For many seniors, estrangement from their adult children can be an isolating and heartbreaking experience. Whether the estrangement is the result of a disagreement or something else entirely, it’s important to remember that you are not alone.
Here are some tips for how seniors can handle estrangement from their adult children:
- Reach Out It’s natural to want to take the initiative and reach out to your child first if you are feeling estranged, but try not to put too much pressure on yourself by expecting things to go back to normal immediately. Letting your adult child know that you still care about them and would like to reconcile with them can be a good first step in rekindling your relationship, even if it takes time for things to fully heal.
- Talk To Someone If you’re feeling overwhelmed or find yourself struggling with negative emotions because of the estrangement, it could be beneficial for you to talk to a mental health professional or someone else close who understands what you’re going through.
- Find Ways To Connect With Others Along with talking to someone, finding ways to connect with others is also an important part of dealing with the emotional pain associated with estrangement from your adult children. Surrounding yourself with friends and family members who care about you can help ease any feelings of loneliness or isolation that you may be experiencing as a result of estrangement.
- Forgive Yourself & Your Child Lastly, try not to blame yourself or your child for what has happened—forgiveness is key in order for both parties involved in the situation to begin moving forward towards reconciliation.
Estrangement from adult children can be difficult for any senior—but don’t forget that there is always hope for reconciliation and healing if both parties are willing and open-minded! Use these tips as inspiration when trying to navigate this difficult stage of life--we wish you all the best!