"The best way to heal a rift was through sensitive communication and empathy, rather than necessarily reaching for labels such as narcissistic and abusive, she said. A lot of estranged parents are very well intended, but don't understand that [their intentions] didn't create the impact for their child to feel loved or supported or included. The child might feel controlled or highly criticised, she said. However if one side continued to deny the other's perspective, then estrangement couuld be the healthiest option, she said."
"Research from Stand Alone, the charity founded by Bland, found that at least one in five UK families have experienced it. Figures from the US found that 10% of mothers were estranged from at least one adult child, while another study found more than 40% of participants had experienced estrangement. A parent responding insensitively to a child's new partner was an incredibly common rupture, Bland said."
Parental abuse, the arrival of new partners, and irreconcilable differences over morals, values and beliefs are common reasons for parent-child estrangement. High-profile cases can illustrate these dynamics, including conflicts over perceived performative behaviour and attempts to control relationships. Charity research found at least one in five UK families have experienced estrangement, US figures show 10% of mothers estranged from an adult child, and other studies report over 40% of participants experiencing estrangement. Insensitive parental responses to a child's new partner are a common rupture. Healing typically requires sensitive communication and empathy, though estrangement can be healthiest if perspectives are denied.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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