Dr. Jan’s LifeWise Words of Wisdom
Rebuilding Bridges: What I’ve Learned About Parent and Adult-Child Estrangement
"What I’ve Learned About Parent and Adult-Child Estrangement"
Parent and adult-child estrangement is becoming increasingly common, with adult children often framing it as "no contact." While historically linked to severe abuse or manipulation, today's estrangements may stem from diverse issues, including political differences, lifestyle choices, or third-party influences like in-laws.
In this blog, I explore key insights and practical strategies for parents navigating this painful experience:
Mindset Updates: Learn how to accept the shifted balance of power, understand your adult child’s limitations, and rethink unhelpful strategies.
Building Resilience: Discover tools for distress tolerance and emotional regulation to handle the inner turmoil of estrangement.
Strategic Thinking: Approach reconciliation with patience, perspective-taking, and negotiation skills to improve the odds of reconnecting.
Estrangement is a "Freakin' Growth Opportunity" (FGO) that challenges us to evolve. By combining emotional resilience with strategic actions, parents can reclaim their sanity and increase their chances of healing relationships while maintaining hope.
Read the full blog to learn how to transform pain into personal growth and reconnection with your adult child.
Mom Guilt? How to Give Yourself — and Your Loved Ones — a Break.
Mom guilt: a universal yet rarely discussed challenge of modern motherhood. This article explores the evolutionary roots of maternal guilt, its impact on marriages, and its manifestation across cultures. Learn strategies to balance your role as a mother with your personal identity, and discover how overcoming guilt can strengthen family relationships.
Estranged: When Holidays Hurt
Holidays can be particularly painful for parents estranged from adult children. Dr. Jan Anderson provides compassionate insight into this 'silent epidemic,' offering strategies to cope, maintain hope, and work towards reconnection. Learn how to navigate this challenging time while fostering personal growth and resilience.
Tired of Being Triggered? How to Not Lose It with the People You Love.
Navigating emotional triggers in relationships can feel like walking through a minefield. Dr. Jan Anderson offers a therapist's perspective on staying calm when tensions run high. Learn counterintuitive yet effective strategies to manage your emotions, from embracing feelings to practicing self-compassion. Discover how these techniques can transform difficult conversations and strengthen your relationships, even in the most challenging times.
The Problem with Relationships: We Crave Connection. That Seriously Freaks Us Out. Here’s How to Handle It.
We crave connection, yet fear vulnerability - it's the ultimate relationship paradox. Dr. Jan Anderson delves into this common dilemma, offering professional insights on why we struggle and how to overcome it. Discover the 'universal law of relationships' and learn practical strategies to balance emotional openness with personal strength. Whether you're dealing with family estrangement or seeking deeper connections, this guide provides a fresh perspective on building healthier, more fulfilling relationships.
When Mother’s Day Hurts
Mother's Day can be a heart-wrenching time for mothers estranged from their adult children. Dr. Jan Anderson delves into this 'silent epidemic,' offering profound insights on why traditional reconciliation methods often backfire and how to navigate this painful journey. Learn counterintuitive yet effective strategies for coping, from backing off to honoring other mothers, and discover how to maintain hope while working towards possible reconnection. This compassionate guide provides a lifeline for those grappling with the complex emotions of parent-child estrangement.