Hi there Slow Down Society —
Today we are going to wrap up the Slow Parenting series and talk about something that not everybody really enjoys talking about: Estrangement.
It’s not a fun topic.
I’ve been coaching now long enough that I have worked with clients on both sides of the issue (not in the same family, of course –)
and it’s a very tricky subject to navigate. Lately estrangement has been in the news and journalists are calling it an “epidemic” — and making it seem like a revolution is happening where children are deciding at the drop of the hat to disengage completely with their parents.
I do not believe this to be the case.
And in this newest episode, that’s what we are going to be talking about.
Estrangement often occurs later in life when a family member cuts off communication with another. This can happen when an adult child chooses to distance themselves from a parent or relative, often as a means of protecting their emotional well-being.
How can you prevent estrangement from happening with your own children?
In her book Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents, clinical psychologist Lindsay C. Gibson explores the four types of difficult parents and how these dynamics can lead to estrangement during adulthood. Understanding these parenting styles can help you foster healthier relationships with your children.
The four types are:
- The Emotional Parent
- The Driven Parent
- The Passive Parent
- The Rejecting Parent
Preventing estrangement begins with strong communication. Simple acts like saying you’re sorry, showing humility, and committing to self-growth can go a long way in nurturing a lasting bond with your children.
For deeper insight into these parenting styles, check out Lindsay C. Gibson’s book, Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents.
And here is an excellent article from Newsweek about Estrangement in Parent/Child relationships.
Want to catch up on the Slow Parenting Series?
Here are some episodes to help you dive in:
- Episode 5 – Teaching Your Children to Slow Down
- Episode 138 – Slow Parenting Series: Intro
- Episode 140 – Slow Parenting Series: Mindful Kids and the Newborn Stage
- Episode 144 – Slow Parenting Series: School Age Readiness
- Episode 145 – Slow Parenting Series: Teaching Emotional Regulation to Children
- Episode 148 – The Tween and Teen Years (with Amylee, the Productive Mama)
