"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.

Discover the power of effective complaining in saving your marriage. Learn the subtle differences between complaints and criticism, and how to express your concerns without damaging your relationship. This article provides practical, research-backed strategies to improve communication and strengthen your bond with your partner.

Explore how staying calm and speaking up non-defensively can transform your marriage. This real-life case study illustrates the power of emotional regulation in resolving conflicts. Learn practical techniques to manage your emotions, communicate effectively, and create a stronger, more resilient relationship with your spouse.

Discover the Relationship Pulse Check, a powerful tool for maintaining a strong, healthy partnership. This article introduces a simple yet effective method to regularly assess and improve your relationship. Learn how to identify subtle signs of disconnection and implement strategies to reconnect, ensuring your relationship stays vibrant and resilient.

Trapped in an unhappy marriage but reluctant to divorce? This article challenges the stay-or-leave dichotomy, presenting research-backed alternatives for finding happiness. Discover how to improve your relationship, focus on personal growth, or consider therapeutic separation. Learn to navigate marital challenges with a fresh perspective.

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.

Follow one couple's journey from disconnection to understanding as Dr. Jan Anderson guides a self-proclaimed 'A-hole' to discover his innate capacity for empathy. Learn practical strategies for improving communication, deepening emotional connections, and reigniting love in your relationship - all while staying true to yourself.

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.

Think some conflicts are unsolvable? Think again. Dr. Jan Anderson shares insights from relationship experts on how to navigate perpetual disagreements without damaging your partnership. Learn practical, counterintuitive techniques to address issues constructively, enhance communication, and strengthen your bond. Discover why love alone isn't enough and how mastering these skills can transform your relationship, even when facing seemingly insurmountable differences.