In part 1 of this discussion, we talked about the common reasons why estrangement happens with an adult child and four things you can do starting today to put yourself on the path of reconnection. In part 2, Tina offers five specific things not to do if you have an estranged child, some real stories of reconciled relationships, and an unexpected takeaway that applies to all of us, whether you currently have an estranged adult child, or not.
Tina Gilbert is a Psychotherapist, Author, Estrangement Consultant, and author of Reconnecting with Your Estranged Adult Child: Practical Tips and Tools to Heal Your Relationship. She cuts through the blame, shame, and guilt on both sides of the broken relationship and offers techniques and tools to parents who have felt powerless. She believes reconciliation is a step-by-step process, but the effort is worth it. It is never too late to renew relations and experience better-than-ever bonds.
In this episode, we talk about:
Here’s a glance:
[2:41] Tina shares a few strategies many parents try but are not effective in repairing an estranged relationship.
[9:45] Stories of successful reconnections between adult children and parents.
[17:46] Why allowing time to pass could be what is needed to heal a relationship when nothing else is working.
[25:07] Keys to finding self-compassion when it feels that life isn’t fair.
[30:22] Tina explains why Self-compassion Cinnamon Cookie is the nail color she would choose to heal relationships.
[34:12] In the Flip the Chip segment, Mary highlights Tina’s five things not to do if you are currently estranged from your adult child.
“Continually reaching out, in some cases, will actually do more harm than good. In other cases, it won't make a difference.” — Tina Gilbertson on @livelikeyournailcolor
“I hear regularly from parents who have managed to reconnect with their kids. There's a certain point at which the parent takes ownership of the problem and says "I am going to figure this out”. You have to overcome shame to do it.” — Tina Gilbertson on @livelikeyournailcolor
“Most estrangements are temporary.” — Tina Gilbertson on @livelikeyournailcolor
Reconnecting with Your Estranged Adult Child: Practical Tips and Tools to Heal Your Relationship
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