dynamics rule.  I have had to distance myself for my own sanity and peace of mind.  Sadly, this is a lose-lose-lose situation.

  • Missmydaughter
    I know what youre saying. You can't do much to mend the situation if it's a one way communication.
  • miss nobody

    This is BS : "you didn’t cause the relationship to be severed; it was not your choice". As an estranged daughter myself, I tend to treat my parents the exact way they treat me.

    I'm a daughter of a second wife which my father only visit my mum once a week. When they are together, they will lock themself in the bedroom leaving me alone all my life. My father never pick me up from school, remember my birthday, we never have any family holidays. I register college on my own. I do practically everything on my own. The only support they give is some money. We are not rich, we have just enough.

    As for my mum. She come home from work tired, technically she is like a single mom as my dad choose to stay with his first wife. I often ignored at night. There is no family dinner. There is no such thing as dining outside as well. There will be dinner on the dining table, just grab the food and I will have dinner alone in my room or in front of the telly. She will ship me off to my aunt's every school holidays. School holidays is something I never look forward too.

    So mum and dad, it is just too bad that I rather be with my own family in my own home rather than your home. I never overnight at their place ever since I got married. Every time they invite me for dinner, I will attend but with a big sigh.

    I can't be changed. U made me what I am. We never says we love each other when we are together. I'm have my own family now. My daughter and husband adores me. I'm happy here. They are my real family.

    Dear parents, how you treat your child, is the exact way how your child will treat you when they are all grown up. Good luck with your choice.

    • Jenny93

      miss nobody Thank you for giving your response! I too was upset when I first read the passage, "you didn’t cause the relationship to be severed; it was not your choice." What a bunch of crap!

      As a daughter with a narcissistic, absent father and an emotionally-detached mother, this is nobody's fault but their's for raising me in such an unloving environment. I'm the product of an abusive relationship. Do not blame the victim.

      • violetlace

        Jenny93 miss nobody

        Jenny I truly feel for you, I can tell you are hurting.  Have you ever thought that your Mother perhaps didn't get much love and attention as a child?  We cannot give what we don't have.  As a mother I cannot imagine a Mother not loving her child.  Could it be that she does love and care for you but cannot show it?   Please think on this before you throw away something that could be very precious.

    • beyond sad paw and non
      miss nobody I am so sorry that you had that childhood growing up. mine was liked that also, only it was worse. I was left alone at a early age, but at 15, totally alone. Homeless. I raised my kids with love and friendship. So much love. Too muchMore friendship. They were rude and ungrateful. They have now cut their father and me off. The worst part is the grandchildren. So, dear children, how you were treated as a child, makes no difference how they will treat you when they are all grown up.
  • DebraDeeko

    I've been on both sides of the fence.  I was estranged from my parents for 20 years and now my daughter has become estranged from us.  With my parents, as the child, they were controlling and manipulative, my Dad was an alcoholic.  I was overwhelmed because nothing was good enough and the demands were more than I could deal with, with a newborn.  We finally got back together years later but that caused even more damage between my sister and myself.  We never got along, and this made her absolutely venomous that I would return and she  might lose control (I later learned she stole everything my parents had leaving them totally dependent on her but because I wasn't in the picture, there was nothing I could do).  I never felt my parents totally forgave me but I had to do it to keep my sanity at the time.

    Now my daughter, who went to a liberal college is doing the same to me.  I've made it a point to not be overbearing and demanding (probably did the complete opposite and was too easy going).  She has said she resented that we didn't pay her way through private college - even though we lent her thousands to finish when loans dried up, that she never paid back (and we could ill afford).  Tuition was double what we both earned in a year!  I feel it was the teachers that pushed an entitled liberal agenda on her and made her turn on her parents because other kids parents in her overpriced school were paying the bills and hers' couldn't. She felt entitled and resented having to take out loans.  I don't see why this is our fault, but apparently she feels that's enough reason to dump your family.  The real kicker was when I hadn't heard from her for over a year, but she found out that I gave a small gift to her sister (who is always in touch).  After that she wouldn't even answer my text messages.  She's been selfish, demanding, entitled and somehow it's our fault she's had to get a job and pay her own bills when we decided to move to another city and told her she had to find a  place to live if she didn't want to move too.  She was 23 and had graduated from college and had a fantastic job.  She was angry we wanted to follow our own dreams and weren't going to support her forever.  I really don't now how to fix it except wait for her to 'grow up'.   I think that may take more than my lifetime and have resigned myself to the fact this may never get fixed, even though it hurts badly.  It's been about 5-6 years now with no improvement.  I've come to terms with it and was told by a counselor that this kind of thing can be multi-generational.  I think she was right.

    • mustbeheard
      DebraDeeko I think your daughter feels extremely hurt, and maybe not important in your lives, even though you were most likely great parents!   If it were me, I would probably send her birthday cards, and holiday cards, without demanding her attention, (as she is already more than self absorbed).More   Some times less is more and she will grow up one day, and see the error of her ways, as I tell people, college is NOT a necessity, it is a luxury, you can either afford it or you can't!    ll you need do is admit you did the best that you could and leave the rest of it  in God's hands!
      • DebraDeeko
        mustbeheard DebraDeeko  Thank you, that's pretty much what I've done and I think you nailed it with the self-absorbed remark.  I finally did what people here suggested here and sent her a short text with no expectations, saying nothing more than I love you. She responded with a dialog that wasMore very weird, but at least she responded.  When I say weird I mean she wanted to chastise me for not being more 'global' and 'progressive' (we are moderately conservative)...but at least it's dialogue. I have no idea where to go from here.  Every text becomes an argument in progressive politics. It's almost like she's joined a cult and has been brainwashed.  I stay neutral and she still wants to argue.  If I ask about her job or boyfriend or anything personal she deflects it back to politics.  *sigh*  So I guess I'll just try and wait it out...I just find these "conversations" exhausting always having to defend having my OWN opinions which are constantly attacked.  Thanks.
  • mollymolly1
    I'm very distressed reading the stories of heartbreak we suffer because our children, choose not to love us, or at least forgive us, their mum or dad,
    • The Scribe
      mollymolly1 One day they will realise their waywardness and that they are not so clever after all. Or if they persist their own kids will do it to them one day. In the East we call this karma. It's like what goes around comes around.
  • chokonoko

    my first visit to the psychologist went well. Of course it is just my first but I do so want to improve. Correction! No not improve!

    But to find out what I can do for myself how to cope with this heartbreak.

    I am ready mentally for the long haul and do not see an end to her "Boycott" and mind control of my Son Ethan.

    Actually I miss my son more than my daughter even though I do not see my grandchildren.

    Many reasons being he had years of difficulty with his high functioning Autism, I never gave up on him, IEP constantly attended. Volunteering as a reader in school, I was his advocate. Getting him into Boy Scouts to build his social skills and experience camping, backpacking in the Sierras a feat where initially he never thought he could do. Most schools make sure that Special Ed students can graduate with a "certificate" but Ethan wanted a real diploma and worked extremely hard even with his learning disabilities, to finally graduate with a real diploma.

    The doctor did state to let them know the door is open, an open door policy.

    Ethan knows this but my daughter will never relent.

    In the past my daughter has had friends, actually best friends, even my grandsons Godmother, and disowned them, never to communicate and make an effort to be friends once again. She cuts them off as if she takes a dump and flushes them down the toilet, out of sight and out of mind.

    Her boyfriend takes joy on speaking venom on every person he interacts with and my daughter has joined his mindset to do the same.

    Just as an example he was talking horrible "smack" on a overweight woman he met, my daughter was laughing at her, but my daughter is 260 lbs at 5'10".

    What does he think of my daughter? His girlfriend and mother of his children.

    I seen her in action and felt that maybe I too will be on her hit list. Yes, she did get a bargain rent deal for 10'years but I do not have any extra income to buy her things, to buy my grandchildren extras.

    My ex with his 150 thousand dollar income, has paid for her four cars, auto insurance,buys her groceries, any extras, pays for her cell phone etc.

    She is fine with her dad, he has always had the money, the power.

    Ethan and Jacob have the mind set like me, work and pay for your own bills, do the best for yourself, that any decision you make now is a decision for your family in the future, or if you choose no children that is your choice., but most important be kindly and respectful to oneself and others.

    I was never a "Kravitz" mother, never suffocating I just did the best I could.

  • Steve Drettler
    I am estranged from my only daughter and child for 15 years and have been heartbroken since, divorce began this cycle and I send notes and birthday and anniversary wishes thru Facebook and small notes. No response I'm a healthy young looking 77 and my daughter is 36  any adviceMore please time is running out!!!
    • The Scribe
      Steve Drettler Believe me,she's suffering as much as you and she will regret it. I feel for you.
    • GingerMaynor
      Steve Drettler   I am very sorry about the estrangement from your only child.  There is so much pain posted here, but there is some comfort knowing that we are not alone.  I think what you are doing is good with posting birthday wishes on Facebook and small notes because itMore lets her know you are keeping the door open for her.  Beyond that, I believe the responsibility is on her to take the next steps at communication.  (At least she hasn't blocked you from her Facebook account.)  It makes me wonder since this seems to have happened during a divorce if perhaps her mother has negatively influenced her perceptions.  I hope she eventually changes her mind.  I am sorry I do not have any outstanding advice for you other than to keep doing what you already are doing and to take care of yourself.  The stress of all this emotional upheaval takes its toll.
      • Missmydaughter
        I haven't heard from my older daughter for 10 years. My husband and I have been married for 45 years and have a very strong relationship. We love both of our children very much and raised them with love and lots of attention. Our younger daughter isMore close and loving. She is hurt by this as well since her sister has cut her off also. We try to contact our estranged daughter but she never responds. We even travelled two days to see her twice and were not allowed through her door, nor would she speak to us. We are heartbroken and confused because we don't have any clues about what we did wrong or what is going through her mind. I would love to find a support group. I haven't had any success at that. It makes me feel very much alone.
        • GingerMaynor
          Missmydaughter It is the feeling of being alone that is tough.  There aren't any support groups in my area either.  Sometimes I think it would be nice to sit with other people, have coffee and chat but I don't think that type of thing exists.  Ten years is a longMore time.  Bless you for your efforts toward your daughter.  i assume she is in her 40's.  I really wonder if as someone gets out in the world and has their own experiences that begin to shape their reality those aspects become who they are regardless of how they were raised.  Sometimes, memories are short and people don't even consider their upbringing anymore.
  • Sad mom
    As I read the posts, I see that I am not the only parent going through this.  My 22 year old daughter moved out about a year ago on a positive note.  Was going to school, working and then just a few months called me sobbing that she couldn't take itMore anymore and was exhausted and was dropping out of school temporarily.  Then she decided she was going to move back home and finish school.  Yet again she just told us she wasn't moving home and wasn't going back to school.  She can hardly support herself on her minimum wage job and had to ask us for rent money.  I of course gave it to her.  Now she picks and chooses when she responds to my texts.  If she needs something at our house she makes sure we aren't home.  We see that she is communicating with two people who are influencing her.  She's a bright girl, but some how these people have some sort of hold on her.  It kills me to see her being manipulated by these people and cut her parents off.  Do we wait and see or keep trying to reachout to her?  I just don't know what to do at this point.
    • The Scribe
      @Sad mom Let her grow up. Anyone who can allow others to influence them in such a serious matter is immature.
    • mustbeheard
      @Sad mom seems like college isn't for everybody, and maybe the people that are surrounding her are telling her to treat you as she does.  i would probably talk to her and suggest maybe something she can learn at say a vocational school, as its a lot less school, andMore she can make enough to take care of herself!  I wouldn't pay for it however, that would be her responsibility, meanwhile I would build her self esteem up, and let her know that she is smart, and she can do anything that she wants!   Another thing to try is to get a catalog book, which has Electronics, appliances, furniture, and pretend she is going to buy something today on her minimum wage, (then tell its denied because minimum wage is never enough).  Now let her pretend shop in the catalog on say a dental hygienist salary, and let her get a visual of just how much more she can buy in dental hygienist salary!   It worked on my daughter, she is now a Mechanical Engineer!   JMO, Best Wishes
  • Bob the number bear

    Estranged from amy daughter after my wife and I went through a rough divorce. I admit two two faults: one I did overly pamper my daughter, paid for her first two years of college, but when she was home she would do nothing. The only thing I asked was for her to take care of her pets needs (2 cats). I tried talking at first, but did start yelling after the rugs, curtains, my tools were soaked in cat urine. TheThe Illinois court system is forcing me to pay a significant portion of the remainder of her degree, also establishing in her mind that she is correct in alienating me. 

    Have not received a text message, phone call no contact whatsoever, except her signature endorsing checks.

    Could use some advice.

    • The Scribe
      Bob the number bear This type of child doesn't deserve you.
    • mustbeheard
      Bob the number bear I  would still send her cards, without begging letting her know that I love her still.  Ignoring her only makes it worse as it sends a signal that sh must not be that important or you don't love her, as you could  care less that sheMore is gone!!    Send the card without money, and do not beg her, just let her know that she is very much loved and missed, and that she doesn't need to pick sides, shes grown!
    • moving on
      Bob the number bear Hi Bob - I also went through a rough divorce and lost contact with both of my daughters at different times.  Seventeen years later and my eldest has told me that she "wanted a break".  That was twelve months ago. The first thing I would likeMore to comment on from your posting is the idea that somehow you are at fault by giving your daughter a roof over her head presumably free of rent and paying her college fees.  When she did not uphold her side of the bargain you became frustrated - Huh? pretty normal reaction I would say.  My reading of your posting and of course that is all I have to go by -suggests that you were simply being an attentive and loving father.  The court's actions must hurt but there is nothing gained from letting them get the better of you.  Pay what you have to, deduct the amount from what might be coming to her after your death, and make sure that you have a legal injunction to prevent your daughter from coming back for more money then move on with your life. I would not blame the court for  her decision to alienate you.  Your daughter has made up her mind and any suggestion which supports her decision is grasped with both hands.  My daughter has engaged the services of a therapist who suggested that our relationship is toxic.  That was music to my daughter's ears.  It was what she wanted to hear - a validation for her disrespectful behavior.
      • Bob the number bear

        moving on Bob the number bear 

        Thank you for your comments. It is hard for me to not question that I could have done something different. I was not blaming the courts, I just feel that if she was not awarded the remainder of her college costs, she may lose the idea that she is entitled to these payments, no matter her behavior. In short - Illinois courts did make the situation much worse.

        Feeling the pain of this for over a year, but your response definitely helped me.

        God Bless

  • RebeccaW_ParentalSupport

    chokonoko 

    Thank you for reaching out, and sharing your experiences

    with us.  I’m so sorry to hear about the numerous traumas and abuses you

    have endured thus far in your life.  I hope that things have improved for

    you, and that you were able to find supportive people to help you become

    safe.  If you need help developing a support system, you might try

    contacting the http://www.211.org/ at

    1-800-273-6222.  211 is a service which connects people to resources in

    their local community, such as domestic violence services, sexual violence

    agencies, and support groups.  I wish you and your family all the best

    moving forward.  Take care.

  • PAIN777

    This is so much B.S. 

    I had a father who cheated on my mother, then his 2nd wife....had a child out of wedlock with his 3rd wife...broke my nose when I was 13....and never cared about me until he reached "old age" - - - who is the author, a Jewish shrink probably?  Who ever you are, you haven't experienced real pain...just text book....you are just a virgin watching and listening to other people talk about sex....you can't be a pro until you feel...and you sir or madam have not...at the end of a lifetime I still forgave my father....my karma - what ever it may have been in the past lives...I have paid the tab for in this life..and take accountability though I was very very very disappointed in not having a father in my life...but the author here is all wrong....I cut ties with my father for 15 years.  He refused to pay for my college though he is a millionaire.  He never once visited me in college, never came to my graduation, never came to my wedding....which ended in divorce because my wife cheated on me - - - needless to say I don't trust people....but people - don't take accountability for their actions.  I do....I always tell the truth...even when I lie.

  • Free

    There is definitely some sound advice offered in this blog but I cannot agree with the below paragraph which is a major stand out, estranged parents are estranged for a reason & must take responsibility for their role in the estrangement. Do many parents take the "To be seen & not heard" mentality from childhood into adulthood with their children....especially those in the pre 1980's parenting era?

    Paragraph: "Shutting a person out is a response to anxiety and fusion. Your actions

    or lack of action didn’t cause this. Cutting off is a way people manage

    anxiety when they don’t know a                 better way. The love and caring is there;

    the ability to solve differences is not"

    Allow me to dissect this paragraph in an adjusted orderly fashion.

    "Shutting a person out is a response to anxiety and fusion"....Yes, this is true but what caused the anxiety? And more often than not the adult child was left with no other choice.

    "Your actions

    or lack of action didn’t cause this".....this generalized statement is wrong, of course the parent/s played a role in the estrangement even with the absence of physical, emotional or sexual abuse.

    "The love and caring is there;

    the ability to solve differences is not".....Yes, the love & caring

    is there & in many cases the ability to solve differences is too but

    the parent lacks these qualities therefore no release from the strain

    making compromise, discussion & reconciliation impossible.....of

    which cutting off is the final outcome.

    "Cutting off is a way people manage

    anxiety when they don’t know a better way"....Ok..let's just entertain the fact the adult child has tried all the "better ways"....what then? After hitting continuous brick walls, the only final option to escape the pain & emotional damage being inflicted for whatever the reason is to "Cut Off". Those who cut off have to weigh up the lesser personal damage....1/ Stay around for much of the same, cemented in eternal emotional limbo...Versus...2/ Cutting off allowing them to move forward, eventually & I mean e-v-e-n-t-u-a-l-l-y being emotionally stable & healthy....It comes down to what is more liveable hence many choose to deboard the never ending emotional roller coaster....Cutting Off.

    Respectfully

    • AListener
      @Free As someone who has done an extensive amount of research and study into parent-adult child estrangement, I do not find your observations to be the norm.  Before I share what I have found to be the norm, I will address specifically your comments.  Yes, in isolated situations, there haveMore been adult children that were raised in an overbearing parent household (the "to be seen and not heard" sort) and as the young person came into adulthood, struggled to find independence from his/her parents. In these isolated situations, what I saw was a strong minded parent or parents that had difficulty with control issues, and had a hard time allowing the now adult child to gain societal independence that each human being deserves, innately craves, and naturally seeks out. I also found that in many instances, this was  rooted in deep seeded cultural traditions of the controlling parent, who came from families of pre-arranged marriages, and in particular Muslim families that had emigrated to the United States while maintaining what very strict--by Western world standards--boundaries over women's wear, cloaking the face at all times, beatings, and other accepted traditions which seem foreign to many US citizens.  And in these situations, I did find the adult child resulting to the extreme tactic of cutting off as the adult child became more "Westernized"--and the irreconcilable differences in social mores became more obvious.  I will share that the adult child's choice in those situations is understandable, but it still causes a lot of grief, guilt--and I am referring to the emotional responses of both parent and adult child. I have also encountered situations of drug abusing parents, sexual abuse by parents on children and physical abuse by parents. These unique situations make the adult child's choice of estrangement quite easily understood to me.  But these are the minority.  The norm of the alarming increase in parent-adult child estrangement appears rooted in various levels of personality disorders, parental alienation stemming from divorces, and a dramatic shift in parenting styles from the 1960's to today.  The shift I am referring to is the shift away from "Honor thy mother and father" to a child centered parenting approach.  I also see a lot of unhealthy dysfunction in the parent child relationships that leaves to angry, stubborn rifts.  One of the most common elements of estrangement I consistently hear is from parents who say the adult child refused to give a reason for the estrangement.  That says 2 things--1) there is obviously a significant communication problem, and 2) a lack of empathy is a common theme in these parent-adult child estrangements--and I am putting that one on the adult child, in most instances.  In fact, I will note that your communication appears to lack empathy.  Estrangement is a profound grief causing event for most parents that are the subject of the estrangement. Two wrongs generally do not make a right. It is hard for me to promote or encourage the emotionally painful choice of ending the parent-child relationship given the life changing pain it causes in most instances.  I believe better communication is the key to seeing a reduction this profound societal problem.  I believe both parent and child need to participate in open, mutual communication. Everyone has a voice.  Everyone needs to be heard--including the adult child by the parents. Including the parent or parents by the adult child.
      • The Scribe

        AListener So many adult children are so selfish and self-serving these days. To them,the parents brought them into the world so therefore have the obligation to feed,clothe and educate them. They owe nothing to the parents.

        I agree with the empathy in communication. These days many adult children seldom talk to their parents and when they do they don't speak with respect or kindness. They cannot accept the smallest advice from the parent,thinking it is criticism. It could end in a misunderstanding with the adult child threatening estrangement.

      • mollymolly1
        Excellent, particularly, your observations, on parents, who without training or skills, choose to bring their children up differently to their upbringing, which may have been a controlled environment, with strict religious rules, in school and at home, I believe my son, lacks a moral compass, he has cut me outMore of his life, I'm partially to blame as from a v young age, I let him make decisions, consulting him as if he were my equal, loosening boundaries, the exact opposite to my parents, so now he is a fine independant, confident, fantastic communicator, and leader, but a man, without compassion, designing his life to suit his desires, so I failed just as my parents did.....
        • mollymolly1
          Your last sentence, how can a parent communicate with a child adult who refuses all contact ?
      • lcjantzi
        Your reply to "Free" helped me to feel more peace about my own situation because you addressed the missing empathy on the part of adult children. I have struggled 2+ yrs. being estranged from my three adult children and only recently began to understand that they expressed very little ifMore any empathy for me as a person. Thank you for acknowledging this missing piece in communication.
      • runcie
        AListener well expressed and born out of experience and study. Its a slent epidemic, with so much shame and grief and lack of acceptance or foriveness
  • rachel

    Yesterday Mother's Day was a long and difficult.

    My older dauther died 14 years ago, at the age of 20 from leukemia.My younger estranged herself. She is the student. We, her parents, paying for her study and everything else. We did not see her 2 years. We still want her do finish her Bachelor. We communicate only by email. We don't have her phone#.

    I know it would be weird for people that we are supporting her. People who lost child are different.

  • hopeforpeace
    I have searched many times for an article this relevant and found it to be helpful. To put things simply, our daughter has been mostly estranged from us since she was 20 and is now 23. Her grandparents have repeatedly supported her estrangement despite many pleas from us to helpMore with reunification. As a result, we are also estranged from them despite multiple efforts to work with them only to lose ground each time. Losing both parents and a child is difficult. Wishing I was worth it to one of them to call has been hard. I told my parents my feelings and have come to an acceptance that they may not be capable of change and their actions are so damaging that we cannot have our other children part of their lives. Our focus is on our daughter. I finally decided to treat my daughter the way I wish my parents would- text to say they miss and love me, express my wish to move forward, apologize for the tension we have now. Some weeks are harder for this "check-in" as I do feel bitter too but I keep in mind my wish to move forward. I also work every day towards acceptance. Some days are harder (especially holidays) than others as I am sure you understand. For those in a really tough place right now, I have been able to find more peace though I am still very sad (if that makes sense- I am not crying every single day.) Hope is tricky because it can lead to disappointment but without it we have despair. I wish I had great words of wisdom, but I too am searching for answers. This is one of those tough family problems than many people can't understand, so thank you for sharing the stories as I too relate. I will pray for peace of mind and hope for each of us to keep trying. Take care.
    • Missmydaughter
      Your story is amazingly familiar to me. Our estrangement is going on ten years though. There is no communication - zero. The only thing that has helped me is anxiety meds which I don't want to take the rest of my life. I'm afraid that IMore will not live long enough to ever see a reconciliation since I'm no spring chicken anymore. I not even sure whether I'm a grandmother or not!
      • mustbeheard
        Missmydaughter All you can do is pray, and ask God to fill the need and bring her back to you!   Why not send a card and let her know that you still love and miss her, leave the door open for her.  But, once you mail the card itMore is time for you to focus on yourself, and to start to put the love that you have for your daughter back into yourself!    Get new friends, get new hobbies projects, take a trip somewhere special, get out there and live life, oh doesn't hurt to surround yourself with people who  sincerely love you!!   Go ahead, you've earned it!!
  • moving on
    Bleau - I am sorry to hear the terrible effect that your son's war experience has had on him and you.  I hope that he is receiving proper psychiatric treatment.  Perhaps the utter horror that he witnessed overseas has understandably made it very difficult for him to adjust to civilianMore life. If you have been forgotten, that is a part of his illness. However it does not mean that the damage is final but he will need constant professional care to help him work through his trauma  so that he reaches a stage where family can once again be integrated back into his  life. My advice is to keep corresponding (written form) to let him know of your love and concern for his wellbeing. Please do not try to reach your grandchild without his knowledge.
  • Dale

    I have two sons ages 31 and 33.  The younger son has had a learning disability for most of his life.  He graduated high school after the schools just kept passing him on to the next grade level even though he wasn't capable of the doing the work.  He was not retarded, just had a learning disability.  Because of his learning disability he has never been able to hold a job for any amount of time.  I have had to help him with lots of money because he became homeless and I spent a lot of money trying to keep him from living on the streets.  Nothing has worked.  I finally had to cut him off financially after years of giving him money that totaled around nineteen thousand dollars over the years.

    He is 31 years old now and he has been unable to hold a job for any amount of time since graduating high school when he was 19.  He has been in trouble with the law for burglary after he became homeless when he was age 20.  He went through the courts and was sentenced to probation and ordered to pay court fines and restitution.  He was unable to find any job because he has a felony now.  The courts were threatening to put him in prison to satisfy the court fines and restitution.  I intervened and asked the judge if I paid his fines and restitution off would they court release him from his probation instead of sending him to prison to satisfy the debt.  The judge went along with my proposal.

    Because of me cutting him off financially he has told me he "hates me" several times or more over the years.  Because of him telling me that I have had very scary dreams where I dreamed he broke into my home and tried to kill myself and his stepmother.

    I made the mistake of relaying this dream to his older brother and he told my younger son.  The younger son and I had made up somewhat after he and his girlfriend had a child.  I was starting to get attached to my new grandson.  My older son relayed the dream that I had had to my younger son.  This set him off.  He said he wants nothing more to do with me or my wife (his stepmother).  I told him, "you have told me so many times that you hate me, I can't help that I dreamed you wanted to kill me."

    My younger son has now cut me out of his life and is not going to allow me to ever see his new baby which is my youngest grandchild.  I am devastated by all of this.  I have tried to be the best father I could to both of my sons and this is how I get repaid now that I am 66 years old.

  • thatqueerwitch
    Everything but the part about continuing to harass people who have made it clear that you're not welcome in your life is actually decent advice.
  • violetlace

    My son lives with his girlfriend who always puts herself first (her words) and does not trust anyone.  Most of what I say in a conversation she dissects  to see if she can find a hidden meaning!  My husband and I at their invitation went to their home to try and get our relationship back on track but my son sat there all afternoon with his head down and hardly said a word while his girlfriend criticised us for all the things we hold dear and are our core values.  I had invited them for Christmas dinner and then my husband was sick so I called and said would they mind if I cancelled, she seemed okay with it at the time.

    She brought this up and said that I had ask them but then I had changed my mind and I didn't want to see them at Christmas.  This was not true, I told them both this and she said well we will give you one more chance but if you cancel again that will be the end.  She had in the past took it upon herself to call us Mum and Dad, we didn't like this (her parents are still alive) but stupidly didn't say anything at the time.  So at the meeting I told her we would like her to call us by our first names.  She did not like this at all and even cried like a baby!  More things were said and again stupidly we defended ourselves. We both love our son but feel she is probably a narcissist and has him under her control.  We have always been good to her and never said a bad word to her but she looks for things to criticise us in everything we do.  She has no friends and has even cut ties with her only sister.  We all have to do what she wants or there is trouble Anyway we left their house saying we would meet for lunch in a week or two.  When I got home and thought everything through I felt for sure she was a narcissist,  I send my son a e mail describing a narcissist but did not name her as being one, but obviously he knew, since then all communication has been cut off.  He still speaks to my sister and he told her that he had cut us off because I 'shouldn't throw mud'  so she said 'well I think it went both ways didn't it?'  He didn't answer but I truly believe his girlfriend has got him convinced everything that has happened is my fault and we are terrible people. 

    I have send him e mails trying to mend things and have called him and left messages on his phone but all to no avail.  He cannot handle conflict, he cannot talk things through so I just have to leave it as is.

  • Bleau
    My son returned from the war with PTSD and TBI also a decorated hero. 4 years ago he walked out of our lives and cut us off from his newborn daughter and wife. We have no reasons for this happening other than it is due to the damage he sufferedMore in Afghanistan. My question is how do you build a bridge with someone that has lost all memories of you.
    • tctiptop
      Bleau You don't build a bridge, you first turn the sand below into cement, then start building it. One post at a time. My son has more than one 'side' to him. Some of them have no memory of his childhood. What I had to do is build a brandMore new relationship with the brand new person that stands before me now. Each of them. This has been challenging, but he needed me in a very special way. He needed to know I did not forget the memories. He needed me to tell him who he was so he could build upon that. It wasn't my bridge I was building! It was and is his!
  • Domino
    You know, as a woman estranged from her in laws, I really applaud those who are seeking help on how to resolve this. I applaud those looking to understand the complex dynamic of estrangement. I sincerely respect those of you who have apologized and taken responsibility for some of theMore estrangement. It's something I can only dream of my in laws doing. My mother in law is diagnosed with something called Borderline Personality and it's been so frustrating. She assulted me when I was 9 months pregnant, had a high speed chase with a police officer, deliberately crashed her car to collect insurance money, and tried to wash our (then newborn) son's clothes in rat poison. She's been in and out of therapy, and it's obvious why we cut her off 5 years ago, however, we have told her that if she seeks professional help(she needs to enter an in patient treatment program) we will consider mending the relationship. She flat out said "no". For the safety of my family and especially my young son, we cannot be in contact, we moved out of the country as well. I always dreamed of having a big extended family though, and I am sad about my situation. My husband is devastated, he believes his mother doesn't love him(threatening to give him up for adoption was a daily threat during his childhood). I read about so many estranged parents apologizing to their kids- I can only dream of hearing an apology. A lot of words my in laws say about us - that we're spoiled/too sensitive/blowing it out of proportion/mean/etc really confuses me. It's like our feelings don't matter. I wish you all well. Honestly, there are some of you I'd love to adopt as my in laws!
    • runcie
      @Domino yes - when its mental distress, its different - reality is distorted, its sad, hard and creates grief of a different source
    • Anitajo
      I think this discussion is about an entirely different reason for estrangement. You definitely had just cause and I don't blame you one bit.
  • alanhrts16
    I d when he was a baby I handled the errands and saw her when I was told when mommy and daddy went out pop pop took over one time an outing was scheduled I suddenly couldn't go because on't know quite what to do I adopted my child myMore first wife and I did everything for him money love education when he got engaged he picked someone who had an attitude she need money for her wedding I paid half she complained about money but spent recklessly not my opinion in 1995 I began caring for my grandson caring for him taking him to school I took him every day but when mommy and daddy went out I took over I did their errands and met mom and grandchild on demand when my wife died 6 months later I got engaged to my wifes friend who never admitted her feelings even when we were alone my son said you cheated on my mother not true called my dead wife shes dead she was too much trouble good riddance when I met them with her she was ignored and they tried to introduce me to her friends the relationship ended when I couldn't take my grandson on a previously arranged outing I had surgery and couldn't walk they said unspeakable things to us I reached out twice to them but got no ressponce at all she has no died I do not know why or how they have not called me is there anything I should do thank you all your comments are appreciated
  • Jo Hale

    There are so many people here in deep pain. It's l heartbreaking that this happens to both parents and children. I myself have sought professional help to try and find a way to deal with this incredibly difficult situation, but I find that talking to others in similar circumstances the most therapeutic. I just wish there were face to face support groups where human interaction takes place and hurting souls might find comfort and support while navigating these turbulent seasons of life. I don't mean groups that sit around and rehash each detail of their lives, compare their gripes and grumbles and never get past the accusations and name calling. But, groups that gather for the sole purpose of finding a connection to others that are seeking a positive way forward through encouragement, uplifting support and yes, a soft shoulder to lean on sometimes.

    How do we help make this happen? Is there anyone out there doing this already or participating in this type of group interaction or know of groups that are successfully pursuing help (or at least trying)? Anyone have an idea or suggestion on where to begin?

    Forums are great and even email messages from members (when and if that's possible) is a good step, but there's nothing like looking someone in the eyes and saying, "Me too".

    God Bless all of you who are hurting. May you find peace and joy.

    • tctiptop

      @Jo Hale When I was with an alcoholic, I found Alanon. This is not just for those living/not living with an alcoholic. What I learned there, so helps me with this estrangement factor now in my life. 

      Alanon showed me how I had no control over another person's life, weather I loved them or not. The only person I was / am responsible for is myself. The only person I was / am able to judge was / is myself. I am abundantly grateful for Alanon. 

      I see now that I was an enabler of my estranged daughter's actions. As an overprotective mom, instead of the addiction being 'alcohol' it was 'loss of control over another.' All the mantras of Alanon applied to my life. Yes, they have MEETINGS! These meetings saved my life in so many ways! No matter what the affliction was, -in others around me, I was able to choose how I reacted to each of them. 

      These meetings were a calming sea in the midst of a hurricane, for me. My pain went away and was replaced with peace. I still need to go to one from time to time, since my daughter has been out of my life these past three years. With some mental gymnastics, as described above, these meetings can be a godsend for you. Hope this helps.

    • moving on
      @Jo Hale I like your suggestion. My idea of support is to hear from those who have built strategies to help them get on with their lives. I have devised my own way as I do not fare well with therapy.  My doctor prescribed anti-depressants which play a vital part toMore my moving on.  I never forget that my issues are minor compared with others and that family estrangement is common.  I am retired and I have used my time to work on a M.Phil at university which is something that I have wanted to do for a long time.  Finding an interest and being part of the wider community are a sure way of putting the hurdles of life to one side thus ensuring continual personal growth and well being.
    • tctiptop
      @Jo Hale Alanon defines what is to be free from this pain. Seek them out and you will be amazed at the results. Hopes this helps.
    • crushed
      @Jo Hale Thanks for sharing.  My daughter has cut me out of her life and it has been 9 months.  She is 23 and this pain is beyond anything anyone can imagine.  No acknowledgement of my birthday or mothers day.  I feel like I was such a failure and soMore ashamed.  I parented with love, I thought and gave my children tools for life along with love and support. My son and I are very close as he is 26.   I don't even really know the reason, I do know that her father (we are divorced) is encouraging, enabling and encouraging her to stay away.  I was not abusive but I had to dissapline of course.  My son is not sure why she is like this as he was raised by me in the same household.  My exhusband would estrange himself from his mother.  I come from a family of 12 and we were all so close, and supported each other.  We had very little but it did not matter.  I encouraged my daughter to get into the LPN program of which she did.  I got her car fixed and paid her first years tuition and then she just left, moved to her fathers and eventually got her own place.  I am hearing she is still in school but refuses to contact me.   I imagine she will contact me once the next year comes up.  I am not sure what I will do then.  I am happy she is pursueing her career and doing well but to fund her education without any contact, I am just not sure.  I love her and am proud of her.  It is painful. I am a good person, kind, gentle and generous to a fault I am told.  My kids friends were here much of the time growing up.  My daughter gets anxious and I think her father pulling her one way and away from me is not good.  He is just hurting her and being very selfish.  The one thing that helps me right now is prayer, it gives me hope.  It is so so difficult to see all my friends and family having these incredible close relationships with their daughters, I have to get away from it at times as it can seem suffocating.   You have to know the pain to understand it.  I feel so so judged and of course I am judged.   I pray that there will be relief some day for all of us.   Love and kindness, be kind to yourselves, everyone regardless of our mistakes deserves a new beginning....xo Rachel
  • mollymolly1
    My son is 30, i am 53, a year and a half ago I made a terrible mistake, I was cruel and rude to his girlfriend and her mother - he cut me out of his life completely. I have text him and sent emails, short ones just to sayMore I love him and please get in touch, I've cried and grieved and do my best to be positive every day, but the gap he has left is huge, embarrassing for me to answer questions from family and friends who know and care for me, and they wonder why he is so hard and unforgiving. I know the reasons, I was a single Mum in a big city with no family and he an alpha male, I was the main support for him when he got into trouble as a teenager, the boundries between parent and peer, got so shaded, to cope I turned a blind eye, he has no siblings - I need advise on how to mend this, I am not going to chase him, as my emails and texts are ignored, my Mum is ill, his grandmother who he adores, my fear is that something may happen to her or another person in my family I will have to deal with my very much adored Son shunning and ignoring me any advise ?
  • Christableinmourning
    Our 20 year old daughter cut us off 2 weeks ago.  She withdrew from college, packed her dorm room, transferred jobs (took some preparation) and moved 2 states away with her boyfriend who also did the same.  We had no warning, just a few blurted texts about her new lifeMore and then complete silence.  No phone, no address, no Facebook - we are now blocked.  She even told her friends not to speak to us.  Other than us noticing some stress lately (who isn't stressed in school?) this came out of the clear blue.  We were not neglectful or abusive.  We supported her financially in school.  We were fond of her boyfriend and were looking forward to seeing her become an independent adult.  Now we are left reeling in agony and confusion.  I can't imagine this going on for years...
    • mastik8
      Christableinmourning  Leave her alone. She'll become an independent adult by her own means and by her own plan. You can't control this so let it go. Let her know that you're available and love her when she changes her mind and wants to communicate.
    • AListener

      Christableinmourning I am sorry to hear of your plight.  Many of the people wandering around these pages are dealing with  a real life story of estrangement that involves lengthy time periods of no contact.  This is stated not to belittle your personal experience, but to give some context to things.  Without question, the fact that what happened to you is recent must be seen as a fact in the the "plus" column for you.  I say this because research shows that the longer the estrangement persists, the more difficult it is to overcome.  The sooner it can be reconciled, the better.  

      However, the flip side of this situation is that young people need space, and sometimes they need time.  We, all of us, find ourselves in situations where we feel emotionally smothered, and some of us choose to break away from that in clunky, dysfunctional ways (for whatever reason, including our own immaturity).  I of course do not know your daughter or her beau, and I cannot know her reasons for bolting but given the planning (including getting friends not to share with you) I see facts that you have shared that point to someone who may have thought that if she did this on the "up and up", her parents would not have approved, would have blocked it or tried to control it in some fashion, etc.  She may have felt that she needed to do this liberating move to say "I am an adult now, not your little girl."

      Sometimes, the most loving thing we can do for someone we love is to give that person space.  After all, if a person only wants a thimble full of love, is it not love to give just that thimble full of love?  Allowing someone space can be a profound act of love

      I don't imagine at all you were neglectful or abusive. That is clear.  I can tell right away you are good parents who, at most, made mistakes within the normal range of parent mistakes that EVERY PARENT MAKES.  

      My guess is you have not heard the last from your daughter.  I will further take a leap and predict one or more of those friends does not approve of what she did, her friends parents are now going to find out, they are not going to approve, they are going to empathize with you, and pressure is going to come on to those friends to come clean and not be "enablers" for your daughter's bad choices.  You are going to find out where she lives.  This is not a static situation. It is going to change.  For sure!

      Good luck and best wishes.

    • Susan Neson
      Christableinmourning We feel your pain.  On a positive note your daughter is only 20 and will grow up fast which means she will, most likely, come back to you.  Our daughter is in her early 40's - sh/be an adult but is very immature and has a husband who isMore a force behind this which makes it much more difficult.  We've been going through this for over 7 months now and have learned a lot and become a lot stronger.  I always needs this daughter's affirmation, approval.  I allowed her for many years to be the one to expect all of us to jump to her tune.  Stop right now.  You deserve respect and love.  Do not beg, cajole.  I did this for the first 4 months and I'm sure it fed right into her power and control.  It's the saddest thing I've ever heard w/so many parents being kicked out of their kids lives.  Something is very wrong in our society but no one seems willing, whether it's churches or any well known Christian organization, to address this silent epidemic.  Try not to worry about tomorrow or next week or next month.  She's so young and at that age, so immature.  She does love you, as does our daughter.  They just don't how to handle things in a mature way and personally I think the selfie, selfishness of our young people is astounding.  We wish you well - be around people who will be supportive and who love you.  Count your blessings and know there are many parents praying for you and your daughter!
      • Estrangedmom
        @Christableinmourning, my daughter turns 20 in May, and left here last week. Same situation. She left behind three younger siblings, and took the dog. She has cut out everyone that is part of our family if she suspects they would talk to me. I know it's recent, but IMore don't count it for less. I will pray for both of us.
  • SadDad61
    I continue to reach out to my son, but never get a response. I keep it simple and brief, no nagging, judging or criticism; just wishes of happiness and love. However, as time has gone by I find that each time I reach out and get no response, itMore deepens the hurt. I've asked him why he hasn't responded and if I have offended him in some way; no response. I find myself not wanting to try and contact him for continued rejection. Each time I reach out, I think "this will be the time he'll respond". I've gone through all the emotional stages over the years; fear, anger, denial, guilt, resentment...you name it, and I've felt it. It even got to a point where I sought professional help with a pychiatrist because I started to have anxiety issues. I love my son with all my heart but don't know if I can keep allowing myself to be kicked in the teeth.
    • Susan Neson
      SadDad61 We understand your pain and wish this didn't happen to you....or to us but it has.  In the first few months I tried too hard to the point of almost begging, pleading.  This just gave them more power to hold over us.  So many people say they've learned toMore just back off - quit trying.  I certainly don't know the answers either and am going to seek help for my anxiety issues also.  When something this shocking happens our adrenals go haywire and we have anxiety, depression etc.  It's the most cruel thing an adult child could do to a parent.  There are many parents who barely care about their kids but they're still in the kid's lives.  We've loved our daughter through her life w/o judging her and also in spite of herself sometimes.  She's judged us so harshly but I'm beginning to see that as her problem.  I feel bad more for her some days but I also have to start taking care of myself and the rest of my family.  I hope you will be able to step back and not be so hard on yourself.  Give yourself time to breathe and, even if it's a struggle, redirect your thoughts to other people who truly care about you at this time!  My prayers go out to you and all the other parents suffering.
      • Suzy
        Susan Neson SadDad61  its hell. I don't know where to go or what to do.
        • Susan Neson
          @Suzy Susan Neson SadDad61 It is hell or as close to hell as I ever want to be.  Somehow we HAVE TO accept it and understand that we did not choose to reject them.  We keep hoping too but my husband has pretty much given up hope.  We don't know what toMore do - we don't know why this happened.  I never knew that parents and/or children were expendable.  Apparently now, if someone chooses, they can throw you out like trash and feel justified in doing so.  We are not understanding at all.  Every day when the mail comes I hope for a letter .... something.  I wish I could help.  Prayers continue for all the parents suffering with this cruelty perpetuated upon us.
  • Jo Hale

    I know I wrote more than necessary, but I need to clarify the reason for my feeling of "impending doom" I'd because on "Easter Saturday" we found out that after I kindly expressed my sadness over not being involved in our first grandchild's baby dedication last year they dedicated our 2nd grandchild last month. The silence in the room was deafening. I held myself together to just get home, where I snapped. I had had enough. The next morning I composed an email message thoroughly explaining our feelings and just laid it all out. We of course didn't suggest it was my dil, but that we wanted to sit down and discuss the situation.

    Therefore I suspect he will probably reply with a "form letter" stating sorrow that we are hurt, but they don't feel it necessary to adjust their lifestyle or choices and that we need to accept this, period.

    So either way the pain goes on. Thanks for reading....

    • GingerMaynor

      @Jo Hale  I am replying as a daughter who has strained relationships

      with both parents who are now in their mid-70’s.  It breaks my heart reading these posts, but I

      thought it may help with the pain you are experiencing by offering a perspective

      from a grown child.  I think about my

      parents all the time.  Perhaps your son

      does too.  I think about what a happy

      family we were growing up, how easy it was to be around them, and how much

      comfort they used to give me.  We never

      had any large scale blow-out arguments.  I

      am in my mid 40’s now, but somewhere in my mid-20’s they developed a slow and

      steady current of negativity and criticism toward me.  This presents itself in minor statements such

      as “I haven’t heard from you in a while” if it has been several days since my

      last call, criticizing how I’ve furnished my house, and not eating the food I

      cooked for Thanksgiving dinner because it was not one of my Mom’s recipes.  They acted hurt when I did not tell them

      about my decision to re-paint my house, and my Dad sends emails begging me to

      call if he has not heard from me for more than a week.   I feel

      like they are looking for me to validate their lives, and when I don’t, they

      lash out with criticism.  My mother

      constantly tells me how much her friend’s kids visit and call – with the

      unstated comment being that I’m not doing enough for her.  When my husband and I got married 15 years

      ago, instead of having a bachelor party my husband took his 4 best friends to a

      baseball game.  My dad still tells me how

      hurt he is that he was not invited to the “bachelor party” and my husband didn’t

      even invite his own dad.  The above

      article that states “the love still exists, but the ability to resolve

      differences does not” seems very true to me. 

      Perhaps your son feels the same. 

      I do love my parents.  However,

      when I’ve asked them to please stop the negativity against me – they responded

      either by 1) saying I’m too sensitive and they have to walk on egg shells

      around me, or 2) they will stop the negativity if I change.  So the same old routine goes on but over

      time, I feel as though these small comments are a punch in my gut.  I know they do not think they’ve done

      anything wrong – even though I’ve told them exactly what they’ve done.   It

      would make things better even if they just acted neutral.  For example, not mentioning the last time

      they talked to me or saw me, just greet me normally.  Don’t mention that they didn’t know I made

      plans to redecorate last month, instead tell me how great it looks.

      • tctiptop

        GingerMaynor I appreciate your post so much. The negativity is something that as a parent I was not aware of, since my own mother was so negative towards me.

        It was hard to see my children in any light that was not sun-laced, living a life I had picked out for them in my mind. 

        As for me, I turned into a teenager when my daughter and I would have 'words.' 

        I was mother and father so I think I thought I had to sound like both, sweet and loving, and loud and cold. Obviously, I had no father to model after, so my misinformed childhood led the way. People that don't have the exposure to good people have so little of the right information to mature on. I seem to be always catching up with myself. 

        You actually asked for the negativity to stop. If only my daughter would have done that. She too has the negativity factor in her, so she would ask me to do things 'her way.' Big difference in topic there! Had I known... . 

        Communication, since technology arrived, has definitely made this estrangement phenomena seem epidemic in nature. If I knew what being neutral was, I would have made that my objective long ago. The conflict is, for being a parent, 'neutral' meant being run over on the survival highway. I didn't often have the luxury of thinking through every decision I ever made. The price may have cost us our life, -as we knew it. 

        By the end of high school, my daughter did not want me to ask questions about her life, her friends, her goals and plans. This was before I set her up, rented and furnished her a room, in a very nice house, filled with roommates that attended the college she wanted to go to that fall. She didn't even invite me to her high school graduation. 

        She cut me out of her life, a while before she left mine, so I was already learning to let go. I thought I was doing it right, helping her get started on her own. I love her so much, I would do anything to keep her dreams going. I didn't know that she didn't see it that way.

        So you see, real communication is the key. My problem was, I had the wrong door! My key never fit. Still looking for it, but only part time now. For now, I am learning patience. It's working.

        What happened to me, well, I've called it the 'switch.'  In our late teens, a switch is thrown. For me, the person I raised for all those years was suddenly GONE! Maybe it's because of what I consider it to be, the pre-programmed 'Independent Gene.' I remember doing this similar thing to my parents at the same age. It was called, "Out on your own." I wonder if we were really so abrupt about it, even now. Thank you so much for your perspective!

      • Joanbam
        Thank you for your post. Alot of post from estranged children were very mean. I hope you can sort things out with your parents. I just appreciate and understand your thoughts. I hope my son and dil will give me a chance. I miss them terribly. My heartsMore aches, my self esteem is nil. If I didn't care about them, I wouldn't care if they talked to me at all. I wish they would tell me what I did wrong. Again very heartbroken. Thank you
      • Susan Neson
        GingerMaynor I understand your dilemma.  Your parents are being unreasonable, I see that and you see that.  I hope you will get some professional guidance.  Your parents are worth the effort - they gave you many, many years of their lives BUT you need to establish boundaries.  There is aMore good book entitled "Boundaries".  I wish our daughter would have sat us down and talked to us about their boundaries.  We moved to be closer to them.  We are very private people and not demanding.  We were not allowed to be present when our granddaughter was born - the husband felt "threatened" I guess.  I would have stayed way in the background.  My husband and I have been married many, many years and we also like our time together.  It hurt my feelings but because his mother didn't care, I had to be punished.  The only other time we got upset and showed it was when our only granddaughter had her 5th birthday.  We were not invited.  His brother and wife were in town (we lived several hours away) but they decided it was to be just his family.  It seemed like a big deal at the time but we acknowledged they had every right to invite or do what they wanted.  We never wanted to be in control of their lives.  On the other hand, our daughter wants to be in control of everything we do.  It's her way or the highway.  I never realized it or overlooked it thinking she would grow out of it.  Obviously we have some issues but ones that could have been dealt with.  Instead she told us that she no longer wanted us in her life.  7 months have gone by - no contact.  We have been blocked from everything.  She lost her best friend because she disagreed with our son in law on them kicking us out of their lives.  We were going through some difficulties (husband diagnosed w/cancer - his hearing going to where it's almost non existent); we moved from the country to a manic, insane city where people would rather run you over than be nice.  It was too much.  We moved away to be closer to many other relatives for our special needs daughter mostly.  If it was just us two we would have gone back to country living and enjoying a quiet life of just helping people but enjoying the sanity of beauty rather than insanity in cities.  So life goes on.  We continue to pray.  I don't cry as often even though if I really think about it I am shattered.  My husband is also shattered but says little.  It's a cruel world and I'm thankful it will all end someday and God will sort it out.  I don't understand the cruelty imposed on us or any parent who was not cruel or did the very best they could.  Put up with your parents - they put up with you but set boundaries and explain kindly and lovingly why AND tell them you love them.  Be grateful ... be patient ... be kind ... bear with one another.  God will bless you for it!!
        • GingerMaynor
          Susan Neson GingerMaynor Thank you Susan.  (Thanking Jo Hale too for comment above.)  I'm trying with my parents, but old behavior patterns seem hard to change and exhausting to manage.  Their hurt feelings and anger are overwhelming for me.  Anyway, I hear you.  I pray God helps me find a wayMore to keep my parents in my life while also keeping my sanity.  In your situation, sometimes I wonder if when adult kids get married their spouses hugely change the core family dynamics?  Fortunately, my husband loves my parents, but my sister's husband is another story.... he is very controlling and has done some things you mention such as refusing my parents to be present when their kids were born, not present during baptism and other events which has hurt my parents.  I agree it is indeed a cruel world.  It is not what I would like it to be, and people are flawed.  I am sorry to hear your daughter has not had contact with you for 7 months.  With your husband''s illness, you are carrying a lot on your shoulders.  I'm trying to enjoy some things in life as you mention, going outdoors, planting flowers, etc.  I figure if I feel stronger overall it will help me manage the stress or think more clearly during times of conflict.  Bless you and your husband.
          • Susan Neson
            GingerMaynor Susan Neson Thank you Ginger.  I appreciate your caring.  Let's all hope for easier days ahead.  I wish you well in your struggle.
      • Jo Hale

        Thank you, Ginger for taking the time to respond to my post. I am truly sorry that you deal with these painful issues as well and my heart hurts for you. I appreciate your wanting to share with me a different perspective in the hope it might help me see things from his point of view, but what is happening to you is not happening in our situation.

        The last time I ever mentioned to him that we don't hear from him or spend any time with him was 3 years ago. He got upset and perturbed and told me he had priorities in his life and not enough time for us. He suggested I make more friends or get a hobby. He said he felt like I had made him my whole life and didn't know how to let go. I sat there quietly listening and told him I wouldn't bring the subject up again. Mind you we weren't asking him to contact us every day or even every week. I'd call him about twice a month and say we'd like to know how you're doing. He usually didn't return our calls. We'd go months without seeing them. I didn't then and still don't believe we were asking too much of him. But we were never given the opportunity to work out any differences, nor asked how we feel.

        So after that discussion, whenever we did see or hear from them our conversations were always pleasant and respectful. We never criticized them or even made sutbtle remarks. We extended grace towards them both over and over again while ignoring the deep pain that was growing in our hearts. We honored his wishes and lived with the boundary lines he drew, but the lines just kept getting thicker. Their actions and/or lack of actions were becoming blatantly insensitive. How much pain are we supposed to tolerate without asking for a reason or just letting them know it was hurtful?

        I can truly sympathize with your situation and how difficult it must be for you. It's never easy to know how to deal with insensitive, self-centered, immature, and in your situation controlling people. We do our best to understand and empathize and accept. You being in a place where you find you've run out of options in dealing with your parents and their controlling behavior towards you and you're left with possible estrangement. We too are trying to live with their insensative behavior, but it's not controlling like your situation, it's outright cold. We also run the risk of being estranged from our grandchildren. So where do we draw the line? We've done what they asked us to do, but their attitude towards us has become intolerable.

        Again, I do appreciate your wanting me to understand and see things from the other perspective. I try to believe he still cares for us. I hope he does. I do think as the article above states, that he doesn't/didn't know how to make the transition from our son to adult and married. We would have appreciated the chance to have some input. I am hoping he might one day see that our relationship can be a happy and healthy and balanced one. I hope you find that as well.

  • Jo Hale

    I'm just now reading the comments posted below by Susan Neson just an hour ago and with a few exceptions our stories are so similar. We have not yet been "cut out" of our son's life, but I fear the time is coming. We too raised our son, (our only child) in a loving, respectful and godly home. He married our dil 5 1/2 years ago after dating for 3 years. We began to notice once they were married that we heard less and less from him as time passed. I'm talking about every 6 weeks or so. They live about 20 minutes away with her parents living a few miles from us. We first split holidays into here first for a few hours and them leaving to spend the remaining part of the holiday with her parents. Then they decided they wanted to celebrate on a different day. Of course when I suggested alternating so it would be fair to all that never happened and now they are with her family every holiday and we get the day before or after with us making all the arrangements. So my husband and I celebrate alone. We have no other family with the exception of my mother who lives 11 hours away.

    I tried approaching the subject (with my son) of us being a bit more involved in their lives 3 years ago. He got perturbed and basically told me he had priorities in his life and he just had no time and I needed to make friends or find a hobby.

    Along came 2 grandchildren in 2 years. My opportunity to spend time with them is about twice a month for a few hours with my dil and I sitting in their living room. I have offered to babysit, take them outside, or have them at our home occasionally and there's always a new excuse for this not happening. It's gotten to the point where my husband doesn't want to go anymore because he feels like it's just a "Social Services Visitation" in a contained room with complete supervision and oversight.

    My son has grown very cold and superficial towards us and we feel like our 6 visits per year (as a whole family) are like us being distant cousins that are stopping by to just catch up. They never initiate getting together, include us in special events (him speaking at his church, my grandchildren's baby dedication, graduation ceremony for his masters) or just call to say "hello". This year we received text messages on our birthdays.

    I am, as the woman who also just posted, grieving terribly. It is so hard to understand why this is happening. We have not had any problems or arguments or even an uncomfortable moment. We have been extremely gracious to them both, our beliefs expect that from us and although it was hard at first, we did what was "right" hoping things might change. We have done everything they've requested of us. I feel like my son no longer exists, but it's worse because he does and chooses to treat us this way. The rejection is heartbreaking.

    I am in therapy and I'm learning to accept that my son has a "flaw" (which is his inability to address and deal with this issue). I do believe my dil (who is really a lovely woman) just doesn't want to change her preferences. Which relates to the comment that there is an epidemic of ultra-sensitive, (basically spoiled) immature adults. Yes, there is a transitional process that happens when children become adults and then when they marry and it's tricky, but if my son (and dil) really understood and felt the pain that occurs when loved ones choose to do what they want instead of thinking of others, they might make better choices.

    I wish there were support groups for this type of issue. I've considered going to the ones offered to those that have lost their loved ones to death, but they don't allow this. It's almost worse than a death because they are alive and CHOOSING this. It's rejection from your child for something that you didn't do and it's awful

    • Missmydaughter
      I really feel for you @Jo Hale. I haven't seen or heard from my daughter for close to ten years but I also realize that she probably would have treated us badly if she hadn't cut us off. She was very difficult to be with and we wereMore too permissive and allowed her to walk on us. We are hurting because we love her. Maybe time away from your son will make him soften. I don't know. I knew some parents who were selfish and negligent but have great relationships with their adult children. Go figure! None of it makes sense.
    • Susan Neson
      @Jo Hale I will hope, beyond all hope, that you will never be totally cut out of your son's life.  Dr Joshua Coleman has a rather good book entitled "When Parents Hurt" I believe is the title.  There are many insightful books that do help.  I only wish I wouldMore have acknowledged there was a problem earlier and could have acted like the adult in the room.  We were just so blindsided by this.  One thing I did wrong is I never NEVER thought I deserved respect - hence, I was not given the respect I deserved.  They say how you treat yourself, you will be treated.  Too much begging for our kids to just love us.  We love them too much me thinks and they don't understand the meaning of love - of commitment - of loyalty - of gratitude - of seeing the good and ignoring our flaws as we did w/our less than perfect daughter.  I am taking a nap today - i am going to resolve to treat all those around me better.  If you're on FB I would recommend Lysa Terkeurst, Ann Voskamp.  Very uplifting.  Think on things that are beautiful and good.  Try not to dwell all the time on that which brings you down.  It's taken me months to get there AND some days, not there totally.  I love my daughter so much and miss her more than I can even think.....i don't want to think about it so much anymore.  I just want to live my life with my husband and other daughter and just continue to hope, eventually, she and her husband will soften their hearts and grow up a little bit.
      • Jo

        Thank you, Susan for your comforting response. I missed it the other day. I agree with you wholeheartedly about if we had been a bit more insightful maybe we could have been the "adult" and addressed this issue sooner. We overlooked so much to keep him happy and should have taught him more about honoring his parents. We did though raise him to follow the Lord and just believed he would learn to treat us better when he matured. He's gone to seminary and teaches bible to middle schoolers at a private Christian school. All this doesn't seem to mean anything because he just "missed it". My therapist said early on I needed to see him in a different light. He has a flaw and if it were someone else we'd accept it or deal with it if necessary, but because it's our (only) child we let things go. Although the thing that's hardest to understand is that he wasn't this insensitive until he married. I'm not blaming her and I have gone out of my way to show her love and respect, but I think she just never matured much either and didn't make any effort to try and fit me into her/their lives.

        I did find out just recently after receiving his response from a letter we sent him where we were almost pleading for answers that he blames me for things that have caused him to distance himself from us. I wasn't a good role model when it came to family traditions and connections. I was a hypocrite because I wanted to be close to him and his family but not my husband's family. And the zinger was the one and only argument we ever had in 25 years when he told me he was inviting his father to his wedding. He saw his father about 3 or 4 times in almost 12 years with no other contact. It was the only request I made and in hindsight I was wrong, but it wasn't that. It was my hostile response that caused him to no longer desire a real and open relationship with me. He was wounded. This was 6 years ago and after a sincere apology from me. I never knew. He harbored unforgiveness and just kept me chasing after something that he had no plans to offer me. As everyone else here I was devastated. This was a week ago and the pain in my heart just aches.

        He says he plans on keeping us in his life and wants to move forward. I sent a simple reply apologizing for everything that hurt him and asked if he would consider meeting to try and restore our relationship. I firmly believe his increasingly harsh treatment towards me was guilt because I was doing everything he asked and extended grace consistently. The ball is in his court because he knows that reconciliation is the core to our beliefs. Love forgives, always. So we shall see. I am not expecting anything. I am trying to find my way to acceptance and a life that brings me some form of joy. The hardest part is finding a new vision for my latter years. I never expected this, never. With only one child it makes it even more difficult.

        I'm sorry for going on so long. It helps sometimes to share your pain with others who understand. I just wish there was a way for all of us to get together and extend a hand or a shoulder or a big hug. Are you allowed to share your location? Just a state maybe? I don't completely know the rules. If not that's fine. I will remember you in my prayers and yes I know of the women you mentioned. Jennifer Rothschild is a good one too. Thanks again Susan and may the comfort He offers be more than enough!

  • Susan Neson
    My husband and I are estranged from our daughter. It has been over six months since she told us she didn't want us in her life.  We were totally blindsided by this.  We went from the best, most loving, kind, considerate, giving parents and grandparents on the earth to this.More Yes, there were conflicts but we didn't think it was anything "abnormal."  Yes, we should have worked these out but after reading this article I see, and we have seen where our daughter lacks maturity.  She also has a husband, who we've been told, is the locomotive behind this estrangement.  I actually wrote in our granddaughter's journal that I started the day she was born,  that I was afraid our son in law would some day divide our family.  My husband saw this too but we both hoped we were wrong.  We weren't.  We are in our mid 70's - we care for a special needs daughter.  We need to stay in good health.  All of our hearts are shattered and we have been broken and depressed all these months.  I have to start counseling or go out of my mind.  We cannot speak to our daughter.  When there was some conflict everything was passed through her husband who I know, either misunderstood or relayed whatever information he wanted to hear.  This is one of the best articles I've read on this topic.  This epidemic of our ultra sensitive, immature adults is very concerning to me.  I had a mother who could have cared less about me.  I never kicked her out of my life.  I honored her until she died.  I should have loved her better, but I did treat her with respect and kept in touch w/her via letters and phone (pre-computer era).  Many days I just fret and worry.  IF we could speak to her I know she would find that what she was told, was false.  Prayers to all of you who suffer with this.
  • LoriRobbins1

    amandars comment is spot on.  this is a really good and positive article for a change without bashing anyone and bashing moms and dads and how to deal with estrangement in a positive way.  people are humans and will make mistakes. you are going to get abused somehow growing up. it's just how it goes.  no one has a perfect family.

    right on!

  • DeniseR_ParentalSupport

    CindyAZ

    I can hear how painful this separation from your daughter is

    for you. Know that you are not alone. There are people you can turn to when the

    situation seems almost too much to bear. I encourage you to look into possible

    community supports for estranged parents. The 211 Helpline would be able to

    give you information on resources like parents support groups, counselors, and other supports.

    You can reach the Helpline 24 hours a day by calling 1-800-273-6222 or by going

    online to http://www.211.org/. You might also find

    support from our online community in the comments section on our article https://www.empoweringparents.com/blog/estranged-from-adult-child-parent-child-estrangement/. Good luck to you

    moving forward. Take care.

  • ChildOfAbuse
    Just like so many other articles about family estrangement, this article completely downplays abuse. One of the major reasons children cut contact is to escape abuse, and many parents are in complete denial that the abuse even happened. While resources like this exist to feed the egos of narcissistic parents,More while downplaying their own accountability and focusing on assumed "immaturity" of adult abuse survivors, these abusers will have reinforcement for their denial. Many abuse survivors, myself included, have cut contact with parents on the advice of mental health professionals to manage symptoms of PTSD, and nowhere does your article address serious mental health side-effects of toxic parent/child relationships.
    • NoContactNow
      ChildOfAbuse As others have stated, there are many reasons for estrangement. It's not always neglect or abuse - sometimes it is an adult child wanting to reinvent themself with a new history. In my case I was a single mom who married a man with a son. My daughter wentMore from being 50% of the family to being 25% which may have been what she now resents. She talks about how I didn't show "real" interest in what she cared about: I put her in soccer, dance, music, swimming, hiking clubs, tennis, horseback riding, etc classes to help her find her interests - but she now claims that was about me trying to make her be a certain way. I took her on travels, to live performances, camping, hiking, etc. Long long walks where she could pour out her worries about school or friends. She often told me we had a better relationship than any of her friends had with their parents (and she would confide in me what her friends' parents were like.)   Her husband once commented - when they were dating - that she got all the thing he longed for as a kid (the lessons, the family time). Guess what? Once she moved in with him my relationship with her went from warm and close to cold and distanced until finally just before their wedding she cut off contact with everyone in her family. Now she tells everyone she was emotionally abused by a narcissistic mother, she's slapped labels on all of us - labels that are simply not true. Everyone else in the family is close and doing well. The ironic thing? Her husband's family - who she is now close with - is very clearly disfunctional (drug abuse, food-body image extremes, chronic unemployment and lots of swapping of allegiances and anger). I suspect she likes being around them because she feels superior to all of them (she has a better job than any of them, is far more attractive, better educated, etc). SO when you say it's about child-abuse remember, in some instances it is a complex story with many elements that create the situation.
    • AListener
      ChildOfAbuse Sure.  No question that some estrangement is rooted in parental abuse.  Some.  But not all.  And I hope you are not suggesting that every instance of parent/adult child estrangement is rooted in "abuse" by the parent of the child. Because if you are, that is like saying the thousandsMore and thousands of parents out there who are currently estranged from their adult children, and are filling these web pages of horrific  tales of grief and agonizing pain are also completely clueless idiots--and I have more confidence in my fellow man to believe that is the case.  We don't know and cannot judge every individual situation.  What we do know is that there are certain types of abuse--sexual abuse, physical abuse, and certain forms of psychological abuse that we can all agree is just plain wrong.  Other forms of abuse, and I see this as a far larger subject, is very subjective and debatable.  Is it abuse, or something else?  We don't know.   The case can be made that an adult child's choice to completely sever contact with a parent, while simultaneously refusing to give any reason for this total cut-off, is a form of emotional abuse.  And there are many, many parents out there, in the thousands, that are experiencing this abuse right this very moment.  Now you may say that the adult child is doing so in response to something that the parent did long ago, and I will say that may well be, but that does not make the adult child's choice any less abusive.  And I have a hard time rationalizing an adult child's choice to respond to a parent's "abuse" with abuse, especially if the parent's "abuse" is not of the black and whit wrong variety, but is instead debatable.  It makes that adult child a total, flaming hypocrite.  Especially if what the adult child considers "abuse" might be to many as being a normal part of the parenting process.
      • mastik8
        AListener ChildOfAbuse  Such a complicated subject. Sometimes I believe that cutting off the parent recreates in a way a parent can understand the feelings of a child when they're being disciplined or neglected - in any way. These pages are filled with adult children who say that they often didn't knowMore why they were being disciplined or disciplined all out of proportion to what they did or disciplined too much. The reason they never knew is because they couldn't or wouldn't ask out of fear of their parents. These pages are also filled with parents saying they don't know what they did and they can't get their kids to tell them which to me sounds disturbingly like what the kids say about their childhood. Maybe the estrangement by the child is the expression of the bewilderment, anger and frustration felt by the child. The problem I experienced was ending the estrangement didn't end the issues that caused it and the resulting relationship was very, very dissatisfying and awkward. At this point I cannot say with any certainty that restarting the relationship will work or is, in fact, the best course of action. Sometimes you don't get what you want, you get what you need. Sometimes what you need is that other person out of your life - even if they are your parent or child. Picking up the phone doesn't end a problem, it starts another problem. The Answered Prayers dilemma.
        • mastik8
          mastik8 AListener ChildOfAbuse Good points all. I think the parent doesn't understand the message in the same way that the child didn't understand the parent's message when they were young. There's definitely a communication breakdown. I think for every parent you found that said their child declined to give a reason you could findMore a child who said they gave the reasons, sometimes repeatedly, and are equally frustrated that, for whatever reason, the parent doesn't understand or is in some understandable denial. I do agree that for whatever reasons it happens that everyone should be have with as much grace and dignity that they are able to muster. Time does heal most every wound but for those that it doesn't, respecting their very difficult decision, seems in order.
          • AListener

            mastik8 AListener ChildOfAbuse Respect.  It runs both ways. There is something utterly disrespectful about an adult child's choice to cut off contact with the parent (s) and simultaneously declining to explain. You seem to be of a mind that it is supposed to show the parent how the child was confused over the parenting process of feeling neglected or disciplined.  Here is what I will observe about all that.  Parenting is complex, far more so that kids realize when they are just kids. Parenting very often involves split second decisions (like every day!), and those are not going to always be correct.  There is no singular book or manual on "how to raise kids".  Many parents go by a "feel" or how they were raised (imperfectly in many cases). All the while, KIDS TEST. It is a fundamental part of being a child that we "test". Kids test boundaries. It is part of growing up.  And yes, parents make mistakes. We have bad days. Bad moods. We get rushed at times.  We have flaws--all of us--including character flaws. There is no such thing as a perfect parent or a perfect childhood. Every parent is going to make multiple mistakes in the course of executing the process of raising a child and trying to be a good parent.  In addition, every leadership position involves criticism from the people you are leading.  Show me a "leader" who's subordinates all believe he or she is doing a perfect job of leading, and I will show you someone who is not a very good leader.  We will both be pointing to the same person.  Simply put, if you are doing a good job of being a parent, you are going to piss off your kids now and then.  Not on purpose (hopefully!), but because the parent is setting boundaries, standards, and because kids test! 

            Against this backdrop, I get that every child emerging from childhood has some level of issues with the parenting he/she received. There are bumps and imperfections in every childhood. I get that for many kids maybe they did not understand this or that about the childhood. Understood.  What I do not understand about all that is the passive aggressive choice to cut off contact with the parent as some sort of retaliatory punishment for perceived shortcomings in the parenting process.  And to your point that the adult child believes he/she has made his/her reasons clear to the parents, what I will observe there is that I can imagine that is true in some cases.  Some.  I would venture a guess that in the vast majority of the cases, the adult child has declined to share and that is consistent with what I have heard from many, many parents. These late middle aged, well educated, highly evolved parents are not clueless idiots.  We are talking about a large sector of estranged parents who are absolutely mystified at the adult child's choices and the adult child's utter refusal to communicate.  Furthermore, that makes some logical sense to me, as the subject of "why" is so emotionally difficult that many choose the way out to just say nothing.  As a personal value, I believe that choice of silence is both emotionally insensitive/inhumane, and a coward's way out.  That said, I am sure there are isolated situations where the adult child has made his/her reasons crystal clear, and the parents have declined to "hear" or understand.

          • mastik8
            AListener mastik8 ChildOfAbuse  Thanks for sharing. I think we'll have to agree to disagree. You're stuck on the fact that kids cut off without explanation, I'm stuck on the fact that most kids tell their parents repeatedly why but are not heard for some reason. I do agree that every effort shouldMore be made to maintain the relationship but understand that it is sometimes impossible. Like you said, parenting if done correctly will annoy your kids, similar to being on the job and working with a difficult boss. Like working for a difficult boss sometimes you never get over your differences and, even though you learned many new skills, have no desire to be friends with that boss or even respect that boss despite the lessons learned and skills developed. A relationship is never a given. Ever.
        • AListener
          mastik8 AListener ChildOfAbuse Of note, there are, literally, thousands of parents who have been cut off by their adult children, and the adult child DECLINES to give any reason whatsoever.  Accordingly, the cutting off to which you refer does not always, apparently "recreate in a way a parent can understand..."  That mayMore well be what the adult child intends, but like most messages of silence, it is ambiguous, speculative, and actually creates endless ruminating for most parents suffering through estrangement. In my view, if an adult child is making the choice to cut off his/her parent or parents, at least explain the reasons. I realize that in many cases, a face to face in a such a situation is too emotionally difficult. But a letter or email is an excellent platform to express one's thoughts without interruption or other confrontation.  And I would hope that the adult child making the choice to cut off contact would do so with compassion, and not with vindictiveness in his/her heart, and ultimately seek reunification down the road in his/her life after establishing independence. Time heals most every wound...
  • LoriCichocki

    I am a 44 year old woman who decided to cut my Mom out of my life.  I love her dearly, but she has done some very vindictive things to me.  At 38, she didn't like the guy I was dating, so she called up my employer and told him untruths about me.  My employer fired me.  I was shocked that my employer believed everything she said.  My Mom also called my boyfriend's Mom, saying nasty things about me to her.  Thank God, my boyfriend's Mom defended me and told my Mom to not call her again.  Toxic parents never really see their adult children as grown and capable of making their own decisions.  She wanted me to lose my job, at that time, so I would supposedly "need" her to survive.  She does not have GOD in her life.  She is very judgemental about me and others.  She rarely has anything nice to say.  I have a brain tumor and am on disability.  I need to keep my stress level at a minimum.  I will not tolerate my Mom's disrespectful attitude.  I moved several hours away from her.  I finally have a drama free life.  If a friend treated me as badly as my Mom has treated me, they wouldn't be a friend of mine anymore.  I don't trust my Mom at all.  She has stabbed me in the back too many times.  Even though my Mom is not a part of my life, she is in my prayers. 

    I told my Mom since I love and respect myself, I have to protect myself from her harmful behavior.  Apologizing is not in my Mom's vocabulary.  She always tries to justify her outrageous behavior.

    • citizenmm
      LoriCichocki Unfortunately, you had to make a very difficult choice, and I think you made the right one.  If someone doesn't respect your (reasonable) boundaries you have no choice but to distance yourself.  It sounds like you have done this without vindictiveness or anger.  Just self care.
    • Spirited Lady
      LoriCichocki Good for you!  Stick to your decision.  Your healthy attitudes and strong self-care will help you recover from the brain tumor.  May God continue to bless you with courage and peace of mind.
      • Suzy

        Spirited Lady LoriCichocki 

        SadDad61 Me too its worse than a death. I don't know what to do . I am tired of praying. Surly this is not gods will. I raised him, worked 3rd shift so I could be alone with him during the day and not take him to someone to be with him during his wake hours. he slept at my moms home, then I would get him. did that for 12 years. then was a full stay home mom. its not like hes been neglected. I don't know what to do and even if I went to get help all I could do is cry...it would be so embarrassing.

        • hopeforpeace
          @Suzy Spirited Lady LoriCichocki SadDad61 We have been dealing with this sadness in our family for a few years. Holidays are very hard- the anxiety leading up to it makes me especially sad. This year, I saved to go away for Christmas. I made myself determined that I could not cry on thisMore gift I had given myself for the sake of the family members with me as well. I came home more at peace- I had gone for a short period of time without crying everyday and have been able to carry that forward. I am still very sad. I feel bitter too. Regardless, I make an effort to send periodic texts that I love or miss her. I try to keep in mind the positive relationships. I am honest when people ask about in depth questions about her- I say she has chosen not to speak with us and we are very sad. Don't underestimate seeking help- therapists would not judge the tears, but could hopefully help you find a perspective that helps you to enjoy the pieces of life in which you have more control. The point of my post is to offer some encouragement that I am still very sad, but I do not have the horrible feelings of despair that I have felt through all of this.
  • amandars
    I like the article as it shows that the cutting off has more to do with the adult child's lack of mature coping mechanism for anxiety etc. Running away or no communication gives them some breathing space. I also think from a positive point of view that we hopefully doMore raise children to think for themselves and not "follow the crowd" and to follow their own path. Sometimes they need to break from their parents to find their own path in their own way particularly if they feel that their path will be quite different from the one their parents have. I think it is important too where the article states that the "cutting off" is more about the inability to deal with the differences rather than a lack of love or concern. We as parents can review where we have made mistakes, apologize if necessary but the rest is up to the adult child and his ability to eventually be mature enough to be forgiving and accept parents as individuals with faults and strengths like anyone else.
    • cmc1212
      amandars  And parents mush accept their children as individuals with faults and strengths like yourself.  Parents also have a hard time dealing with differences and hopefully they can be mature enough to understand that as well.
  • LOSTANDHEARTBROKEN

    I too have found my self cut out of the lives of my 13 and 15 year old daughters. And it is the most painful heartbreak I have ever had. I read somewhere that its similar to the loss of a child. They are still here but I cant see them or feel them....

    I have been divorced for 6 years and their bitter angry father has not helped the situation. It shouldn't be like this. Yes we are divorced and our problems are/were our problems, not our childrens. I don't know where I went wrong. Why I lost their love and loyalty. I thought I am their mother that should count for something. Their father does nothing to encourage my relationship with them but instead allows them to make the decision to not see me or have me involved in their life. I raised them myself for the first 12 years of their life, their dad was gone most of the time for work. I was a stay at home mom and thought I was doing a good job. I don't have a close relationship with my own mother so vowed I would do things different and now I find myself in the same boat. I blame myself for everything. I tell myself they must be in so much pain to cut me off, but they seem ok. I want a relationship with them so bad, this is not how I pictured things. I'm cut out of school activities , homecomings, boyfriends, personal achievements etc. 

    I don't know what to do. I feel at a loss. Do I continue to make efforts only to be hurt? Do I continue to give? Sometimes I want to but then other times it hurts to bad and anger sets in and I don't want to. But at the end of the day I love them and miss them.

    I feel so much damage has been done. Because when I did see them if they disrespected me I felt like I wasn't allowed to be their mother. If I said anything then I had to worry about making them mad and then not seeing me again. I try to talk to them but it just pisses them off. I don't know if its because of the age or what. I cry, I plead I ask them to talk to me, but feel it falls on deaf ears and they could care less. Like they just don't want to deal with it. Its hard to carry on like nothing is wrong. I feel betrayed and sorry to say but my trust in them is gone.  ANYTHING I say or do gets back to their dad and twisted into something ugly.

    LOST AND HEARTBROKEN

    • AListener
      LOSTANDHEARTBROKEN You might want to consider googling "parental alienation syndrome".  There is a world of information available to you to read up on.  You may get some insights into what is going on with your kids, and perhaps some answers too, though you may not be comforted much by theMore answers.  Often times, when we know the root causes of a personal problem, the path out of that problem becomes more clear and eventually emerges to us to see and follow.  It will be important to understand the root causes of the rift.  I will also note that the problem you describe will not be fixed quickly.  It will take time, and you need to be patient.  I have read and digested much on this subject, and in the process, tossed aside some information that did not resonate with me, while finding other tid bits of information that really resonated with me.  One such idea I will share is the idea of focusing on just putting positive energy out towards your kids.  If and when you do communicate with your kids, be it a card, a letter, email, voice message, make it loving and positive.  "I love you". "I miss you." "I hope that you are doing well", and "I look forward to a time when we can reconnect".  "I will love you always, no matter what". " I am so proud to be your mother"...etc.  Stay away from "issues"--no good will come from that in the short term.  You may have to send out nothing but positive energy for 5 years (or more!), but have hope that those messages are being received, and your love being felt. It is one of those things where if you did it for some incredibly long period of time, without response, you would look back with pride at your choice to handle yourself with class and dignity.  No negative energy.  You have to accept that no good will come from putting any negative energy in the direction of your kids.  As their mom, what they need from you at this point in their lives may just be nothing but pure love!! So give it. And believe that good things will eventually come your way from the positive energy that you put out into the universe.  Love yourself!!!  That is so important.
      • mollymolly1
        Thanks such amazing advise
      • LOSTANDHEARTBROKEN
        AListener LOSTANDHEARTBROKEN Thank you so much for your words and recommendation on "parental alienation". You have helped me so much, more than you know. Heartfelt thank you!
  • SharonNumnut
    I would have never believed in loving your child you could actually be accepting of their bad behavior.  For years I would try to help my son out of his bad choices when I should have offered advice if asked and nothing more.  I have been taken for granted forMore years , getting verbally abused when he would be upset at something else, I became the scrape goat.  I was the batting bag and he always knew I would love him no matter what.  Now he hasnt spoken to me for a while and that was due to the fact that I decided I would live my life and it might not always go along with his plans.  I will not call him or contact him in anyway.  I am not in a fight of wills but I am going to take back my life, which he has for years tried to run( my fault for allowing it).  He has his life and wants to run everyone elses.  I am not the only one that he has done this to.  I love my son and always will but if he can't respect me and stop this control problem he has to run my life and tell me what to do then sad to say its better this way.
  • greenstockings

    I’m a 45 year old woman who has been estranged from her mother for 2.5 years. The ultimate reason was that I brought some of my negative feelings about our relationship to her attention. She partially listened, partially made up lies to cover her negligence, gave a faux-pology, and told me that if I wasn’t willing to bury it all and sweep it under the rug then I shouldn’t bother contacting her….she “didn’t need my negativity.”

    Her actions and lack of action totally caused this. Funny how I grew up hearing “You can come to us for anything,” but Heaven forbid I go to her about a problem between the two of us. I’ve reached out a couple of times since then, but she has no interest in honest communication and problem solving. I have no interest in a sham of a relationship.

    • maryswitzer2
      Thanks for sharing your stories I found this a great support knowing that I was not alone in trying to cope
    • maryswitzer2
      I am a mum to a estranged adult and I believe that anxiety plays a role in the estranged parent child relationship we all seek happiness and contentment surrounding ourselves with people who bring these qualities, for many reasons children and parents experience anxiety anger and are unable to findMore a way to reach an impasse to explore express feelings so the only option is the most hurtful to get away some parents are mean nasty people who feel a right to own a relationship with children and refuse to accept their own faults love is delicate and a parent must not use and abuse their role in the way your mum does your right to expect joy and happiness for yourself if your mum is not on board and causes you anxiety I feel a letter explaining that to her with expectations and boundaries if she is not capable of understanding then you will find peace elsewhere good luck x mary
    • mastik8
      greenstockings After being neglected for years growing up I moved away and got busy with life. I'm a middle child and entered my parents life at the worst possible moment for them and, as a result, me. There were two older brothers that I grew up watching get beaten withMore the belt, then a younger sister, the only girl and, as it turned out the youngest child. I never stood a chance but I wont bore you with the list of instances where I could have used the help that never arrived. Interesting how emotional neglect manifests - the first and, in the end, only time I was spanked by my Dad I just knew, after seeing what happened to my brother, that it would never happen to me. I stopped talking to him - completely. He freaked out at having his 4/5 year old reject him and that was the end of spanking. But I got his attention. Later I moved across country and would call as I often as I could. Within the year every call would start with my father saying my mother was upset because I didn't call enough. Then my mother would get on and demand better treatment. Later my mother would admit that I'd basically raised myself but at the time she was the neglected parent. The irony would be amusing if it weren't so sad. I stopped calling. I wouldn't give them my phone so they only heard from me when I called. That didn't go on too long but long enough so they got the message. They were getting as much as I could give and asking me for something I didn't have to give resulted in everyone being disappointed and resentful. A parent experiences a childhood through adult eyes, a child through a child's eyes. Not the same at all. What you saw and experienced, your child never saw and experienced the same way. Those spankings you thought were instilling respect and discipline introduced a level of violence and fear into a young life that would be actionable if visited upon an adult. All those memories and emotions of neglect got carried right into adulthood.  I eventually moved back to the area where I started, decided not talking to them was revenge that was beneath me and resumed our broken sad relationship that we never discussed for fear of doing further damage. When, in an effort to get a modicum of respect and connection you say "I did the best I could" remember that your child is as well. One parent is gone, the other lost to Alzheimers, I'm nearing sixty and regret that I ever picked up the phone again. My presence reminded them of their neglect of me, their presence did the same.
      • AListener

        mastik8 greenstockings What you have taken the time to write here is extraordinary, on multiple levels.  If you are, as you say, nearing 60, then you were raised in the 60's when spankings were a "normal" part of parenting. That went out as "acceptable" quite some time ago.  Today, spankings are akin to child abuse.  Funny, another thing that was around for kids raised in the 60's was "honor thy father and mother."  That went away too.  It makes you realize, times have really changed.  You would think less spankings mean less estrangement.  But parent/adult child estrangement is on the rise.  I reason that it has more to do with the cultural shift in the parenting process that occurred during the 60's and early 70's, where the notion of 'honor thy father and mother' evaporated into a "kids centered" focus.

        When I read your story, I think your parents must have suffered from severe personality disorders, likely borderline personalities. Obviously, I don't know, but it sounds like it.  If you were able to grow up and not become afflicted with this same disorder, your choice to "raise yourself" would prove to really be a sort of life saver that allowed you to have a normal life.

        I think your story is unique.  I don't think most folks who are estranged from their parents are carrying even similar stories.  The said, I am always an advocate for the adult child re-establishing healthy contact with the parents in a way that the adult child feels is appropriate.  It sounds like you did this, though continued to experience frustration with your parents difficult personalities.  I commend you for finding a path--even if bumpy at times--that has allowed you to at least have some level of contact with your parents.  That right there is the sign of an emotionally healthy and mature person.

    • Alice88wa
      greenstockings I know exactly what you're saying and I agree that parents can push their children away by being narcissistic abusers. However, I think there may be some benefit to telling them that the estrangement is not something they 'caused' because it implies they have some control over it. TheMore best thing for all parties in an estrangement scenario is if somehow the narcissistic parents can be convinced that they have no control over their child's choice to stay away and therefore they shouldn't try to fix the relationship. Let them complain from afar, it's better for everyone.
    • greenstockings

      I just want to add that I am in no way trying to diminish the experiences of people who have been estranged for reasons unknown. I understand the pain and confusion that causes. I'm just saying that there are two sides to every story. My mother probably tells everyone how awful I've treated her, when all I've done is demand that my boundaries be respected and that she be truthful. She wasn't a horrible mother, but both of my parents neglected my emotional needs and failed to protect me when I needed it. That created a distrust on my part, and a distancing from them, both geographical and emotional. In trying to explain that, my mother twisted it into "You're blaming me for everything bad that ever happened to you." That's not the case; she just won't listen. The more I tried to explain, the worse things got. 

      In my case, she was never the mother I needed and she lives thousands of miles away from me. Not having her in my life doesn't really affect me that much, but it's still sad to think your mother could wash her hands of you so easily.

    • GingerMaynor
      greenstockings I am very close to your age and estranged from both parents for a few years.  What you say about partially listening and giving faux-pologies is something I too have experienced.  It contributed to my need for distance because I cannot relate to them and I know we areMore not "on the same page".  This becomes very clear with their repeated behavior in terms expecting me to accommodate them all the time, blaming me if I cannot, interrupting when I am explaining myself and physically walking away from me.  I talked, but they never heard.  If they had understood me at all, their behavior would have changed and their blame toward me would stop.  So I agree that it is action/failure to act that can cause estrangement.  I give you credit for bringing your negative feelings to your mother.  What she does at that point is her decision.  Then you can determine if it is going in a positive or negative direction.  I keep hearing that "You can't change someone, you can only change the way you act/re-act." As for me, I feel like things are going in a negative direction so it will be up to me whether I cut them off entirely, or continue to just put up with the negativity during the few occasions I have to see them.
    • Spirited Lady
      greenstockings You're right.  It's sometimes the parent who chooses to shut the child out.  And sometimes that's because of the parent's inability or unwillingness to look at themselves and to honestly work on the relationship.  In effect, fleeing is their response to their own anxiety and fusion.  I think myMore brother, sister and I each in our own way worked around our mother's inability to handle criticism.  We set our own boundaries and did our best to stay within her areas of healthy relationship.  Each of us at one time or another was estranged from her, but eventually she would make her peace with us.  I think only in one case did she apologize (to my brother), for a year of not speaking to him and his family.  In most cases she simply extended an invitation and life went on.  Some people are too fragile for truth-telling, sadly.  We learned to resolve our own issues with her in indirect ways.  Our mother had other qualities that made her worth the effort.  Not all do.  May you be blessed in your journey.  It's all growth, whatever the outcome.
  • jg69
    my 24 yr old son is estranged from me. he came back from his last tour overseas and moved in with his father. his father spoke ill of me. instead of letting my son have his own understanding of me. my son and i were so close even while heMore was on his tour. we spoke often. i sent him packaged of things he asked for. my current husband and i took my steps sons to my sons basic graduation and we rented a cabin we all had a very nice time. now i have no contact at all with my son. i dont know where he lives i dont have any way to  contact him. the last words were you are no longer my mother and that was in response to me not giving him a car. the car was a gift to drive when he graduated high school we threw him a big party and he was embarrassed byt the gift of the car and threw the keys in my face. he moved out shortly after and we still had some contact but it got less and less over the years. when he came back from over seas  her demanded the car and i told him we would haVe to have contact. he refused and now i am heartbroken. i send gifts via my daughter to him for Christmas and birthdays and get nothing but do it because i want hi to know i love AND MISS HIM. everyone that knows us and knows us together says he is not treating me right and i have done nothing wrong. i made mistakes as a parent we all do i know that. i want to have a conversation and will listen if he would give me time to do so. right now i feel after 2 plus years ive lost my son even though he is still alive i feel i have no chance to have a relationship. everyone says it is his fathers influence even my oldest son. i am very depressed and working on myself but this is just heartbreaking. i really dont know how to go on each day with out knowing how he is or being in his life. please help
  • Loneparent

    I also have a daughter of 38 who rejected me and forbid me to see my grandchildren. In all these conversations I read very little about the rights of the grandchildren yo have a meanngingful relationship with the grandparent. I might not have been the perfect mother, but after apologizing, not interfering in my daughters marriage of any decisions regarding the children, ugly incidents still happended since she got married, have been walking on eggshells for years. I understand she is very angry, her father being an alcoholic, I got divorced when she was 6 years old, but she refuses councelling, hubby fuelling the anger because of his own issues. After the last incident (over a the repayment of a loan made by me to daughter and hubby) contact has been severed after and ugly argument with the grandchildren present - the parents insisted on this, I foolishly believed we can resolve the problem calmly and respectfully. I do blame myself for exposing my grandchildren to this and made a decision that it will never, never happen again in my presence. I will love them forever (not sure about the mother) but have to let them go to live their lives in their family unit without me. I compiled a file with various documentation and will probably write letters to them at various stages which will be made available to them should they be interested at age 25, as well as a testamentary trus should I die.

    But no more doormat, apologizing, begging because THAT is the model that I have became to my daughter and son in law and I refuse that my grandchildren see me in that role. Someone said: without respect their cannot be love, as their parents do not respect me, they certainly will not either.

    I have also been thinking about the general concept of loving your child unconditionally - it is true for a young dependent child or even young adult, but it is certainly a myth to love an adult child whom you showered with love, care, education unconditionally (perhaps I must use the word 'boundaries). .

    Still struggling to come to terms with this.

    • JoStone
      Loneparent I too have an estranged adult daughter, and like you said, it's a struggle to come to terms with this.  Basically, I find myself having to disentangle my emotions from parent/child love, which is such a strong love, as we all know.  But it's a part of acceptance thatMore I have to let her go somewhat in my own mind, to not dwell on how much I love her and how I wished things were different.  I guess what I'm trying to say is that it's hard to let go.
      • Spirited Lady
        JoStone Loneparent Yes, of course it's hard to let go.  But you're not supposed to let go of the love, only of the expectations.  My son was very accusatory toward me after he became engaged.  They set very strict limitations on our (my son't step-father and me) participation in their lives.More  It took a few years before it became clear that it was something insisted upon by his wife.  It's become clear that he did it to accommodate her.  In the meantime, I really suffered.  But eventually I realized that it was his/their decision, not mine, and I needn't beat up on myself.  I light a candle at church (I'm Lutheran and my church has a candle/prayer space) for them every Sunday and trust that God is looking after them.  I send gifts and cards.  Occasionally i get a photo, or consultation on sizes or needs..  They came to a large family reunion where I had delightful time with my son and grandchildren.  I'm so grateful for what I do have.  As long as my son't life is on a good path, I'm ok with what he feels he has to do.  He knows I love him and I'm willing to adjust to his needs.  Yes, I'm disappointed.  Yes, it's painful.  But he needs to do what he thinks is best for his life.  I understand his prioritizing his marriage..  It's no doubt sad for him as well as for me.  So I trust God to bless my son and his family.  I wouldn't call it "letting go."  I'd call it adapting to the situation and hoping for good things.
        • ljiljana Webster

          my son is also accommodating his partner and we now don't see him or the grandkids any more, his partner hates his sister and is unbalanced and jealous

          the pain this has caused us is not describable, we also love our son who is a very good human being and wish h and his family well, but have to live the latter part of our lives with the pain of our loss

    • Spirited Lady

      Loneparent Pat yourself on the back for making a LOT of headway in working through these COMPLEX issues.  Children have an innate sense of what's fair.  Your grandchildren may see through all this.  And you may have contact with them well before 25.  The important thing is that they will find a grandma who has gone on with her life in a meaningful way and is doing well, who can be a role model to them.  I like your idea about letters they will read later.

      Your love for your daughter, and through her to your grandchildren, is what makes all this SO PAINFUL.  You can, as you suggest, love and still build that protective wall to avoid being used, hurt and humiliated.  Recognizing the validity of conflicting feelings is a lot of what is involved with resolution.  

      You're doing well.  Be at peace.

      • moving on
        Spirited Lady Loneparent I agree.  Loneparent writes that she might have not been the perfect mother.  I suggest that that sentiment is dropped as well.  We are human and we make mistakes.  The important thing is that we do our best at the time and that is all that matters.  More   Re your daughter and her family.  With hubby and children you come 5th assuming that there are two grandchildren.  Not only do you come last in the immediate family line up but as a parent who has reared the daughter you have become an obvious depository for all that appears to be going wrong in her life. I applaud the way that you have decided to step away from her behaviour.  That she has forbidden you from seeing your grandchildren is in my book the ultimate cruelty.  Your letters to your little ones is a splendid idea, one that will somewhat ease the pain of separation from them and at the same time remind you that it was not you that created this situation and that you are getting on with your life in an impressive way.  All the best.
  • Girlsgottasay
    I object. We've cut off to enforce a boundary that they refuse to respect, over and over again, along with lying to our children about things we've said, asking our children to keep NPDMIL secrets (kids are 8 and 10), undermining our rules, etc. She stole (took without asking orMore mentioning) $67,000 from me and my husband last year and only paid some (not all...$26,000) back begrudgingly and only after she was hammered with truth and held hostage to accountability. She lies about me, whoppers that are seemingly motivated by nothing except her feeling ashamed of saying she wanted something herself...and these things are so silly. She has no ability to own her own desires....but she does make sure her desired outcome occurs. The idea that all adult parents who cut off grandparents are making a poor choice is offensive, inaccurate and frankly dangerous. Personally, we cut off because now the grooming attempts are being made and my kids are onto it...and i want to encourage their health by making sure they see us hearing and honoring their own boundaries. Adult children often cut off bc their personality-disordered parent/s allow for no healthy alternative. And as for bewilderment, I've sent multiple emails, several loooooong texts, explained in person....they know EXACTLY THE PROBLEM and how it can be fixed. Our areement was family therapy, but it's just not a priority for them....and I'm quite sure it's been spun up all around me.
    • All mom
      @Girlsgottasay  I don't think the article is saying in broad terms that there is never a reason for children to cut their parents out of their lives.  There are DEFINATELY times that it is appropriate, needed and healthy to cut ties with abusive, controlling, etc. parents.  The article I thinkMore is trying to help parents deal with children that cut them out of their lives for reason's that are either beyond us or small indiscretions or decisions we feel should be forgiven.
      • Spirited Lady
        All mom I completely agree with this statement.  Adult children need to protect their children, and themselves, from manipulative, abusive or controlling grandparents.
  • moving on
    Time 2 - From where I'm standing your daughter needs space to grow up.  You have every right to get on with your own life  and I'm pleased you have found someone to share it with.  I also know what it is like to be estranged from adult children.  FortunatelyMore for me there are no grandchildren involved.  Withholding grandchildren from grandparents is a common tactic used by those who are not coping.  Nevertheless I urge you to stay strong and to put your energies into your present relationship.  Your daughter knows where you are and when she is ready she will contact you.  When there is divorce or another partner , relationships within the immediate family unit change  and it often takes time for this adjustment to be realised. I went through a harrowing time after my divorce (children were in their mid 20s) and when they came back, I insisted on no more bullying.  Take care.
  • Time2

    I'm so emotional having read this. it's sad to know that people are suffering and a little relieving to know it isn't just me. My daughter committed an act of total violence against me. And I kept wondering what did I do to her.  Single parent, one child (who is in her mid 20s). I wanted to give her a life I didn't have as a kid. Sacrificed, scraped, took any job was on welfare but, went on to have a good career (put in tons of hours), tried to compensate by giving as much as I could. Not too indulgent, she didn't get everything but, it was a pretty decent amount. Just wanted her to have a good life. Worked to make sure she was a good citizen, did charity work but, was traveled and cultured. I let no one hurt her so, almost no dating. Then I finally met someone. She was 20 and in college and she didn't like him. He didn't like her too much either. But, everyone kept it civil. My husband grit his teeth and offered to bring her (and her boyfriend) with us when we went to do anything from going to the market to going to a concert.

    Then she got pregnant we offered to provide some help (not bunches, we cannot afford a lot). 

    But, we were like any excited parents when a child is just starting between gifts and loans. Then all hell broke loose. All the hatred she harbored against my husband and me just burst out of her. He brushed by her when he walked in front of her. We went on a vacation and my daughter allowed a brush passed her to become a scream of bloody murder. As retaliation/retribution upon our return, she had some men assault my husband. It was captured on surveillance video. They destroyed the building property, keyed my car. The police watched the video and she was promptly arrested. 

    No apologies. Instead, I cannot see her baby. She writes little snide posts about me on Facebook. And she's making me hate her.

    I am waffling between sadness and extreme rage. Between where did I go wrong and who the hell does she think she is. I didn't raise her to be violent! I didn't raise her to be so hateful! And then I think I am enlighten when I realize -- good riddance, this is really what she felt. I was nothing more than a freaking doormat, wallet and she's probably mad because she wanted to have this baby and move back in and thinks she would have been able to if I didn't get married. And how my getting married has ruined her whole gravy train.

    • mastik8
      Time2 I'm sorry you're going through that but hold on to your anger. Your anger is the appropriate and proportional response to that situation. Might even give you a perspective that empathy, understanding and forgiveness won't. Don't build an altar to it, just use it and let it go. ThisMore also requires that you grieve when necessary and then go and live a rich full life which requires that you send postcards to her from whatever exotic location you're at.
  • MeowMommy
    This is the best thing I've read the subject as of yet. I realize that it may not apply to everyone but it the first that makes any sense to me. It is a no blame approach which makes it easier to process. Of course this doesn't apply to situationsMore but it does give  hope and understanding to many. Thank you.
  • Molly1

    FIRST & FOREMOST,

    Thanks for opening up a fairly widespread and important issue and giving parents guidance and empowering them.

    I come from the background of an ancient culture which thrives inspite of the ravages of time. This means our elders had seen EVERYTHING, and have found what works for ALL and built the findings into our lifestyle.

    That doesn't mean these and other problems in life do not prop up in our lives, only, we seem to have been given the guidance to manage them and come out ahead of them, should we heed the guidance in that wisdom.

    1. LOVE: a very simple, fulfilling, comforting, emotion. Puzzle is why so many of us are not experiencing it and always in search of it?

    Do we even love ourselves completely, acceptingly and supportively? May be even if we face 'unloving tyrants,' we can first learn to love ourselves, which will then make it easier for us to love and accept others. My heart goes out to those caught by fate into unloving entrapments, even in their formative years, and I pray for a spark to hit them to educate them of this fact, through a caring, good teacher, friend or a good person or pet. There has to be an initial experience of it. Then it should be held onto, steadfast, to get all the benefits that accrue from it, mainly contentment.

    2. Very young children should be loved and taught boundaries lovingly and persistently. Respect should be gained by showing it to them, their feelings at least to the extent of acknowledging even when not agreeing or validating them, and then guidance given on how to channel that frustration properly. In order to do that the parent must first be a mature adult, brought up in a caring and fostering environment aiming to create good, well adjusted human beings.

    3. If a child has grown to your shoulder, treat him as you would a close friend for whom you have love, care a lot about but do respect as a person whose input should be respected and honored as much as possible.

    4. What is the need to 'empower' the entity that is already in the position of power as 'the parent?'

    Perhaps they feel powerless now because they abused the privilege of being privy to their ward's emotions and wishes and instead of guiding them in properly achieving them with the help, support and guidance of the power in them as parents, they felt threatened or challenged and crushed en mass everything?!

    5. To the children who are now adults by age, do realize your inner growth and perception and your parents' may not have kept up with your physical growth and maturity, but they need to.

    You must truly accept your guardians as flawed as they are to be able to first get along and communicate with them and then perhaps even to forgive and love,

  • Spirited Lady
    Each person must take care of him or her self first.  If the relationship continues to be toxic, there needs to be a distancing.  Even apologies are not enough if the behavior continues to be abusive.  But not every child chooses distance because of abuse.  Some parents want more thanMore their kids can give and the child needs space to discover who they are and establish themselves in the adult world.  And parents need to address their own issues..
    • TySahn85
      Spirited Lady Most logical response I've read so far... I honestly think a lot of parents on here are needy and selfish or something. If my kid wanted me to back off and give them space, I wouldn't have issues doing that because they need it. I don't get whyMore people try to force interactions that aren't wanted, it's very strange stuff...
      • Spirited Lady
        TySahn85 Spirited Lady Separation/distancing from ones children is very painful, especially if there is blaming.  Yes, many of these parents are very needy.  And in many cases the children need to build their walls to protect themselves.  The parents need help to build their own emotional and social resources.  Often theMore parents don't see that if they would focus on their own lives and establish new, healthy friendships and activities, their child(ren) would eventually take another look and want a relationship with them.
  • plutoniumweddingrings
    I would have to disagree with the statement: "Your actions or lack of action didn’t cause this." my father's actions and perpetual abuse coupled with my mother's lack of action to protect me DID cause the estrangement. If your children have refused to associate with you, please take a goodMore hard look at yourself and your actions.
    • All mom
      @plutoniumweddingrings   I think the author is referring to a non abusive scenario as it states "there are circumstances in which cutting off from a parent is the only viable option for an adult child (age 18 and older), for instance, in the case of past or present physical, emotionalMore or sexual abuse from a parent".  I cut all ties with my parents because of physical and mental abuse which is obviously justified.  Unfortunately though there are a lot of circumstances where grown children cut all ties with there parents only because of divorce, or they don't like the life choices they have or are making as is with my case.  I think this article is directed to those situations. By the way - I also cut all ties with my parents for the same reason as you.  A step father that was a molester and a mother that condoned it.  I feel your pain!
  • moving on
    I know that I am not good at relationships. My parents belonged to a religious cult and I was born into it.  When I left, their door was shut against me.  All contact was severed.  I survived on my own but at a cost.  I married, had two beautiful childrenMore but the marriage was unhappy.  My girls (now adults)were supportive when I left their father.  At present my eldest daughter (in her early 40s) is not speaking with me.  When I review this situation, honestly,  I know  that I have had a short fuse and despite my loving my children dearly, I  haven't always been an easy parent to deal with.  I think Debbie's advice is good. I've apologized to both girls and I have tried to change. My eldest daughter is about to go O/S with her husband for Xmas.  I will send her a card.
  • All mom
    I am a mother of 2 children.  30 year old man and 28 year old woman.  My daughter up until a few months ago was my best friend.  I live an hour away but we got together every Saturday to do things together and with her two children now 4More and 9 we even took a vacation together recently (july 2015)  to California, her and I and her two children.  The day we got back I text her to make sure she had gotten home ok and her reply was "leave me alone.  I need some space".  I don't know what happened.  She says that I have changed.  She says I'm different now and we can no longer be "friends".  My role in my grandchildrens life is now long distance.  There is something that I did wrong, I'll admit.  For 4 years I have been seeing a married man.  I never told her this.  She met him and I lied.  I lied about a lot of things over the 4 years.  In april of this year I told her the whole truth.  She said she forgave me but not to ever lie to her again.  I thought we were ok.  Now I can't even see my grandchildren for Christmas and she won't let me even talk to them to see what they might want for Christmas.  I've apologized multiple times but she says there's nothing for me to apologize for, she just doesn't want me in her life or any where near her family.  I don't know what to do :(
  • GingerMaynor
    Parents believe they are entitled to occupy a certain space in their adult kid's lives, or want their kids to give them affirmation and purpose.  This is flawed thinking, that will only grow the divide.  I've experienced my mom getting mad if I don't pick up her phone call orMore return a message within 20 minutes.... my mom will call, leave a message, then my dad will call and leave a message telling me to call my mom, then my mom and dad will continue calling and leaving messages every 20 minutes.  They call my cell, my husband's cell, and our home phone.  How do they think that behavior cultivates anything good?  There is never any emergency, they just didn't want to be ignored.  I told my dad during one call he that he crossed the line, and he told me I had a bad attitude and hung up on me.  They refuse to believe they do anything wrong.  Another example of their alienating behavior is when I made a side dish at Thanksgiving dinner that was not exactly as my mom used to make it, and she refused to eat it.   Then at another occasion my husband's brother mentioned that my husband recently borrowed some tools to paint our garage.  My mom got upset that she wasn't the first one to know that my husband and I had decided to repaint. All I want to do is get further away from them.
    • LoriCichocki
      GingerMaynor I can relate to the phone calls.  My Dad would call and text me often, send me numerous pics of his pets.   I told him that I only want to chat once or twice a week.  He did not handle this well.  He started insulting my intelligence.  IMore told him that I only permit positive people in my life.  I blocked him from reaching me.
    • All mom

      GingerMaynor  I think you are right about parents.  Being a parent of 2 adult children I guess I do believe that I am entitled to occupy a certain space in their adult lives.  My children made a lot of mistakes growing up and some were hurtful but my love for them is unconditional and no matter what they say or do that will never changed.  Is it flawed to expect your children to have that same unconditional love, that unbreakable bond?  As adult parents we make mistakes, say the wrong thing – a lot.  We are also changing constantly.  Aging mothers going through menopause and becoming basically crazy but to no fault of their own.  We are facing empty nest where we are no longer defined by being a parent and have to redefine and find ourselves again.  Also, you Mom and Dad have always had their children to unite them but when your gone we look at each other and say “now what?”  I am not saying your wrong, your not!  I’m not saying their wrong, their not!  What I’m saying is that maybe taking a step back and putting yourself in their shoes might help you understand their behavior more?  Also, it sounds like you, your husband and your parents need to go to lunch one day and talk respectfully about what you need from them to be happy and listen to what they need from you to be happy.  Both talking respectfully you should be able to come to an agreement of mutual respect and happiness?  Good luck!

      • GingerMaynor
        All mom GingerMaynor Thanks "All mom" for your input.  It is good to get other perspectives.  I don't think it's flawed to think your kids will have unconditional love for you.  I actually do love my parents very much, and appreciate the good things they've done.  I just believe it takesMore more than love to have a good relationship.  For me it's about valuing the individual, even if it's "agreeing to disagree".  I cannot stand up for myself without causing my parents to be hurt.  It's forcing me to chose between my own individual needs and theirs.  My parents are 75 and I am 42.  Two years ago, after spending 40 years with my mother on Mother's Day, I told her I was going to spend the day with my husband's family and asked if we could come over to her house and take her out to dinner to celebrate the day before (Saturday).  She immediately told me she was very hurt, and told me to "just forget celebrating it all this year" and hung up on me.  I called her back and she never picked up my call.  I mailed my gift and card to her and again called a few days later, but she still would not take my call.  So, this is one of many situations where I understand her behavior to be manipulative, expecting me to arrange my plans to suit her need or to put my husband's wishes secondary to hers.  If she does not get her way in every situation, she just says how much I've hurt her.  This is a lilfelong routine of hers.  When I got married, she went behind my back and changed the wedding cake I picked out because she liked a different one better.  Every time I've told them their behavior crossed the line, they just say I have a bad attitude and either walk away or hang up on me.  Dialog has not worked.  Now, my parents just complain that they don't see me anymore and that I never call.  It's not that I don't love them, it's just that my parents want the relationship at the cost of my own needs.
        • Spirited Lady
          GingerMaynor All mom It doesn't sound to me like your parents are open to reason, but if you haven't had a sit-down with them, then that definitely would be in order.  I'm a parent of a grown son.  I think parents have a right to be treated respectfully, but that's all.More  Beyond that, it's a matter of choices on both sides as to what they are willing and able to offer and accept.  If the parent wants all or nothing, that's the parent's choice and the adult child needs only to explain that there are limits and boundaries and they expect those boundaries to be respected.  The same is true when adult children expect a parent to be at their beck and call.  Everyone needs boundaries in order to have a healthy relationship.  There may not be agreement about the boundaries, but I choose to have as much relationship as my son and his wife will allow... which is very little.  But whatever it is, I'm grateful for.  They have a right to make whatever choice they think works best for them.  I'm confident that my respect for their boundaries will eventual lead to a stronger relationship.  Parent-child bonds are deep and lasting.  But the relationship has to be worked out... on an ongoing basis.
          • GingerMaynor
            Spirited Lady Thank you for your insight Spirited Lady.  I just did in fact express my boundary.  It came after another one of my dad's verbal assaults on the phone.  I said "I'm asking you to stop the negativity and criticism against me.  I don't think I deserve it and IMore can't tolerate it."  He replied with a round of new assaults.  I attempted to stop the dialog, but he interrupted me and hung up.  It did not work.  At this point, I am cutting off my dad entirely.  I am never going to contact him again, but when he gets to the point where he misses me and contacts me, I am going to tell him "I asked you to stop the criticism and you did not.  I'm therefore telling you I want no further contact with you."  I bear the burden of having to make this decision to cutoff my own parent and it hurts.  However, I will have peace knowing that I expressed a boundary, and he did not respect it.  I will also have peace that I communicated clearly.   Relationships like that are not sustainable.  I am hopeful for your experience however because you appear to acknowledge your son's right to his boundaries, and even have gratitude for your part in his life even if it is small.  I think that is a great foundation for good things to grow.
          • Spirited Lady

            GingerMaynor Spirited Lady Hi Ginger.  Pat yourself on the back for standing up to your dad.  You set your boundary and, after another attempt, he stopped and hung up.  He's not accustomed to boundaries, so he was flustered and hung up.  That's fine.  When setting ones boundaries it really doesn't matter how the other reacts.  The important thing is to maintain the boundary.  But that doesn't mean you should throw out the relationship.  The purpose of boundaries is to facilitate a positive, healthy relationship.  You're making progress.  

            Very likely you will get a call from someone else in the family to take his side.  You need to be prepared for this and simply tell them.  "I love you all, but I feel you are unfairly critical of me and I'm not going to listen to that any more.  If you want a relationship with me you will have to be respectful."  

            Again, they will not know how to cope with that.  So you just stand your ground and say, "I'm not going to discuss this any more.  I'm setting this boundary and if you want a relationship with me you will need to respect it."  They may hang up.  If not, you can hang up.

            It may take a matter of months for them to come around, but I'm sure they will come to terms with this eventually... maybe quickly.  If they call and act like nothing has happened, that's good.  It's going to be a long time before they apologize, if ever.  But all you're asking is that they stop the unfair behavior.  That's your condition and you're sticking to it.  

            Each time they relapse and start in again, you'll go through the same procedure.  It will be easier each time.  You'll just say, "You know, I'm not listening to this."  They'll back off.  Once they make the decision to change, it's just a matter of reminding them that the boundary is still there.

            You're doing well.

          • The Scribe

            Spirited Lady GingerMaynor This - SET BOUNDARY.

            Children brought up in permissive homes do not understand boundary because they had never been set any. They must know they can't overstep the boundary that has been set. Good one,Spirited Lady.

          • moving on
            GingerMaynor Spirited Lady I agree with both posts re respecting boundaries.  My adult daughter has asked me to leave her alone so I am respecting her request and getting on with my own life.  I am not cut off entirely - we exchange Xmas cards and acknowledge birthdays - but itMore would be wrong of me to ignore her request .  I can honestly say that I feel no bitterness or regret.  The situation is as it is.  My daughter is estranged from both her father and her sister.  I am divorced but occasionally her father rings me to inquire after her.  I have no problem with this as he is after all her father.  However I am not allowed to mention either her father or her sister. The net net of all of this is  I am not prepared to give this undertaking.  Past conversations have felt as if I am treading on eggshells around her.
  • Arun
    I faced considerable emotional and physical abuse, just for changing my religion. I came from a country where parents are to be worshiped as gods, so no one would help me. If I had not left, I would have committed suicide. The fault is not with me, the fault isMore with those who perpetuate abuse. This website needs to address that, not take biased one sided view in support of the parent.
    • AListener
      @Arun I feel the article, and many comments, are from the perspective of the child, not just parents.  I am a parent.  Based on what you have said about your individual situation, I applaud you for leaving.  You need to be allowed to be all that is really you, andMore the only way to find that out, when you are being emotionally smothered in a family dynamic rooted in deep cultural and religious bias, is to flee the nest.  That said, I would encourage you, at some point in your future life, to circle back with your family, including your parents, and let them see that you (whether they like it, or respect it, or otherwise).  Establish the you that you are.  Love yourself first and foremost.  Be the confident you.  Find peace within yourself.  And when all of that comes together inside, then you are the emotional and physical rock that is you, and that is something to share with your family.  I would encourage you to be open to a loving and healthy relationship with your family that is on your terms with appropriate, respectful boundaries that project and promote mutuality and tolerance.  And if that is not good enough for your folks--it is their loss and not yours. But, if you allow estrangement to continue permanently, I respectfully suggest you are allowing yourself to put negative, hurtful energy out and no good will come from that.  Be above that.  Be the person who projects dignity, kindness, compassion,, and class.  When you do, you will not be afraid to fall back into the past.  You will have risen above it for good.  You will have completely moved forward.  It is all about an emotional attitude as much as it is physical distance, and estrangement is a strong negative physical and emotional reaction that is rooted in hurt, and causes further hurt to a family.
  • joan
    Am a mom. My daughter estranged herself six years ago.  Reason:  "you were ill and that caused me pain".  I made amends for getting a chronic illness over and over again.  Same daughter, now 51, said "I know you did the best you could, never abused me and know I was loved. So,More I tired for three years to make amends and reaching out..  Looked at myself over and over for the crime I had committed and realized (finally) that I was a very good loving mother who never deserved this.  To those who estrange their mothers, please explain this one to me.  No, she is not mentally ill or on drugs.  She is  happy, well-adjusted and living a good life which I am grateful for.  But the pain, is horrible, awful.  She came from a very loving home.  She never had to lift a finger.  We gave her everything that we could and the most important thing which is love and acceptance.  She was a good child and a good person.  So I am lost. Enough said.  No reason to lie.  I got the reason, I apologized though it was not really under my control  .  Being ill is not good.  Of course not.  And I did the best I could so that she had a good life.  Intact family, financially well off and a lot of love and affection all the time. So where did I go wrong?
    • Susan Neson
      @joan Joan, I feel like you except it was my husband who was diagnosed with cancer.  We were a bit self absorbed with his treatments and trying to get through a maze of recently moving to a large city area.  I guess it's okay to think about them and doMore things for them all the time but when we, as elderly adults get sick, or have to deal with things that are difficult, it's time to throw us out the door.  It's awful and as close to hell as I ever want to be.  I sincerely hope your daughter, like ours, will grow up and our lives will get better.  Her husband is a manipulator, which we realized too late.  We played right into his hands.  For that we continue to beat ourselves up.  We were so stupid.  But it is what it is and there's absolutely nothing we can do about it.  We've been estranged for 7 months - it is getting a little less heartbreaking .... some days better than others.
  • Shom
    I stopped speaking to my mother 10 years ago when I realized she had no respect for my boundaries or parenting skills. My mother has spent her adult life dividing her world into villains and victims. My daughter's father and I divorced when she was about twelve. Any problem myMore daughter had was attributed to the "miserable life" she had, and my mother freely told this to relatives and anyone who would listen. When my then-15 daughter hit me in the face a month before my brother's wedding, my mother rushed in to tell her she was justified in hurting me. My daughter and I had a minor argument before a milestone birthday party my mother was making me. She asked my daughter if she should cancel the party. But the icing on the cake occurred about 10 years ago. She and my ex-husband bought a car for my daughter without discussing it with me. My daughter totaled the car three weeks later. My mother couldn't understand what she "did wrong." My ex has been incarcerated three times since. And that was the end of my relationship with my mother. I miss the big, loving family groups I knew earlier in life, but no one will abandon her and I really can't tolerate her anymore.
  • Ellie
    Trust me. I cut off my parents and there is a damn good reason. BEST decision I ever made. If they just took a look at themselves they would understand why!
    • Anne
      Thing is they don't ever look at themselves. Instead they blame us for the searing emotional wounds they inflicted and later throw salt in them when they are held accountable.
      • GingerMaynor
        @Anne I agree that parents never do look at themselves.  I've told my parents numerous times when I found their behavior had crossed the line, and they told me the same thing each time - that I had a bad attitude. or I was too sensitive.  So I just stoppedMore talking to them.  It was too exhausting trying to keep them happy only for them to eventually get mad, then feel like I had to diffuse the situation over and over again.
  • Acer Xpress

    This was a good article, sometimes distance is the best thing for two people to stand back and look at themselves and how they continue to contribute to the dysfunctional relationship. Of course, when parents have a very close and healthy relationship with their grandchildren, it will hurt them having to be cut off from thier grandparents.

    I've read a lot of the comments on this site, if an adult child wants to literally break up with you, then its thier choice. Yes, it hurts but you have to take care of yourselves and make the best of your life. The worst thing is to drive yourself to bad health and get cheated of the other beautiful things God blessed you with.

    For the adult children that grew up in broken homes, it would take a lot to reunite with thier parents and those parents would need to apologize and truly treat thier daughter or son with upmost respect. For the parents that did your best, we're not abusive, then give yourself a break and just live your life. Do volunteer work to help children who would love and appreciate the maternal qualities you have and surround yourself with people who appreciate you with no strings attached (money, or material gain),

    Life's too short, I just lost my mom recently and wish I would have spent more time with her. She did her best, my childhood would have justified estrangement and I couldn't use the past for how I lived or felt in the present. I chose to have her in my life, it was my choice and was adult enough to just keep space when needed. In the end I knew she always loved me and I loved her, which is what life is about.

    Circle of life, you don't know until you become a parent on how challenging it is to raise one, you don't know how tough it is have adult child until you become one. Now I see what she did and hope mine comes around. But if she decides to never do that, it will be painful but just knowing that makes her happy I will have to accept that, move on and just love her from afar. Grandkids will grow up and remember us.

    • AListener

      Acer Xpress Agree with everything you say with one small exception--you suggest that if your daughter remains estranged from you, you will be able to accept it, "knowing it makes her happy".   It is hard for me to believe that anyone who has chosen to estrange themselves from a parent is "happy" as I understand that word and that emotional feeling.  Estrangement is pain--pain for the person making the choice to be estranged, and pain for the person who has been pushed away.  I suppose there are rare situations when estrangement could lead to a level of greater happiness, but my best guess is that every person making the choice to be estranged has a big hole in his or her life, has unresolved anger issues, is struggling to find the power of forgiveness for past pains suffered, and similar emotional feelings.  Add to that, the person that makes the choice to be estranged also periodically encounters the sights and experiences of loving parent child relationships, and that would likely trigger those feelings of a gaping void in that person's life.  

      It is the nature of our beings that we have relationships with our parents.  Humans are family oriented.  We were all born wired a certain way.  Part of that wiring is that we gravitate towards relationships, and in particular, family relationships.  We are not lone wolves.  Therefore, I reason that most estrangement is equally painful for both parties, and allows conflict to languish in an unresolved state, and that most of the time, no one benefits from estrangement.

      • Faith
        Some of us who have chosen to end relationships with toxic parents are actually very happy. Certainly there was a period of grieving the loss of the fantasy parents I wanted, but 2 years after going no contact I feel happier & freer than I ever have in my life.
  • GLO
    I noticed that the last part of my comments that I entered at the end was deleted.  Now, I want to believe it was deleted to protect my child; so its okay. This article was written by her on July 14, 2015 and had a lot of frustration and bitternessMore against family, college, etc in it.  I believe that they felt the system failed them.  They are still angry.  So, I will be patient, and hopefully this will all past soon although painful.
  • GLO
    This article was very helpful.  It is so painful when your child is estranged from you.  It is more difficult when the father whom did not live in the home with the two of you says "they're grown", but it feels like a death to you.  My adult child andMore I were very close "so to speak", but I now realize that had no control over this situation.  I thought that we communicated very well.  So, not only did I bury my brother on August 15, 2015;  the day they decided to leave, they lost their grandmother days before, and I lost a friend in her dad pretty soon after that due to this estrangement.   When I came home from the funeral I was surprised with a terrifying letter, which frightened us all.  I didn't know whether someone had kidnapped and/or harmed her.  She left her phone and all of her belongings. She took down her facebook page. I saw her that day at her aunt's home, and that was the last day I saw her since.  Even now, she can only be found on sites by p.o. box only.   I feel anger, disappointment, sadness, and rejection.   When I look back, I kind of feel like I saw something coming.  My child was so frustrated with her job search.  Now, even though she was an embedded math tutor at college soon to graduate with her MBA in May 2015, I think they had plans for themselves that were not materializing. Now, those plans may have not included me, but that's was fine.  I wanted her to leave home well adjusted happy and stable.   I thought that I was being supportive by telling them that there is no pressure from me.  I told them they were blessed to have a roof over their heads, food on the table, clothes on their back, money in the bank,. and good credit, and was so much better off than a lot of people without jobs.  I tried to explain to them that they were not alone in this situation. I mean we prayed every night.  I tried to encourage them as much as possible.  I come to find out just recently that they are still reeling in anger as demonstrated in this article.
  • Adrianne Knight

    I don't believe estranged parents are left in the dark. 

    I believe they choose to be there because it's easier to play the victim than to own up to all the ways they've wronged their kids -- whether they were intentional or not. And it's easier to repeat the same patterns instead of meeting your kids' emotional and psychological needs. (Don't give me a blanket apology for 25 years of BS and then keep doing more of the same the next 5.) Successful relationships involve two-way effort and mutual compromise, and some parents don't feel they owe this to their kids, at least not in the same way they'd owe to a suitor or a friend.

    I also think many parents expect their kids to defer to them and give their feelings greater consideration by default, simply because they are the authority figure in the relationship. And when this doesn't happen, they find hand-holding articles like this one to validate their failings (and feelings). 

    I'm not saying every kid who cuts off their parent is right; I'm just saying it shouldn't be so easy for parents to dismiss the decisions of those who do as narcissistic, disrespectful, immature, or whatever other nonsense makes them feel better -- and appears above. 

    There are many of us who've put our parent's needs and feelings before our own for an entire lifetime, only to have them cry "foul" when the relationship is no longer on their terms once we grow a backbone, or seek outside help from a qualified professional who helps us know better.

    • Royann
      This might be the case in some cases but there are parents out there who are truly in the dark and hurting because of their adult children’s behavior. In my case my oldest son was very doting very respectful very sweet especially when he needed money. He frequently borrowed moneyMore from me his ex in-laws his own grandmother who’s living on Social Security etc. and when he said mom I need $1000 to fill my propane tank because he had missed managed his money. the straw that broke the camels back in our case was he called me and needed $25 because he was out of money for gas to get to work remind you he has a federal job he makes more money than his dad but I went ahead and sent the $25 in the next day he and his girlfriend now wife posted On Facebook that they were sitting at their favorite coffee shop having coffee and breakfast and when I finally said enough no more that my almost 30-year-old son with the federal job was no longer going to be the recipient of money because of his own decisions he cut off all ties he not only cut off all ties but he did it in such a hurtful and painful way as to purposely do as much damage as possible and this is the same son who claims to be a good Christian spend several days a week at the church and is currently studying to be a minister. sometimes it is truly all on the child that the parents have done everything they could above and beyond What they probably should have only to win finally seeing enough meet with the reaction of a spoiled child.
    • wyne
      I understand when a parent does not own up to what damage they did, and want to deny their part in the abuse,, I am a victim of incest at a very early age. A lot of crap with my Christian parents happened ,,, A lot of sorrysMore and denials... I still saw them now and then ,,, but only after a lot or counceling and forgiving. I've made peace... but I'm brokenhearted to the point of death, that my 28 yr old daughter, after years in her teens and 20s wont come home or call or text cause we tried to steer her in the right direction. She will not take responsibility for her own choices. She thinks we don't accept her cause we disagreed with her choices that we were fearing her safety. I feel wronged by her.....abandoned. we did not abuse her, she just wanted to do what she wanted. I guess it gos both ways. I have grieved and understood what we did to make her feel unloved, I've tried to make it right with her. But she just chooses to leave us,,,,It hurts because I didn't do that to my Mom. I guess I need to accept that she is not going to do what I did. Be there and forgive........
    • Kate
      Adrianne Knight Thank you for you comment.
    • GingerMaynor
      Adrianne Knight I totally agree with you that parents seem to think their adult children will defer to them and give their feelings greater consideration by default, simply because they are the "authority figure".  They feel ignored or insignificant when the relationship is no longer mostly defined on their terms.More  My parents have never been able to adjust,.  One example of this is my dad calling my hospital room when I was in labor with my first child (his first grandchild).  I wasn't calling him with any update because I was - you know, in labor - but he repeatedly called the room every 10-15 minutes until I finally unplugged the phone from the wall.  He never understood his behavior was wrong, or that he drives people away.  Now he and my mom wonder why we don't speak that much anymore. They have ignored the verbal and non-verbal cues and refused to adjust their behavior.
    • CLC
      it sad if some parent don't take accountability for their actions over the years. But for some of us we have tried the best we can. I take responsibility for my actions I have done what I need to do to become a better person and to loveMore myself.. For some of us we don't understand what is the core of the problem with our child! Even worse they won't say a word with what is bothering them. Yes I have made plenty of mistakes. But when my son came to me saying I need help as in counseling I was willing to do anything if it meant my son and myself have a better understanding and could communicate. No that was 3 years ago I am doing much better I have grown and I love myself but I had to figure it out on my own. A lot of our family problem has to deal with Grief! His father died when he was 24. He was an only child. It has gone downhill from there. The grief has not ended. We have had more death in the family my father my other half my friend, cousin, sister in law. I am working through it. But he see's it as having nothing to do with him. He will brush everything under the rug. The only person my son will open up to, is his girlfriend.
    • deleted_94481093_Mom23456
      Adrianne Knight Huge generalization about parents.
    • Anne
      Absolutely well stated. Eloquent and bright!
    • GLO
      Adrianne Knight Now, i will agree that my child felt that I was controlling and narcissistic, but yet all i did was think of them.  Yes, I bought them clothing,  hair products, food, and anything they asked for.  This child never bought themselves anything.  I realize that they didn't care aboutMore a lot of things. They didn't care about the same things as other young people of their age.  Actually, I thought that was a good thing, and viewed that as an unselfish thing.  I thought that I was rewarding them for being so selfless.  I think when I took a personal interest in their attire that was construed as controlling.  I should have left them alone - I agree.  Other than that, everything else should have been viewed as a support effort from my prospective.  What I was left with was that I was slapped in the face.  If being concerned with their safety separately or as a unit was a problem .   Now, my problem is that they never expressed these feelings to me.  I was not abusive.  We never yelled at each other or even had an argument.  They came to me often for my opinion and seemed comfortable enough, but I guess I was wrong.  If they felt threatened in anyway; they could have expressed that as well.  I thought they were the model adult child.  I think I put them on a pedestal; consequently spoiling them.   They felt that they were a people pleaser.  No, I was a child pleaser.  I feel now that it was wise for old school parents to strongly suggest that you get out on your own as soon as you become an adult.  If not, it has a way of backfiring on you.
    • Lola
      Adrianne Knight This is the only response this nonsensical article deserves.
    • AListener

      Adrianne Knight It is clear from your writing that you are estranged from your parents and that is rooted in feeling wronged by your parents.  I do not question your feelings in any way. I accept that you have been wronged and I do not judge your choice.  I will say, however, that sweeping statements like "I don't believe estranged parents are left in the dark" is likely overbroad.  

      Certainly there must be many parents that know, or should know, what is up, the "why's", the "what for's" and so on.  But certainly there must also be parents that are utterly in the dark, who cannot understand--for whatever reason (including their own lack of intellect), who are not playing the "victim card" as you suggest, who are not evolved enough psychologically to see themselves as their kids do, and do not have the capacity to look within themselves and see their shortcomings as a parent and/or as a human being.  

      We are flawed beings, all of us, and some more than others.  

      I fully embrace boundaries--emotional and physical--as a way to bridge estrangement within the nuclear family. I would even agree that there are some very severe situations that call for an extreme boundary of ZERO relationship, due to the abusive qualities of the parent child relationship.  However, subject to those "qualifiers" it seems to me that for the most part, estrangement is generally not the answer to much of the things you address.  In effect, estrangement becomes, along the lines you outline, giving more life to a state of dysfunction. 

      I would suggest the better path is to continue to love, be kind, and compassionate--in a mature way.  Express love.  Feel love. Feel compassion.  Even if from a physical distance.  Establish your own mature identity as an adult human being.  Being confident in that person comes from loving yourself, accepting yourself, and accepting your family, your upbringing, the flawed parenting you were subjected to, and so on.  Let the dysfunction that existed in your upbringing die with you.  Don't give it further life or energy.  Estrangement is a hurtful thing...

      Do not concern yourself with parent excuses for being estranged, or whether a parent is wrong to place blame upon the child. People use blame every day to avoid taking responsibility, and that has been a normal human coping mechanism, quite literally, forever. And it always will be.   You can't stop it, and your parents are not the only ones that do it (kids do it too!!).  But!!  Just beneath the surface of those protestations of innocence, and the placing of blame, if you listen close enough, you will hear the guilt.  Because blame is a often a mask.  

      There is a better, stronger path than estrangement. That is the path you want.  It is full of love, compassion and kindness--all empowering personal qualities that will make you rich in self confidence.  I promise.

      • All mom
        AListener Adrianne Knight  Thank you for everything you have said in this reply!  In all relationships only kindness, love, mutual respect and communication is necessary.  Children will do the wrong things, say the wrong things, we will get angry, upset, even hurt but we love them unconditionally.  Parents will do theMore wrong things, say the wrong things too.  We are flawed by design.  Add that our lives are changing with the loss of our children in our homes, addition of grand children, spouses, and the offen hard to swallow challenges of just growing older.  If children and parents alike could just always use respect and communication in our dealings with each other maybe estrangement would not be an epidemic but a rarity?  I wonder if this was so prevalent 40 years ago?
      • GLO
        AListener Adrianne Knight AListener you sound so encouraging.  I agree you not as a parent, but as a person in general.
      • Adrianne Knight

        AListener Adrianne Knight Thanks for your thoughtful response.

        To use your words, "as an adult human being" with my own family, the idea of estrangement was especially difficult. In the end, however, it has proved the most emotionally sound--I finally know something akin to peace. Sometimes you have to put your own well-being first, even when you've been taught that love and compassion require the exact opposite. But where is the love for oneself? Are we not entitled to the right to protect and compassionately treat ourselves?

        I was so conflicted (and guilt-ridden) over feeling the need to stop talking to my mother that it prompted me to see several counselors and finally a therapist. No one says estrangement has to or should last forever, and those aren't my intentions. But I'm old enough to know when someone isn't ready (or capable) of meeting me halfway, or when I'm being taken advantage of. Frankly, I don't need that in my life, and I shouldn't have to parent my parent.

        I disagree that estrangement furthers dysfunction. I believe it *can*, but I don't believe by virtue that it does. Just like a married couple who agrees to separate, I believe space can give people the chance to reflect on what's most important and evaluate if the relationship is worth saving. And some people, no matter how hard you love them and put in the effort to make things to work, will always be toxic, inconsiderate, unyielding dead weight who care about your needs the way they care about invisible money.

        To your final statement, I say I already am rich in self confidence. It takes self-respect and confidence to realize you owe yourself the same consideration you give to others. For the first time in my life, I'm putting my needs first.

        • Takecare
          Adrianne Knight AListener I completely agree with what you have written.
  • Addieb
    Hello, Im not sure where to even begin, I have 3 sons that I raised pretty much alone, their father died 7 years ago after a long debilitating illness. Even before his illness he was a terrible husband and father as he was a cocaine and porn addict, and abusiveMore to all of us in many ways. My sons are now 28, 24, and 22 yrs old. I spent their childhoods trying to shield them from his addictions and abuse while at the same time trying to make them think he was a nice guy because I knew he was dying. now I am struggling with each of them in different ways, they have all become distant rude and I feel like they only are nice to me when they want something from me like. The two older ones live in my home, they don't clean up after themselves, and when I ask them to bring their dirty dishes down or help with the lawn, take out garbage etc they either get rude or say "I'll do it later ", and later never comes. My middle son has a daughter that I babysit from Monday to Thursday every week, and although he lives here he does little to help with her. My youngest son has moved in with his girlfriend, she is bipolar and told me she doesn't take her meds, she is very rude disrespectful and gets in my face frequently if she doesn't like what I say, even in my own home. Niether of them have an education past high school, she has had 3 jobs in the past year having been fired from one of them for failing a urine drug screen, she has asked me to loan them money, cosign for her to get a car, and she now uses the cell phone that I got for my son and i still pay for.Well several weeks ago they informed me she is pregnant. I Didn't jump for joy at this news, they both stormed out of my house that day and only started talking to me recently because the car broke down and my son has hinted for me to help them with another car and insurance. I Don't want to lose contact with them, I want a relationship with them and my soon to be grand child. I Don't want to lose my sons. But I'm so tired of being used, I would love any advise.thanks for listening....
    • Carol B.C. Honkanen
      Gosh, having gone through this shit for the last 5+ years, my best and only advice is to just concentrate on yourself and try to enjoy life to the fullest. This sounds easier said than done, believe me. But, there is absolutely NOTHING you can do to makeMore someone care or love you. Being mistreated is NOT acceptable. My son did the same. I cried my eyes out, I tried reaching out to him and others, nothing worked. It wasn't until I tried to kill myself and woke up days later in vomit that I realized that we should NEVER care about ANYONE who does not care about us. Thankfully, I lived to realize this, before it was too late. I have a grandson who turns 3 in a few days. I don't get to see him, they don't send photos. They refuse to respond to emails and I don't even have a clue where they live. Sadly, I don't think I care anymore. It sounds really bad, but it is the healthiest thing for me. The creepiest thing is that my son knew I was going to take my life, I told him that I would, if he wouldn't come speak to me. Yes, I understand that it was not the right thing to do, but desperate times call for desperate measures. What broke my heart into pieces wasn't that he didn't come to speak to me, and that I almost died, but that he knew I would do it and he didn't bother to call the police or ANYONE to check on me. It was a real eye-opener and a lesson that I will never forget. Love yourself!!!
    • Spaceyfacey
      Addieb Hi- I also shielded my daughter from her father. While he was in jail for 3 1/2 years I lied and said he worked. While he went and spent his paychecks on strip joints, alcohol, coke, gambling & mafia debts I covered his ass & paid his debts. AllMore the while my daughter thought he was daddy dearest. Not to mention how i spoiled her out of the guilt I felt for him not being a good dad, lied for her to him and vice versa, put her through catholic school, dance, bought her all the latest electronics, and basically just went easy on her & made the mistake of acting like her friend half the time. Now she's 19 lives with him by choice and shuts me out completely. She's rude, she lies and judges, and only is nice to me when sh'es pms'ing or wants something. I never thought we could be like this. I feel for you.
  • grace
    These articles can provide some insight or advice, yet the world of estrangement is a very difficult one to maneuver. There are no clear answers that are applicable when each of us has our own unique estrangement situation.  So many personalities and factors involved. The initial event that starts the disconnectMore can be confusing or clouded by family dysfunction. Some detachments have no reasoning behind them so it is difficult to make peace over something that makes no sense! I have been living a life without my grown adult son for 3 long years now, along with a grandchild that I cannot see. There are so few resources or even support groups for this topic. Hurting souls with broken hearts need validation and comfort coming from others who have been down the same path. The best feedback or help I got was not from a therapist or some random article. It was from mothers who walked the same painful journey. I believe we can help each other to better understand this phenomenon and grow to live with some level of peace, even if our heart is broken.
    • Jo Hale

      Grace, what you have written here is right on target. It is so difficult to make peace over something that makes no sense. In my situation I believe my dil just prefers to have her family in their lives and my son cannot/will not address leaving us out. We are not technically estranged, but he only calls us when he needs help from my husband with a "handyman" problem. We only see them (they live 25 minutes away) as a family about 6 times a year, basically each of our birthdays, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Both holidays are celebrated the day before or after because they spend the holiday with her family. Her family lives 4 miles from us.

      I visit with my two grandbabies about twice a month for about two hours always in their living room. There is always a reason or excuse why sitting for them, taking them outside, or heaven forbid come to our house wouldn't work. I just dread what the future holds as they get older and they question why her parents are fully engaged with them, but Grandma and Papa are never around.

      We raised our son in a loving, generous and Godly home. My head can wrap around the fact that he loves her and doesn't want to upset the apple cart, but my heart is broken. We don't ask for much just a call sometimes to say hello or include us in some special occasion, like my grandbaby's dedication in church. He's grown so distant and cold. It's just not the son I once knew.

      Yes, we parents who deal with estranged children do need comfort and support. My therapist told me the two most powerful words of validation are "Me Too". I have lost my child. He may not be deceased, but sometimes knowing he's alive and choosing to live apart from me is just as painful. Rejection with no known reason is heartbreaking. I hope your heart heals one day or better yet, your son finds the grace to reconcile with you.

      • wyne
        yes Grace said it so gracefully..... Jo ,,, we tried to raise our kids in a Godly home too,, we were super dysfunctional so their is a lot of shame, plus I was abused as a child, and was trying to work that out along with a hard marriage. More We have the exact same thing with our Christian Dil too. Our son seldom comes home, we see our grandchildren if we are lucky once or twice a month. only see them on special occasions. He is not the son I knew, I love and miss him so much. She is so critical of his family, acts as though we are messed up losers. They spend most of their time with her family. Then I have a 28 yr old daughter who doesn't want anything to do with us who moved across the country with her boyfriend. She has always made choices we didn't approve of, but she is the one who distanced herself from us. Not the other way around. I don't even want to go to church anymore,, not because of God or losing faith in him,, but because of shame and lack of support from people, truly broken abused abandoned people don't seem to be accepted in church, at least my church anyway. It might be within me to,, from all the pain, I pull away from people. I never realized it hurt so much to love and be rejected.
    • Spaceyfacey
      @grace i agree with you wholeheartedly. No one can really know unless they are going through it. It's like something died inside me when my 19 year old daughter just started shutting me out 2 years ago. When i can only guess at what is truly wrong with her andMore while there's so much distance between us, i'm sure you can understand how i cannot possible make peace with myself or my life.
  • Rock
    I have to disagree. When I tell my parent, "when you did such and such, you hurt me" and your response is, "No I didn't hurt you" I distance myself to protect myself. That in part *is* the parents fault and it tells me my parent doesn't care about meMore or my feelings. CO is bound to happen as I need to take care of myself and that means not being around toxic family members, parent or otherwise.
    • SatoriBleu
      What can a parent do when they apologize many times but the adult child remains silent. The difficulties involved sibling rivalry and financial assistance. I was a single parent and did my best. My child is telling people I am mentally ill. I worked several jobs to support two childrenMore and at age 40 my child stops communicating. I am heartbroken. We were very close up to the estrangement.
      • Spirited Lady
        @SatoriBleu  Once the parent takes responsibility and apologizes the shoe is on the other foot and it's up to the child to decide whether or not they are willing to forgive (not forget, but let go of the anger) and allow the parent-child relationship to be established on a new,More level playing field.  Sometimes the child needs time to work that out.  The parent needs to give the child that respect... to give them the space to work things out in their own way and time.  That's very hard to do, so you are wise to reach out to share your story and seek comfort from others you can trust... like this web site.  Also, counseling can make a huge difference in setting your mind at rest, because I know you're grieving.  Share your pain in deep meditation with your higher power, find a faith group, help others, be a friend to someone else.  Your daughter will come back when she's ready...
      • All mom

        @SatoriBleu  Unfortunately there is nothing you can do.  I’m in the same situation with my daughter.  I’ve apologized and her response is that there is not one thing that I have done and no apology is necessary.  Her words “you’ve changed and we’ve grown apart.  simple”.  Followed by “I don’t want or need you in my life”.  My daughter was my best friend up until a few months ago and all of a sudden this happens.  What I have had to do is take solis in the fact that I raised an independent self sufficient women and she will be just fine without me.  Someday she will turn around and need her Mom and she will be back.  For now all I can do is focus on my life and being happy.  Please – do the same!  Be happy in spite of your children!  Also – if you need someone to talk to please reach out.  I would be more than happy to share my email.  Kind of like when we were kids and had a pen pal ?

    • GingerMaynor
      @Rock Take care of yourself first.  Our responsibility must first be to ourselves.  I've heard many times "you're too sensitive" and "you're just in a bad mood" and all the time their offensive behavior continues.  I find it be minimizing who you are, and a lack of appreciation for theMore individual.  These are toxic relationships bound to end or at least be largely reduced.
  • Personalself

    I want to see articles on Parents of their Adult offspring respecting their Adult offspring who are over 30 single and childless.

    It's amazing how there are many articles on adult offspring needing to respect their adult parents but there's not a lot of the opposite and I feel that this is drastically missing in the world of psychology because there are many parents of adult offspring who do not respect their adult offspring because they did not achieve the parents idea of success. And that is where I'm having a personal problem.

    • All mom
      Personalself   I agree.  However, I think when you've been a parent it's hard to know when to stop being a parent.  When your children move out of your home and start their own lives that your not included in it's a big change for us. It takes us some timeMore to make the adjustment from making sure all is well with our children and managing their lives to finding lives of our own.  As for myself I dedicated 20+ years to being the best parent I could and forgot to build a life for myself outside of my children.  When they were gone I was left alone with nothing to define me.  In my case I did my best to respect my adult children and just wait until they needed something from me but I can understand how some parents find the transition more difficult.  As a person with no parents myself I wonder if people really know how lucky they are to have parents at all.  It's so very hard going through life without the unconditional love of parents.  All of my other relationships come with conditions.  You are very lucky and I hope you and your parents can find a way to meet in a middle ground. Good luck!
  • Christine Field

    Thank you for this article.  I quoted you in my own article about this painful parenting situation. http://www.realmomlife.com/my-child-is-estranged/  

    Your insight has helped me tremendously.

    Christine Field

  • AListener
    Dear UnicornRides, As a parent, I can see your viewpoint, and why breaking out of the cycle of your current situation would be good for you. To grow as a human being, it may do you well to distance yourself from all the negative energy you describe.  But I wouldMore also encourage compassion too, with the same equal conviction that I would support you distancing yourself from the negative energy that surrounds your home life.  You will complete your circle of life successfully when you break away from the negative, establish your own energy and positive environment, and then circle back with your parents and role model that eternally positive you.  Some of what this is about is boundaries and respect.  Living a life that makes clear--through deeds and not just words-- that you have respect for yourself and will not allow your life and self esteem to be trampled upon by anyone, and establishing boundaries by which you will do so, for yourself and others.  Setting your intentions.  "Most folks are just about as happy as they make up their minds to be".  Being estranged permanently from your parents though, is not something to aspire to.  It will be a negative on your life.  Like it or not, your parents are part of who you are.  I  am all for you not letting your parents' unhappy dispositions creep out and into your life. But by leaving the nest, establishing your own home and life and independence, and then re-establishing  a healthy adult like relationship on your own terms is good, healthy and kind.  in this regard, you must be strong to weather the criticisms you will surely get in the short term as you initially put this plan of action into play.  Understand this: your ability to grow personally and be happy has some tendency to make your parents look bad, they know this intuitively, so they will, on an unconscious level, try to sabotage your success. That may not make sense to many as it would seem that a child that is happy and successful is a positive reflection on the parents. But for unhappy person, it "shows him or her up"    There is an emotional power in kindness and compassion.  The more we do it, the more we feel emotionally stronger, better about ourselves and it gives us confidence to succeed in our other endeavors. I therefore encourage you to be kind and compassionate, just as you are being firm and strong in your choice to break away from the nest and be your own person.
  • UnicornRides

    I think this article could have been much better by not using Joe's situation as your example. I am someone considering distancing myself from my mother and father for various psychological reasons. My father is just a drunk and someone who is stuck in such bad ways that he does not see the good in the world nor does he help himself. He blows money on alcohol and cigarettes and doesn't put the money where it should go. My mother, on the other hand, will tell me how worthless he is and then, since I recently was forced to move back home, will tell me I should only be something in the medical field or something she deems worthy. She has contributed to my rent and car payments in the past, and now holds that over me in a "haven't I been good to you?!" kind of way. Before I moved back home, I was able to face my own problems and was happy.. now that I am back, I feel as every step I take is never good enough and that I will fail. I am deeply depressed and hardly leave my childhood room (and am judged even when I do.) Then my mother argues that I am not doing anything for myself- but how can I when I can't do what I feel comfortable doing? No matter where I go, there is a wall of judgement and shame. I am fearful to be myself.

    These are usually the parents people estrange. Please don't summarize a person as you did Joe. Joe could be like me- and he is- but on the inside he may be suffering from verbal and psychological abuse. He may have anxiety and depression, feelings of worthlessness. Parents harassing him is like being kicked when he is down. I do not know if you meant it like this but the article didn't feel as if you did. It was too simple for something that deserves a psychological analysis.

    • Spirited Lady

      UnicornRides  There needs to be a blog for adult children on how to handle troublesome parents.  And I suspect all parents are troublesome part of the time or in some ways.  And sometimes the problems become overwhelming.  I hope you will get out of that room and get back to being who you really are.  We all go through situations of job loss and periods of depression and inertia, and having an alcoholic father has definitely complicated your situation and thinking.  My father was alcoholic, so I'm familiar with the syndrome.  But it sounds like you're ready to find your strength and set your own course... sounds like you're fed up with your inertia.

      Counseling made a huge difference for me,t if you can find something you can afford, but Al Anon was also helpful... and reading up on family dysfunction.  You need to set your boundaries, set your goals and gain some inertia.  Volunteering at a food band or thrift store could be a way to start gaining some momentum.

      It seems like it would be helpful for both you and your mother if you wrote her a letter.  Tell her you appreciate what she has done for you.  Tell her you're grateful that she has allowed you to come into her home.  Ask her what you can do to be more helpful around the house.  Look for ways to help and to express your gratitude. Not all parents are willing to allow their adult children to come home to live with them.

      But tell her you need some space to explore what kind of career will work for you.  You know she cares and would like to influence you, but this is something you have to do for yourself.  Ask her to please not make comments about your life.  And tell her that when she slips up and does it you're going to just give her a look and walk away, because there need to be boundaries between you.

      That's what family dysfunction is all about.  And boundaries are the cure.  But you're probably going to need help with this.  it's not easy to change lifelong family patterns that go back generations. You might also ask your mother to go to counseling with you.  She definitely needs help to change her patterns and a good therapist can help the two of you work this out.  You might explain to her that this is the way she can help you the most.

      My prayers are with you.  This is a very spiritual journey and turning to a higher power for help will make a difference.

  • AListener
    To usedenough: I don't believe there is any particular point when you declare "enough is enough".  It is an individual choice, and no 2 situations are identical.  I think what you want is emotionally healthy adult relationships with your kids.  It does not sound like you have that at thisMore time.  Sometimes we can promote emotionally healthy relationships by setting clearly understood boundaries with our kids.  I think the success or failure of that depends in how well we are able to communicate that in a warm, kind way (and that too promotes warmth and kindness--which are key ingredients to emotionally healthy relationships).  The edge you are walking along also involves the risk of having your kids decide to cut off all contact with you and then living out your days totally estranged from your kids.  I can promise you that is a very sad and lonely experience, and might cause you to wish you handled the situation in front of you differently.  None of us have crystal balls, so we cannot know what the future beholds, but if you set the intention that you are not about emotionally abusive relationships--self abuse or abuse of others, and you put nothing but positive energy out around yourself, by living the example and setting the example, it may well be that in time your kids will see the value of being in mom's presence and the harmony with nature that revolves around mom. It is a risk that no matter how well you live, no matter how honorable you are, how generous, and how much you promote healthy relationships, that you wind up estranged.  And that is a very difficult, painful choice you are going to need to chew on. But who knows? You may walk down that dark hallway, open that door and find light on the other side.  Good luck.
  • usedenough

    I am in the midst of a 4th generation of child-parental "estrangement".  My mother who was an only child cut-off her parents, then me. (She cut me off because I started to see my father after 16 years of being estranged from him)  After a few years of therapy, I made piece with the situation between my mother and me.  I was the caretaker of my grandmother in her final years of life and we were very close.  When my mother died I was only aware of her death because another relative contacted me.  She did however, have her attorney send me a notice that I was not included in her will.

    I am now on my 22 & 24 year olds list to cutoff.  My 24 year old is a degreed social worker, with a full time job who lives with her father. My 22 year old is on his 5th year of college with one more to go.  When my son comes home from college he too stays with his dad.  I don't ask much from them, however I do occasionally need help with a few things around the house.  (Carrying heavy things, changing light bulbs that are too high, etc.)

    This past summer my son quit his paid internship job early to go to Lollapalooza. He told me in May that was his intent and I told him he needed to stay and finish the job.  My ex agreed with me by text, only I found out my son had done just that.  When he finally called to tell me he was home, I asked when he got back.  After some hemming and hawing, I found out he had been home a week and went to the concert for the weekend.  His sister knew all about it and when I asked her if she had heard from my son a few days before he called she said no.  This is the third time something like this has happened.

    While I understand my kids don't "owe" me anything, I am so hurt that while I'm expected to pay for college, my son's car insurance, license,  lunches, dinners, entertainment on my birthday, mother's day and Christmas, help find jobs for them and their friends, they can continue to lie about what's going on.

    Although I am under court order to help pay for my son's college for the next 1 1/2, I have finally had enough.  I don't want to talk to either one of them. When my daughter asked why I was upset, even refusing to meet my son's new girlfriend, I told her I'm exhausted from working to help put them both through school, working 60 hours a week to make all ends meet, only to have been lied to time and time again.  She stormed out of the room telling me that I felt I was "entitled".  It's my money and yes, I do fell I'm entitled because it's my money and I have to work for it.  Maybe when she has to start paying for rent she'll get it.

    So I guess my question is at what point is it ok to just give when you feel like you are just being used.  My daughter never owns up to any mistakes and then says the most hurtful things.  My son can never text me when I send care packages, just to let me know he got them.  He is going to school 1000 miles away and will probably take a job out west after college. 

    I know in my heart I've raised them to be decent people, however they just aren't decent to me.  And I'm at the point that it is not ok anymore to treat me badly and lie to me.

    • SatoriBleu
      I think that you are a good mother. Take time and your resources to become a strong woman. Seek your own interests. If the love you gave them never comes back to you... In your heart and soul you can be at peace... You did your best.
  • Loving Mom
    I read an article stating when your child is estranged to keep in touch as a parent but what if the parent needs time to heal from the hurt caused by the child. How long am I as a parent allowed to heal before making contact? Am I wrong forMore this?
    • AListener
      @Loving Mom I am not a designated "expert"  but my 2 cents is take as much time as you need, and you are not wrong to need time to heal.  Even if parent and child resolve some long simmering dispute today, it is quite possible time will be needed toMore slowly reacquaint, and at least initially, there would likely be trust issues and some uneasiness.  People tend to be on their best behavior for a time before old habits slip into play.  So even if you patch things up, the future might not resemble the past and indeed, the present may be more indicative of the future due to lingering scars from estrangement.
  • Barbara
    I would like help with language to write that letter apologising - so its not about me and my feelings but daughters. I don't want to trip up saying the wrong things, words that make things worse. No abuse but we've have a very very close relationship - by theMore looks of things here this is harmful. All brew up with her sisters marriage, getting her home and 2 babies in 3 years. Eldest always jealous of this younger sister now tables have turned. Dreadful confrontational and hurtful interactions between them. Torn not having the skills to help them. I've ended up estranged from youngest. Where do I start to fix this for us all. Any ideas?
    • DeniseR_ParentalSupport

      @Barbara

      I’m sorry to hear about the

      recent struggles your family is going through.  It sounds very difficult

      for you.  Life changes, even positive ones like new marriages and starting

      a family, are times of transition and stress.  Navigating the transition

      as a family from childhood relationships to adult relationships is a rocky time

      for many.  One place to start may be to step out of the position of being

      in the middle between your adult daughters.  Despite who may have said or

      done what, it can help for you to have your own separate relationship with each

      of your daughters.  Sometimes focusing on their lives and their interests

      instead of trying to mend the relationship between them can be helpful. 

      This also helps you from appearing to take any sides in the ongoing

      argument.  I can hear how much you’d like to help the two of them work

      things out.  The truth is, the relationship that your daughters have with

      each other is something for them to work out themselves.  You only have

      control over your own relationship with your daughters.  As for what to

      say to your daughter in a letter, it is most important that it come from you

      and that it sounds like your own words.  As Dr. Joan shares in this

      article, getting support for yourself and reaching out to listen with an open

      heart goes a long way.  Something as simple as “I’m thinking about you and

      I miss you.” can be

      a great start.  Good luck to you and your family.  We hope you are

      able to find some peace as you move forward.

      • Barbara
        DeniseR_ParentalSupport My last text from her was to tell me there would be no more texts or any communication. Sick with loss. I'm not an interfering mother. I just like to look someone over, get a sense they are happy and I'm fine with that. If asked to help, IMore do. Don't butt in until then. I wasn't on the same page and now its 19 days since that announcement which is estrangement to me. From a very close relationship to nothing is too emotionally violent to me. Yet I can do nothing but accept it. I've such a loss its an ache in my chest. Not a pain. But a definitely physical feeling. I've been splitting myself in 2, doing the separate relationships. That helped for months till this situation. I get the fusion thing. This may have been r problem. I've had months of excuses. Too busy, under pressure with work. Didn't get the truth of this till 19 days ago. Its just horrible. Sad waking, sad during the day, sad going to sleep. First thought in the morning. Trying to keep a clear head and accept the end of a mother/child relationship that needs time before she is comfortable with a new one i.e., mother/adult daughter. She is a wreck, I can see it. Angry too. Well, that is, the last time I saw her. I don't know her new friends, her plans, her fun/sad times. How do these ppl cope with their loss?
        • Spaceyfacey
          @Barbara DeniseR_ParentalSupport I understand what you're going through and I am so sorry. I am going through the same with my 19 year old daughter fro 2 years now. Hurts more than anything....
  • Barbara
    Sites I've come across I've learned more about what the cause could be from replies and from adults who've cut their parents off. It is helpful. Loads of glimpses into what triggered/caused estrangement with replies to this article.
  • Barbara
    newly estranged by adult daughter.....lost
    • Spaceyfacey
      @Barbara same.....2 years now and still lost
  • Goose
    my husband died suddenly and very unexpectedly 3 years ago - at the time my adult children were certainly on their way mapping out their own path, designing their own lives/future. Needless to say it sent all of us spinning! the first year - was pure shock and adrenaline thatMore moved us through each day. The 2nd quite a different story altogether - reality, so they say - sets in and the life you once knew has been irreversibly change forever - it is a sobering reality and we all struggled to find our footing and figure out how in the world we were going to move forward. The most difficult year so far ... my husband was a remarkable man and the loss my children suffered was enormous. He was every bit a family man - he adored his children and in return they adored him. True to form each of my children grieved [according] to personality and understanding that my own heart was shattered/broken I committed to just supporting and honoring their journey - unique and yet so universal. My oldest daughter's struggle was beyond anything I could have ever imagined or prepared for. And I prepared for the aftermath - my daughter is married to a very high functioning alcoholic. My husband and I determined to remain supportive - as I am sure always bordering that line of enabling throughout their marriage of 7 years [at that time]. Without a lot of back story - my daughter severed all ties a year ago citing we [my son and daughter and I] had not given her, her own voice in our journey [as a family] to grieve his loss of life. Initially she departed without warning and with no notice - it was difficult and the advice I received at the onset was to go to her - but her behavior had become volatile and very abusive - her husband, combative and very confrontational - it seemed far more then I realized I could handle at the time - I attempted to remain connected in whatever medium possible. A month ago she finally agreed to meet with me - she tells me that she has found her own voice, and that her heart is healing, that she could not do that in the confines of her family, she felt as though she had become our caregivers?! know that is a lot of projection, he went on to further say that she and her husband are much more connected and finding a way to heal together. She remains disconnected- I struggle, I exist between letting her drift or standing the gap! On my knees and praying - every day!
  • Dixie Springer
    Wonderful information for parents and older, adult children even prior to adult child having children of their own. Can't wait to start. receiving this wonderfully insight.
  • Angry and Estranged

    Something that really bothers me about this site's articles is how frequently abuse is ignored or dismissed with one sentence when it truely is such a major cause of why kids and especially teens have behavior problems or why adult children have problems with their parents.

    I've seen this multiple times now - especially in articles about teens running away - when the authors blame kids for problems and give abusive parents excuses as to why their child is the problem.

    I ran away twice when I was 15 and 16 because I just didn't know what to do to get out the constant emotional abuse. My father and stepmother constantly told everyone what a terrible kid I was and I feed into to by becoming a troubled teen because I had a problem i couldn't solve - I was being abused and every moment I was at home my life was a living hell.

    Too often parents don't realize the abuse they are inflicting on their kids, especially emotional and verbal abuse. Maybe that's how they were raised and they don't think there's anything wrong with it.  How many parents convicted of child abuse will ever admit anything they did was wrong?

    On the "When Parents Hurt" forum on Joshua Coleman's site (he's the author of a book on parental estrangement of the same name), the forum gets shut down ever few months because a war breaks out between estranged parents and adult kids estranged from their parents over what is or isn't abuse, what is or isn't a valid reason to be estranged and stupidity like "honor thy mother and father" means forgiving your parents for horrendous abuse.

    I acted out a lot when I was a teen and I went through hell due to the abuse I suffered. My stepmother won't acknowledge she did anything wrong. She thinks she's a great mother.  She would read the advice on this site and fall for it hook, line and sinker that she wasn't the problem - I was and the abuse would continue.

    I've been trying to find parenting advice to help me with my kids because I had such horrible role-models and my mother died when I was 10. I keep stumbling onto this site, but no more.  Any site that can be so dismissive of child abuse and ignore the realities of the reasons kids act out is not something I want advice from.  You're just going to keep the cycle of abuse going and people like my stepmother aren't going to realize they are doing anything wrong.

    I

    • Jane

      Totally agree with your many good points. Before the 1950's people believed that children's emotional lives were irrelevant, and the only thing that mattered was food, clothing and shelter. Since then, research has shown otherwise, but for many parents they haven't gotten that lesson. There are many people who do not recognize emotional abuse as abuse. Many do not even recognize physical abuse as abuse, especially when the perpetrator is a sibling.

      Lindsay Gibson has a couple of fabulous books that you will probably find helpful for understanding how you grew up and your coping style. Other books that I'd recommend would be anything that helps you learn about your child's unique personality and temperament (such as: Understanding Your Child's Temperament) because all children are so different. There is not a one-size fits all way to parent. So much depends on what is right for you and for your child.

      If you want a good laugh while also learning about what NOT to do as a parent, the book "How To Traumatize Your Children: 7 proven steps" is a great one. Actually every single parent on this site should read this one because you can learning about what not to do while also laughing about it since we've all done the wrong thing as parents plenty of times.

      When you've had a rough childhood and you have kids of your own, the big trap for all of us is going too far in the other direction. For example, if you had a neglectful parent, you may tend to become a hovering parent. If you had a controlling parent, you maybe tend to be too permissive. It's actually much better not to try to be the parent you wished you had, but rather to be the parents that your kids need now. So learning about the personalities and temperaments that your kids have will help guide you toward the kind of parenting that they really need.

      In the end, we all just want to be the kind of parent that our kid needs.

      Hope that helps!

    • Spaceyfacey
      @Angry and Estranged I agree with you and can relate. I was verbally, physically & sexually abused as a child. I'd like to think I am not the woman who raised me but I yelled at my daughter a lot and I'm sure that's one of the reasons she hatesMore me today. But what do you do when you know you've done right? I'm on both sides here, I come from a dysfunctional abusive family, but I'm also being shut out by my 19 yr old for what? Yelling? Not sending her to the very expensive school she wanted to go to? I was a single mom, protected her drug alcohol gambling addict of a father, but now she shuts me out & thinks him & his wife are her life. While I agree with you on these articles being one-sided they are still very helpful in dealing with the loss....
      • wyne

        spaceyfacey,

        I am on both sides of pain also. I'm a older middle aged mom who was estranged on and off, from my parents, my father sexually and emotionally abused me. I spent too much time trying to repair the relationship with my mom and I yelled and was angry at my kids a lot. I had a hard marriage while trying to raise the first 2 kids,, it was overwhelming to say the least. I'm still married and we have worked on our marriage. My daughter who is 28 moved across the country and will not call or text. I am shut out too,,, she feels like a victim cause we yelled and their was a lot of anger and disfunction too. Life isn't fair,,, most of the time it is the abused and most hurt people who end up more brokenhearted rejected and left. I'm sure because it cycles through generations, but it seems so unfair when you know as a parent you just yelled and were angry a lot,,,but you didn't abuse with words or other trauma as sexual. and most of us protect our kids from abuse or bad marriages, or stay in bad marriages for the kids like I did, and still get left by our grown kids. Its heartbreaking. and sickening. All I can say is just throw her a text now and then and hope and pray for a response. Sometimes I get one. She had left her senior year to live with her boyfriends family, and we were estranged way back then,,, all I got from praying was Embrace who you have..... I guess that's all we can do,, to embrace those who want to be with us.

    • DeniseR_ParentalSupport

      @Angry and Estranged

      We appreciate your writing in and sharing your perspective

      with us. I would like to assure you that

      abuse is something we take seriously. As James Lehman stated so often, “There

      is no excuse for abuse.” This is true regardless of who may be the abuser. As

      he points out in his article The Bullying Parent: Why Aggressive Parenting Doesn’t Work,

      aggressive parenting “leads to serious problems for those children and how they

      will grow up to deal with the adult world.” EmpoweringParents.com does not

      condone or support any sort of aggressive or abusive parenting. Our goal is to

      help parents develop more effective ways of addressing their child’s acting out

      behavior. A big part of being an effective parent is role modeling appropriate

      ways of handling anger and frustration. From our perspective, the reason most

      kids act out or make poor choices is a lack of problem solving or coping

      skills. Holding a child accountable for his/her choices is not the same as

      blaming a child.  Blame, whether directed at the child or the parent, does

      little to change a situation and can often keep people stuck in ineffective

      patterns of interaction. Blame doesn’t solve problems and neither does shame,

      as Rebecca Wolfenden points out in her article http://www.empoweringparents.com/blog/effective-parenting/effective-discipline-why-shaming-your-child-wont-work/. I am sorry you suffered at

      the hands of your parents. No child should have to endure such distress. I’m

      glad you are reaching out to find ways of parenting your own children more

      effectively. You might also consider looking into local resources, such as

      parent support groups or parenting classes being offered in your area. The 211

      Helpline would be able to give you information on these and other supports. You

      can reach the Helpline 24 hours a day by calling 1-800-273-6222. We wish you

      and your children the best of luck going forward. Take care.

    • Spirited Lady

      @Angry and Estranged

      Your comments are really important for parents to hear.  The first thing parents need to do is apologize to their adult children who are estranged from them.  

      And I know you're right that most refuse to do so. 

      I have apologized for things that happened and didn't happen that I think I could have done better.  I've expressed sympathy for things my son suffered that I had no control over.  And I've offered to listen, to go to counseling with him and to pay for counseling for him and/or his wife.  I think my apologies have made a difference.  At this point we have limited electronic contact and I send gifts.  My son has told me to stay in the present and not talk about the past.  But I send photos and toys from his childhood and he loves that.

      My mother and I never talked about her abuse of me, but as I forgave her and she stopped drinking we had a more loving relationship.  She decided she liked me the week she turned 88 (gifts, cards and taking her on a short trip and out for lovely meals did the trick).  Fortunately, she lived to be 96, so we had time to create happy memories together.  But we also had some fun times before that. She was inconsistent.  

      Your experience was a different degree from mine and my son's.  But in any case, for you to be the parent you want to be, you have to let go of your anger toward your father and step-mother.  For better or worse, they probably did, as you suggest, the best they knew how.  No one helped them see what they were doing.  Or at least, no one got through to them.  Their self-image is threatened by the idea that they could have parented in a different way.

      I"m unclear why you would come to this site for insights on parenting.  Empowering Parents has great advice on nearly every topic imaginable.  I wish every parent read it.  

      Sadly, I think the tension between my mother and me was a factor in my son's feelings toward me.  I'm concerned that the anger and hurt you feel may be affecting your parenting.  It seems to be a preoccupation, which is understandable.

      You don't have to keep defending yourself or explaining yourself or doubting yourself.  You have a right to a happy, healthy life... whether they think so or not.  You are not defined by them.  They don't even get a say.  You are the beautiful person God made you to be.  

      Please talk to that beautiful, abused child that is inside you and tell her that they can't hurt her any more.  Tell her you are an adult now and you can take care of her.  Listen to her pain and comfort her tears... including the death of her mother.  And then start giving her the love and happy appreciation she deserved.  "It's never too late to have a happy childhood."

      Blessings on your work to find healing and joy in your life so you can give it to your own children.

      • missmary17
        Spirited Lady Well said. My former husband is passive aggressive and withheld affection. My daughters saw how much that hurt me. They never witnessed affection between us, to him I was his mother maid and we did not seperate until they were 13 and 15. He did not know howMore to pick up a gallon of mild at the store without explicit instructions, nor could he order a pizza, but he was a financial analyst at a hospital. The older rebelled not long after he left. Prior, she challenged him rather than I. She blamed me for everything and I remained reasonable. She went through college and law school gaining weight every year, but she was so ashamed that I smoked. During those 7 yrs of college, Im not claiming to be a saint, however, she was a tyrant, calling her father for his support if I asked her to vacuum during the 3 month summers that I supported her every year. Just before graduation, she had a ball to attend, got lice from a kid she represented two time (which I picked nits from her), had banquets, etc. all kinds of things that I was happy to do and support. When she asked that I help her move her stuff home, after doing this every year and being ready for rotator cuff surgery, I told her that I would get the truck but could not do the move. She had two young men and her dad. I got snagged into this and yes I felt like a victim. The apartment waw filthy and unpacked while her and her father did not come back with the truck for 3 hours, I cleaned and packed ans scrubbed carpet. When the truck was packed, they drank a couple beers while I worked. When we delivered, they dumped the stuff thru my house and she announced she was the designated driver for the young men as a thank you. I had enough and this came to blows. For the first time in her life, I told her that she is a fat pig or something to that effect. She physically shoved me 3 times drung college, abused me emotionally regularly, insulted every visitor I ever had, intimidated my friends to the point they did not want to visit at my home and would ask if she were there before coming over. Did I mention that I became disabled fully from a fall and was unconscious righ before she graduatiod high school, have a traumatic brain injury, broken rib, and a partial pneumothorax, 3 herniated discs and so much more. She enjoyed the money I received from the settlement. I gave her 80K til I was broke. But she always had something she needed me to do for her, I was never allowed to sit, and she sat and sat and ate and ate, and I was never to mention that she was up to about 300 pounds. I did attack her being fat when I lost it. Then we spoke, I apologized and told her of my fears for her health, Soon after this several hour talk, she went off again and we are to never speak again. I will say, I do not miss the abuse. She abused her younger sister and she married a controlling man who has many troubles. My words were abusive. Hurt people will eventually hurt people. One can only take so much. Their father told them to call me with a flat tire. He was prettuy useless. It is all very sad, but it is what it is. My kids had a life and loving mother that I could have only wished for. I am sorry for all that go through this.
  • DeniseR_ParentalSupport

    @Guest

    What an upsetting situation. I can

    only imagine how difficult the last few years have been for you and your

    husband. It’s understandable you would be concerned about what might happen if

    your husband again has contact with his children. Unfortunately, we are limited

    in the advice we would be able to offer in this situation due to the legal

    issues involved. It would probably be in your and your husband’s best interest

    to consult legal counsel for guidance around how to respond if your step

    children ask to visit. If you do not currently have legal counsel, the 211

    Helpline would be able to give you information for legal services in your area.

    You can reach the Helpline by calling 1-800-273-6222. You can also visit them

    online at http://www.211.org/. We

    appreciate you writing in and sharing your story. The best of luck to you and

    your husband moving forward. Take care.

  • DeniseR_ParentalSupport

    @Guest

    We appreciate you writing in with your question. All of the

    comments on EmpoweringParents.com are moderated before being posted. There are

    certain times when a comment is not published due to the content. Comments that

    describe current legal issues, alleged abuse, continued suicidal threats, or

    contain language of a religious or political nature, are not published. If the

    person posting the comment has specific questions, a private response will be

    posted, as was the case with your comment. Because your question centered

    around legal issues involving visitation and alleged sexual abuse, we were not

    able to publish your comment. It would be in your

    and your husband’s best interest to consult with legal counsel for guidance

    around your stepchildren possibly wanting to re-establish visitation. We

    appreciate you being part of the EmpoweringParents.com community. Good luck to

    you and your family moving forward.

  • donna
    my oldest Daughter   shut me out her life because. first it was i could not make it to her ceremony for her cosmetology . i had no one to get my nice off the bus she got real mad about that she got mad i could not go toMore her sister baby shower because my niece have court order to see her dad then  i told everyone what she did to me . with her cat . she asked me to watch them until cps is gone then she told me to watch them until she get  apartment , then she tells me i have to talk to my boyfriends  but mean while her cats having babys she never given me money for cat food and for cat little  they was load with fleas  spca gave me a hard time to come get them  they said i have to get my Daughter to call them and tell them she don't want them  . so i call and told her she then told me i am not calling spca they are not mine they are your cats  . if she did not want them  she should of not asked me to watch them  and keep making up excuse . sooo i told everyone on facebook what she did to me  that was wrong for her to do that to me now she not talking to me etc...
    • donna
      oh yeah she never wished me happy birthday and happy mother day  no card nothing  only for her boyfriends mom she kiss there buts so her boyfriend wont brake up with her
  • mom

    "Shutting a person out is a response to anxiety and fusion. Your actions

    or lack of action didn’t cause this. Cutting off is a way people manage

    anxiety when they don’t know a better way. The love and caring is there;

    the ability to solve differences is not."

    Hi, just happen to stumble on this article, and could not keep myself from posting... I am an "estranged" parent of two of my five children.. 

    Your statement I have quoted above? This is a "fact"? Something you "know" to be the "cause" of adult children "estranging"? 

    The "dance" the "pressure" oh poor poor little fellow... all the "stress" he was under... Did you ever consider? Well, how is it that the poor fellow, with no job... had somewhere to go? Where was that by the way? Is there free housing and food out there for those who "feel" stress? I was not aware of? Life IS something these "kids" need to "feel"! and learn from. And little "stessed" out, unmotivated kids.... Poor little things. I really don't feel like my job as a parent or a "fellow" citizen needs to keep making "excuses" for the "poor little girls and gals" out there. Nor do I find sweeping articles like this very helpful to parents as myself who have found there worlds torn to shreds by a "generation" of "pity party" excused "punks" who get away with this sort of "outragious" behaviour, while parents and families are left with all this "advice" and the kids are left to "behave" any way they want tooo... and everyone just works their tails off to be so "understanding" of why the poor little things are so "stressed" 

    They need to "grow up" !!

    • Spaceyfacey
      @mom I wholeheartedly agree!
    • Spirited Lady

      @mom I appreciate your bringing forth another facet of this issue.  My son has his own business.  He and his wife purchased a modest home and they seem to be doing modestly well.  He had published two books by the time he was 30 and seems to be well respected in his field.  I know, however, that they both suffer from some depression disorder and distancing from their families is part of how they choose to handle their stress.  It seems to be a pattern they learned from her family.  But it's also how my son sometimes chose to express his resentments.  My husband says my son will live to regret how he treats me.  I'm sure he will eventually work through his issues, but probably not for a few more years.  I choose to be patient and at the same time supportive, since he doesn't ask anything of me except to give him distance from me.  They are not part of a drug culture.

      But to your point, yes, they have grown up in a culture that encourages this kind of individualism where it's everyone for themselves, whatever feels good,...  why pay taxes to help others or even build community  infrastructure when I can do better for myself?  It'as all about me!  

      Thinking adults eventually figure out that it's not really all about me.  We need relationships: family, community, country.  We need roads and food inspection and a bazillion other things.   

      I appreciate the woman who wrote about the biblical commandment to "honor your father and your mother that your days may be long upon the earth."  My son was taught this.in a home with little judgment of others and high expectations of service.  I rest on the promise in Proverbs 22:6, "Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it."  I'm just waiting for him to be old and work through the issues he's running away from.

  • Angry and Estranged

    This article is pure garbage. Adult children become estranged from

    their parents as a coping mechanism to avoid suffering continued abuse. 

    Nor do I want my father and especially my stepmother any where near my

    children. I need to protect them from being emotional and

    psychologically abused like I was.

    Most parents of estranged kids are in denial about what caused the

    estrangement.  I know mine certainly are.  They think they were so

    perfect and I am so flawed and want to hurt them. They won't acknowledge any of the pain they caused me nor the fact I grew up in an abusive home.

    Too

    often you see this stupid clique of the perfect mother being estranged

    from the lazy or drug addicted adult child who they won't give money

    too.

    I'm a professional with a master's degree in engineering, married with two kids. I

    also have suffered severe anxiety due to years and years of extreme

    criticism and nonstop put-downs and bashing by my stepmother which she

    would always say to my dad, "is that's true?" and he would nod. He's

    been bullied by her just as badly as me, but he won't leave her so what

    else can I do?  He supports her and allowed her to emotionally abuse me for years without standing up for me once..

    The

    reality is most kids are estranged because when faced with a

    relationship that causes you nothing but pain and agony, you end it.

    That's true whether you are dealing with a romantic relationship or one

    with a parent. 

    The truth is I hope they feel bad, because of how badly they have hurt me.

    At

    least by cutting them out of my live, I'm able to move on and heal.

    With them continuing to be in my life, I would continue to suffer.

    • Spirited Lady

      @Angry and Estranged In your case, you have definitely made the right choice.  And I'm sure you're right about many, many cases of estrangement... maybe most.  I volunteer in a women's prison and hear the women's  stories of abuse.  And, because they've been on drugs, their children have also been abused, or watched abuse.  But that's not every case.  And the issues can be much more subtle if the adult child is sensitive.  Sometimes the issues were mostly outside the home and the child still wants to flee from those memories.  Or the spouse insists on the separation. Sometimes an early death in the family was involved.  it can be complicated. 

      But I think you're right that abuse in the household (or sometimes favoritism) is probably the most common cause of estrangement. But letting go of your anger and resentment is a gift you can give yourself, since they obviously got away with it and may or may not care.  Better to write them off than carry the hurt.  You get to choose your feelings about them.  

      Sometimes going back and listening to their absurd statements and thinking can help you take some of the power out of your unhappy memories.  You couldn't really stand up to them then (it didn't help even if you did), but you can stand up to them now as an adult and calmly tell them how hurt you were by their abuse.  They don't need to agree or apologize, but the child in you will know you're now an adult and can stand up to abuse.  That will take away much of the pain and give you freedom from the hurt they caused.

  • DeniseR_ParentalSupport

    Tarquin Hamilton

    We appreciate you reaching out to Empowering Parents for help

    with your situation. When parents and adult children become estranged,  it can be difficult for everyone involved. I’m

    glad to hear you are looking for some support around the issues you are facing.

    The 211 Helpline would be able to give you information on resources in your

    community, such as support groups, counselors and other types of supports. You

    can reach the Helpline 24 Hours a day by calling 1-800-273-6222. You can also

    visit them online at http://www.211.org/.

    We wish you the best of luck moving forward. Take care.

  • Sad and discouraged

    Hello. I'm writing because of a situation that my husband and I are having with his mom.  My husband and his mom have cut each other off--both sides--within the past couple of years. 

    We have only been married for two and a half years and each of us have been married once before and each of us have two sons, so without external issues, we have enough of our own to deal with. My youngest stepson was bullying my kids at school and at home for months all starting when we went on our honeymoon and my mother-in-law stayed with my stepson while we were gone.  Anyway, it's caused huge issues with my MIL because she doesn't believe that my stepson would ever do that kind of thing and I guess he told her things about me and my sons that, no matter what anyone says, she believes.  This has caused quite the rift between my husband and his mom because no matter what my husband says, she just shrugs it off and takes to heart as truth everything that my stepson says.

    She says that I'm not allowing her to get to know my kids and then in the next sentence, she calls them mamas boys.  She accused me of bullying her grandson while his dad was at work; she says that I need to treat her grandsons with respect (which makes sense--where's my respect?); she says that one day they might love us like family; that I need to stay out of the issues that the boys have with each other and not get involved...all of these things she said to me over a span of three days.  And then, when I choose to cool off instead of screaming at people, she says that I go off pouting. 

    She also has hated her husband's family for the last 40 or so years because they tried to give her advice about raising her kids--she doesn't talk to them.  She has no friends because at some point they have all given her reason to write them out of her life.  She was so mean to her 2nd son when he was growing up that he doesn't talk to her and he didn't invite either of his parents to his wedding--he wanted to invite his dad, but didn't think it would be right to just invite one of them.  Her own husband says that she's not a very nice person and that she'd rather be a hermit.  She is mean to my kids for the holidays and their birthdays--they don't get anything from my in-laws--which at this point I would probably send back anything that she sent to them--I know that seems rude but when they get $10 in a Christmas card that just says "Gram and Gramps" or (which was underlined in the card) and then it had their names, and then they see their stepbrother who has been nothing but mean to them get hundreds of dollars worth of toys and electronics and personalized shoes, what does that tell them?  I let the issues between the boys go for almost an entire school year, so how bad of a mom do you think I feel about that?

    I still go buy holiday cards and remind my husband of her birthday every year, but nothing matters.  I texted her for her birthday and said that I hope she is doing well--of course I wasn't expecting a response, so I wasn't surprised when I didn't get one.

    I am a horrible person and so are my kids.  That's how she makes the three of us feel.  My kids know that she doesn't like them and that pisses me off.  She has made my husband feel like he's a bad father and that pisses me off too.  Should they be in contact?  Maybe, maybe not.

    If anyone has any suggestions or anything, please let me know.  I just needed to vent because I've been thinking about her all day and I'm not sure why.

    • Diana

      @Sad and discouraged

      I heard a talk radio show (popular female Psychiatrist_Dr. First Name).  I'm uncertain I can mention her name here and want to be able to reference as the subject addresses your situation directly.  The Do's and Don'ts of Stepparenting.The main point was: A stepparent doesn't just marry a spouse; they marry their spouse's entire situation. In so doing, they become a professional egg shell walker.  The goal line is to find a balance between supporting and defending without overstepping visible and invisible boundaries. As for making nice with your MIL?  Step back enough to get your boundaries in place.  The ten dollar gift to your child versus her grandchild?  Perhaps you could ask that special treatment be given on his birthday and Christmas to be divided equally among the children. That's her grandchild and she's loved him and grown with him since day 1.  Are you demanding that she immediately treat your son the same?  Dismiss any rejection your son may feel, but accept he's been acknowledged and make the point that she just doesn't know how special he is yet.  Could you pick out his new best friend for him at school and demand your son to have fun with him when he'd rather be elsewhere?  Even a ten dollar gift is to be appreciated. Have him write a thank you note.  Presentation and delivery is important, which is why I wouldn't allow such disparity between the kids at Christmas as it is a family shared event. Birthdays or special days between Grandma and Grandson only?  That's a relationship that has bonded in the heart.  Your love doesn't represent hers. Dictating to her would stir resentment. Give her freedom for her love to grow. You can offset the balance with special days for your son.Respect comes first, then comes like, then comes love.  If your stepson plays sports and you're always there cheering him on and he rebuffs you, for example?  Tell him, "I love coming to your games, but I don't like being ignored or being treated disrespectfully. So I'm not going to come anymore until you ask me to come."  He may say, "No sweat."  Then let it be.  One of these days, he may just look over his shoulder and say, "Are you going to be there?"  That's the moment when you know you're on your way to being friends.  When your relationship with your stepsons improve, and you've learned to identify and navigate the visible and invisible lines ---- Grandma will come around. Only do what you would do for another because you want to, not to score points.  Do it with genuine heart and without expectation --- or hope.  Place all energies on your husband.  You two are the most important people that can foster an environment of responsibility and respect. Don't fret.  Watch the lines. Play down the drama. Respect and demand respect in return --- politely.  This is a tough job. It has been said, "Oftentimes, folks are so eager to step in and step up as stepparents that they don't step back and appreciate the giant staircase they are about to climb. Which is why their "blended families" can feel more like a perpetual trip through the blender than a happy, healthy, Brady Bunch smoothie."  

      Be strong of good courage.  I wish you the best.

      • The Scribe
        @Diana Being parents is tough enough. I dare not imagine what being step-parents would be like.
      • Sad and discouraged
        @Diana Thank you very much for your insights.  It is a tough situation from all sides.  Although I'm not sure that she will ever come around, no matter how my relationship is with her youngest grandson, I would still like her no to loathe me and my kids someday.  I getMore along famously with my oldest stepson, but she doesn't see that, she really just focuses on the youngest.  I will take all of your comments and build on them.  Thank you again.
    • RebeccaW_ParentalSupport

      @Sad and discouraged 

      It sounds like you have had a difficult time

      with your mother-in-law, and her treatment of you and your sons over the past

      few years.  We appreciate you writing in for support.  I recognize

      how difficult this situation must be for everyone in your family.  As

      frustrating as it is, you ultimately cannot control your mother-in-law’s

      actions, or the way that she treats you and your family.  What you can

      control is yourself, and your own actions.  As Debbie describes in another

      article, http://www.empoweringparents.com/grandparents-and-parents-disagreeing-11-tips-for-both-of-you.php,

      one of the most effective things you can do in this type of situation is to

      clearly define your boundaries, and to communicate those to your

      mother-in-law.  How she chooses to respond to those boundaries is up to

      her.  It’s also important to make sure that you are taking care of

      yourself during this stressful time.  Self-care, while frequently

      overlooked, is an important part of being an effective parent.  Your

      self-care plan can be anything you wish: take a walk, call a supportive friend,

      or even using more structured supports such as a counselor or support

      group.  For information on available resources in your area, try calling

      the http://www.211.org/ at

      1-800-273-6222.  I understand how trying this situation must be, and I

      wish you and your family all the best as you continue to move forward. 

      Take care.

      • Sad and discouraged
        RebeccaW_ParentalSupport Thank you for the well wishes...I can use all the positive thoughts I can get.  I have been slacking on the self-care and my husband has also.  He doesn't sleep well most nights partially because of his parents and partially because of his sons.  His family mantra seems to beMore "time fixes all" which is true sometimes, but that to them means that at some point in time, whether we have spoken in 10 years or not, we will all just be over whatever this is and be friends.  I don't think it works that way.
    • Spirited Lady

      @Sad and discouraged

      I'm sorry to hear this sad story.  Your mother-in-law is obviously a very unhappy person determined to make others unhappy as well.  My advice is: don't let her make you unhappy and discouraged.  Don't give her that power.  You don't have any control over her behavior but you do control how you think about it, which determines how you feel about it.  If your boys see you write off her treatment of everyone with a wave of your hand and a roll of your eyes, they'll see it for what it's worth. Don't let her win.  And stop doing anything in her regard.  You owe her nothing and her relationship with her son and his boys is not your business.  Let it go.

      • Sad and discouraged
        Spirited Lady Thank you!  That is very helpful to hear.
  • Spirited Lady

    I think for my son I am a reminder of his very difficult childhood, which involved being mixed race in a white community, intellectually gifted and unwilling to "dumb down," artistic in an athletic-oriented society, his father's early death, divorce, and the list goes on.  He's also counter-cultural whereas, to him, my husband and I seem very conventional.  I'm really proud of his achievements, and accepting of his lifestyle, but he's probably not sure of that.  

    I was full of anguish and self-blame (he blamed me, but the accusations didn't even make sense, so i know it was something deeper), but I eventually found peace about it as his own life stabilized and he seemed happy.  I know he loves me and i know he's sure of my love.  So that's what's important.  I can understand that, for him, there is too much emotional attachment that he doesn't know what to do about. and issues he's not ready to unpack.  

    Since he and his wife moved a couple thousand miles from both families, not seeing them appears fairly normal.  Our family gathered for several days for my mother's memorial service 2 years ago and he appreciated my keeping my distance to give him space.  I try to sense what he wants and doesn't want from me.  I send cards for special occasions and gifts for his babies, for birthdays and Christmas.  I also send occasional brief email updates so he's not out of touch with our lives.  

    He's quite unique and he needs time and space to really find himself... away from the mother he probably never was as close to as he had wished.  

    I have a full life and I think he does too.  Plus, there's a family reunion this summer, so at least I'll have a week where I can observe and meet my new granddaughter..

  • Diana

    {{{This response does not apply to substance abuse situation.}}}

    For those parents suffering this, my heart truly goes out to you. As a Mom of young teens, I pay attention to this only because my brother did this to our parents; our whole family actually. I've never understood it.  As a young boy, always described as a bit shy and terribly sweet.  As a teen, I remember my brother always selfish, impatient and easily wounded, embarrassed or offended. He's still pretty much that way, though an old guy these days, he just doesn't want to be bothered. Being bothered means -- anything NOT on his personal agenda.  After returning from an overseas assignment, while still in our early 20's, my brother and I met at our parents' home. Having not seen him in 4 years, when I saw him arrive, I went running out into the driveway to hug him ---- and I offended him by hugging him too tight.  He said of this years later, it embarrassed him.  To this day, I can't understand his mindset.  

    The estrangement had more to do with him than anyone else, yet my parents felt very much accused as they were guilty for how my brother described all the offenses from his youth and how he was made to feel. In his late teens, he wouldn't have anything to do with our grandmother citing some new reason he wouldn't explain.  He became very emotional when our grandfather died, but never kept in touch with him after High School. He was never interested to keep in touch with our extended family of uncles, aunts or cousins.  

    Our parents are hard working and imperfect, but they did their best. I am bewildered by my brother still to this day. As I read the heart breaking stories of other parents, I am equally bewildered by the adult child that wants to nurse old wounds or  feel more at ease to rebuff now that they don't "need" their parents anymore.  

    My parents never allowed my brother's rejection of them to get in the way of their love for him. They have gone through a very long, dark valley and they now accept their son as the selfish man he's chosen to be. They had to mourn the son they thought he was and accept the man he is --- that has been frightening for me to watch as I have a son that's soon to be 13. I don't want that to be my life. It concerns me. My parents don't  question his peculiar behavior anymore. They realize that they could buy an airplane ticket to travel to his graduation ceremony one moment and not speak again nor see each other for the next 5 years --- without reason or provocation.  The next time they saw him was to attend his son's graduation ceremony. When my Mom first saw him, she turned to wipe her tears to avoid crying in front of him.  They didn't get a private moment with him at all.  He said hello, kissed and hugged them both.  They spoke via Face Time at Christmas. And perhaps, my parents will see him again, but only if they fly out once again to attend the 2nd grandson's graduation in May.  They are self employed retirees and living just barely on their social security. Plane tickets?  Hotels?  This is back breaking expensive for them. My brother doesn't even consider the sacrifice of their attendance. 

    I respect my parents for the people they've chosen to be. They're strong people.  My father has always said, "When you're green you're growing and when you're ripe, you rot."  He has shown even at 78 -- he's still green. They humble themselves and they don't do it out of weakness or begging, but out of love and strength.  Frankly, to be very honest, I don't want to have to be that strong!!  It's scary.  I want my children to love and respect me, especially after the love and sacrifice of our best years with them. We want and hope so much for them!  My parents were raised with much less, but gave us (including my brother) so much more. We had hard times like every family and they didn't always make the best decisions concerning us, but here we are.  I know they did their best (at the time), with all the pressures they lived with and the exhaustion.  

    Each adult child has to make their own choice whether or not to mature into the kind of person that can forgive another human being and have enough grace and fullness of heart to love no matter what or to put themselves last.  The Lord says to Honor your Father and Mother so that all will go well with you!  This is the only command that has a promise at the end of it.  Children, listen! 

    Speaking to their grandson on the phone, my parents asked to speak to his father and he refused to come to the phone.  To show such open disrespect?  This was during the long silence ---- the first time. It's happened many times since over the years.  It broke my father's heart.  He just sat at the kitchen table and cried.  How can that make *any* adult child feel better about any past wound or hurt? Only the very weak can stand on the neck of his/her brokenhearted father.

    We are all someone's child, even our parents are somebody's kid.  Do you know how your parents were raised?  Do you know their little boy and little girl hurts? Can't we all just stop passing down the hurt?  Just, stop.  Love instead.  Be gracious to your parents --- they are the only two people on this earth that gave you life.  Be gracious to them while you have them. 

    What can any of you share with me to prevent this from happening to me? The pressures and worries surrounding me today are many.  My son is overcoming a few learning deficiencies.  Once upon a time, the teachers would hold us in from recess and *make* us do our work, but that doesn't happen today. They pass even when the kids fail!  When pushed, can any of you believe the school district told me that as the parent I was the one responsible for my child's education?  Well, of course I am.  I'm just glad they agree!  No one can be trusted to do a parents job today.  I have to protect them from themselves digitally (Hey Mom, can I have a FB account?"  No, you're just 10!)  Can any of you just imagine all the mistakes I'm making??   I set rules, they don't like them.  They disbey?  They have consequences.  They also have to contribute to our home by doing certain everyday chores.  They feel this is abuse as none of their other friends have chores and they have iPhones, iPads, FB, Instagram ---- and money in their pocket.  They also go on vacations and spring break every year.  I don't know how these parents are doing it ---- I can't.  I just signed my son up for lacrosse and after all expenses paid?  Before one game is even played?  It's nearly $900.  My daughter's coveted high school jacket was $400.  The year book is $100 and she's already looking at her high school ring which is estimated at $600 --- that doesn't even count in graduation expenses or swimming or orchestra.  How do I worry about how they feel, when I have so much else to worry about??  How do I know which mistake will be the one they come back on me with 10 years from now? 

    Adult children, is it really so hard to look on your parents as people and appreciate all that you were given and forgive them for whatever it was about them that wounded you?  Every single parent makes mistakes and these disrespectful children that will be parents one day, will surely make their own.  

    My children are complete opposites.  I wish I was 20 again when I had all the answers.

    • Blue Lemonade

      Hi Diana, I'm sorry that your brother is estranged from your parents. It doesn't sound like anyone knows why, but he must have his reasons for it. Could it be something that happened when he was very young that you don't know about?

      You might get a lot from reading the book: Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents. It's not about estrangement, but is more about how many of us fail to mature emotionally and lack the skills as parents or adult children to manage our emotions effectively. It might help you to understand the possible causes of your brother's estrangement, and possibly reassure you about your own children.

      Different children can respond so differently to the same parents or the same upbringing. Could it be that your brother doesn't have the skills to make his relationship with your parents work the way that you do? Many boys are pressured to show no feelings at all as children. They are taught not only not to feel but to not ask for help when they need it. Perhaps he has some trauma from the past that he hasn't talked about?

      It doesn't sound like you have any information about why your brother chose to estrange from your parents and so you're left wondering if this could easily happen with your own children. But it's really unlikely if you are the kind of parent (which it seems like you are) who thinks about what kind of parent to be. That ability to self-reflect and to be self-aware are really important as a parent.

      I get it that it seems way too easy to cut someone out of your life. When my grandmother died, my mom estranged herself from her 4 siblings. Then 20 years later, she is estranged from me now too. It starts to feel like anything can happen, like your kids could grow up and stop speaking to you too. That is when I remind myself that I'm nothing like my own mother, who cannot apologize to save her life, and is always right. She subscribes to the idea that children should be seen and not heard, and have no emotional needs only physical ones. In fact, growing up with her as a mom made me a better mom, because I swore I'd never be like her, never do to my kids what she did to us, never treat them the way she treated us. I've read and learned about my kids, their unique personalities and temperaments. I recognize their individuality and genuinely care about their needs, something my mother wasn't capable of.

      My mom had me and my sister because she wanted someone to love HER unconditionally. Basically she had it backwards. Children don't ask to be born, and don't owe their parents love. A child's very survival depends on their parent meeting their needs. So what a child feels is not love, it's dependence and need. It can eventually evolve into the kind of caring love so many parents want to get from their children, but that will only happen if the parent does a good enough job meeting their children's needs when they are children.

      Instead of focusing on meeting our needs, my mother focused on getting obligatatory love and respect from her children, but that is not real love. What you get when you demand love and respect is a show, not the real thing. She never allowed us to be ourselves, or express our real feelings. There was no room in our house for anyone's authentic feelings and needs but my mother's. She demanded we act in specific ways toward her, no matter what we were feeling inside. We obeyed her until we realized we didn't have to obey her anymore.

      With my own children, I am focusing on meeting their needs, physical and emotional. My goal as a parent is to raise adults that can go out in the world and form good relationships with other people: friends, teachers, bosses, coworkers, partners and their own children. I do care about how my kids treat me, because that's important feedback for how well I'm doing raising them, for how well-adjusted they are, and how they will treat other people in the world. But I do not expect to be on a pedestal due to my role as their mother, as my mother did.

      As a parent, what I know is that raising kids is not about meeting MY needs. It's not about whether I am loved, or respected, or known by my children. It's all about them, learning about them, understanding them and what they need. Does this child need more structure or more freedom? Does this child need to take others into consideration more or to consider themselves more? Every lesson is about what that child needs to become their best self.

      I'll be happy as long as they are happy and safe, regardless of how often they call me, or regardless of whether they send me a card on Mother's Day. I gave my mother plenty of cards, but none of them were from my heart. If I get anything from my adult children, I want it to be from their true hearts.

    • Peace seeker
      Diana, your comments so touched my heart. Beautiful and heartfelt with a great deal of wisdom. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
    • Spirited Lady
      @Diana It's sad how materialistic our world has become.  I hope you sit quietly with each of your children and talk to them about these issues... just so they know your heart, not to change their current behavior.  It's hard to have quiet, honest communication with a teenager, but it'sMore important.  I'm sorry about your brother, but that's him.  We'll see what happens with his kids.  There's always hope for reconciliation.  We don't know the future.  We are all in God's loving care and God is always opening doors for reconciliation.
  • KK
    As an adult you may cut off a parent because they hold mistakes you have made over 25 years ago and keep bringing them up to diminish your value.  They find nothing right with who you are as a person and they believe they are right in holding this overMore your head.
  • Jon
    This is a very good article. I distanced myself from my family more than 17 years ago. My mom had so much anger and sadness in her. She lived through World War II in Europe and was in Nazi concentration camps for five years. She hadMore so much bitterness in her and she was also very judgemental. The most self confident person in the world would feel like garbage after the guilt trip she would give them. My brothers turned to alcohol and drugs and I drank for some time too. I eventually left my family behind And went my own way. The problems were too big to fix and I thought It was best to live my life and leave my family to wallow in their problems. Some families, like mine, are too broken so the only option is to distance yourself for your own sanity.
    • Diana

      @Jon

      With all due respect Jon, how does adding to your Mom's brokenness help her or you in anyway?  What would you do if a disfigured or mentally challenged son or daughter were born to you? Would you abandon them because loving them would be too taxing on you? I see loving your mother no different than this.  She is very broken.  My MIL had body parts flying by her when she was a little girl in Germany. She is also broken in many ways. Broken people need to be loved, too.  And Jon, we're all broken in some way. You can't fix this anymore than you could a disfigured body, but there is always grace to be found and surprising moments of joy along the way.  Choose just one thing you can do to love your Mom, then slowly add to it.  You're not loving her to suit your own needs.  Your loving her  because of who she is and it will come from your strength. Love her right where she is -----  a son is a treasure.  Know that.

      Can you accept your mother's weakness and love her anyway?

      • Andrew 6.2022

        Wow, both of you have very unique perspectives and make great points.Thank you both for sharing.

        I will say that both of your points could be the correct option. Jon could have already tried Diana's advice but was not able to deal with his mother over many years time (I presume).

  • CJ
    Thank you for addressing this issue. It validates how I've handled to situation. In my family this has gone on for generations. I don't think my mom ever reconciled with hers but I thank God that I finally matured enough in my 40s to reconcile with my mom. That givesMore me hope and patience to wait for my daughter to renew a relationship with me.
  • northernman
    Thank you Debbie for this helpful article.  Where would I look for a support group as you mentioned in your article.  I am in a Western suburb of Cleveland Ohio.
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