Maybe it's not your fault--the five most common reasons for parent-child estrangement

 

Maybe it's not your fault--the five most common reasons for parent-child estrangement

Society can be hard on women, especially as they age. It's no wonder the suicide rate for women is highest among those 45 to 54 years of age. This is a time when women experience changes in their appearance and circumstances. This is a time when many women experience diminished self-esteem, often for reasons  beyond their control.

 

While there is no one thing that causes a loss of self-esteem, the result can be depression or eventually, suicide. Regardless of age, women need to find ways to express emotions, uncover reasons for any unhappiness, and rediscover positive aspects of life. This is easier said than done, however, especially when a woman feels rejected by adult children she parented, loved, and made sacrifices for.

 

In the article, "What To Do When You and Your Grown Child Don't Get Along," drjananderson.com lists five most common reasons for parent-child estrangement:

 

1. DIVORCE

2. ADDICTION OR MENTAL ILLNESS

3. ESTRANGEMENT DUE TO A SON-IN-LAW OR DAUGHTER-IN-LAW

4. TEMPERAMENTAL MISMATCHES

5. NEED FOR AUTONOMY

 

  "As the most family-oriented time of year approaches, it’s a time of heartache for parents whose adult children have cut them off – and the growing..." 
http://www.drjananderson.com/grown-child/

If you have an estranged child or know someone who does, writing a letter might be an important first step. After following the link and reading the article, please feel free to write a response to any of the five most common reasons identified for parent-child estrangement or add a reason of your own. You can keep your writing personal or share it on this blog site. The important thing is to start the process of healing and forgiving self and others. Best of luck! 

(c) M.D. Johnson (2014)