Healing Estrangement: Reconnecting with Your Adult Child

09/08/2025 32 min Temporada 4 Episodio 230
Healing Estrangement: Reconnecting with Your Adult Child

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Episode Synopsis

Estrangement between parents and adult children is more common than many realize — affecting an estimated 26% of adults aged 18 to 40. In this episode of theWhere Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino talks with Catherine Hickem, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, psychotherapist, founder of Parenting Adult Children, author and mom, about why these painful breakups happen and how to repair them.Hickem emphasizes the importance of discipline and self-awareness in fostering healthy connections, while also addressing the emotional and mental health implications of estrangement. The conversation unpackes the critical role of consent in relationships and the impact of bullying in these dynamics, encouraging parents to be proactive in their approach to rebuilding trust and understanding with their children. Discover how modern pressures — from social media and device use to mental health challenges — can widen the communication gap, and what parents can do to rebuild trust, respect, and connection.Key takeaways:Why parent–adult child estrangement is on the riseHow hormonal changes and social media can impact family relationshipsThe role of self-awareness and healthy discipline in reconnectionAddressing consent, respect, and past hurts such as bullyingPractical strategies to bridge the generational divideHow to move forward with empathy, patience, and hopeLinks referenced in this episode:whereparentstalk.comCompanies mentioned in this episode: Parenting Adult Children Today This podcast is for parents, guardians, teachers and caregivers to learn proven strategies and trusted tips on raising kids, teens and young adults based on science, evidenced and lived experience.You’ll learn the latest on topics like managing bullying, consent, fostering healthy relationships, and the interconnectedness of mental, emotional and physical health.

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