#AprilStressAwarenessMonth – I and Thou Reflections

April is Stress Awareness Month – Part 7

The 8 Stages of Estrangement
Looking at Both Sides of a Coin

From the Parent’s Perspective

Stage 6 | Acceptance Part II

Once the anger has dissipated, a parent can start the next phase of Acceptance Part 2. Parents may consider self-help activities such as journaling, painting, or meditation at this stage. To begin this part of the journey, parents need to reflect. Reflect on their relationship with the estranged child, as well as on their own childhood relationship with their parents. A note of caution for this stage. Reflection can be emotionally draining. So, be aware of what is happening physically. Check breathing, heart rate, and sweating. Pay attention to the body’s physical reactions. Stop or take a break from reflecting when it feels uncomfortable.

After years of feeling unheard, I joined a support group for Estranged Parents. It really helped me in so many ways. I can now accept the estrangement for what it is and not blame myself anymore. This is something my child initiated and only they can change it. I am open to reconciliation. I am hopeful that one day my child will see how much I have grown to accept and respect decisions. I don’t have to agree. I just have to accept. It is so sad to know that estrangement has exploded in recent years; yet it brings a sense of relief – that I am not alone in this nightmare.
A parent’s perspective

In this stage, a parent accepts the estrangement as part of a bigger picture whereby a child may not have estranged willingly. Or thoughtfully. Or knowingly that the estrangement would last for months, years, or decades. During this phase, the parent reflects on the hidden pain and/or trauma the child may have had or perceived they had. The Acceptance Stage also acknowledges that a child may not know how to reconcile. It is the phase where compassion for the estranged child and their pain begins.

Moreover, this step comes to terms with a child making “no contact” and respecting the decision. This stage is a promising one. Once a parent has accepted the estrangement as part of life’s circumstances, a parent can start to let go of the past and realize that there may be no future with an estranged child. A parent should no longer attempt to mail letters, send friend requests, and ask others who may know the child for any information. Parents need to use their judgment. There is a no one size fits all. It might be okay if a parent wishes to send a birthday greeting each year. It is the realization of the reason behind the action. Is the action for the parent? Or, for the child, in an attempt to invade their privacy or expect a response?

This stage is challenging, especially for hopeful and generally optimistic people. Thinking that reconciliation may happen someday conjures up visions of unicorns and torture. The goal of Acceptance Part 2 is peace and respect for oneself and others, including an estranged child. Some parents may call this radical acceptance. Furthermore, it is the process of stepping back from the estrangement and finally moving forward with life and having a purpose.

*Image Credit: Freepik dot com Multicolored Tie Dye Fabric Surface*

From the Child’s Perspective

Stage 6 | Fear

Fear is the stage when the child begins to mature and change. They fear the unknown. They fear getting to know themselves. They fear having made bad decisions. They fear their parent has disowned them. Or the parent no longer wishes them to be a part of their life. In this stage, children fear the other parent or anyone who has aided in the estrangement. What will that parent do if the child reaches out and attempts a reconciliation? It is common in this stage to question the motives. The child has felt manipulated in the past and fears feeling manipulated again.

My aunt sent me an email with the subject: Your Parents. When I clicked in, there was nothing. Something must have gone wrong technically. I googled my parents’ names and obituary, and nothing came up. I concluded that my aunt was trying to manipulate me into getting back into contact with my parents. I blocked her name on my email, and now I won’t have to fear any more emails again.
A child’s perspective

Older adult children drop out of a parental relationship to avoid unwanted input. Some of these adult children estrange from their parents to protect their children. Adult children fear their parents, and they fear becoming like their parents with their own children. Hence, the reason for cutting the parents out of their lives. For mentally weak-minded people, it takes a lot less energy with a smaller circle of friends and relatives.

Author’s Note: Estrangement caused me to feel unloved, and I knew I needed to love myself before I could love others again. From my experience in participating in support groups with other estranged parents, there is a choice to make. You can choose to blame, distrust, and be bitter. Or, you can choose to love and heal yourself, from this incredibly harrowing experience, by opening up to others. It’s up to you. A special thank you to Kathryn Kollowa, EdD, MSN, RN, for her feedback and added insights incorporated in this most recent update.

If you gained insight into estrangement, please like and comment.
(This is my “call to action” I’m supposed to include in every post and often forget.)

Thanks so much for your support!

#Estrangement #NadiaCraneAuthor #8StagesofEstrangement #Acceptance #Fear

April is Stress Awareness Month – Part 6

The 8 Stages of Estrangement
Looking at Both Sides of a Coin

From a Parent’s Perspective

Stage 5 | Anger

Anger is the reaction to an unpleasant situation. It is a normal emotion and frequently occurs in the everydayness of life. The anger resulting from estrangement runs deep – much more profound than the everyday kind. This one is the ugly cousin of shame and blame. This anger is volatile, yet, it can also be quietly simmering beneath the surface, waiting to explode.

During the estrangement process, anger is necessary. It is anger with oneself, a child, a spouse or former spouse, family, friends, and even God. Anger that questions the estrangement and the role others may or may not have played to either lead to the estrangement or to support and encourage it. Did a parent do all they could do to prevent this? Did a spouse (or former spouse) encourage counseling? Did family members disown the estranged parent or intervene? Was there a feeling of hopelessness? Or did you not do enough or do too much?

Could have, should have, would have. Just maybe I could have done something to have stopped this estrangement. I ask myself how could a father encourage their child to stop speaking to their mother? I am so angry, my blood is boiling. Then, there are the grandparents and aunts and uncles who no longer are “allowed” to speak to me. It is a hot mess. I am bearing the pain. All by myself. It is unbearable.
A mother’s perspective

The Anger stage can include a loss of purpose in life. A parent may feel hopeless and helpless. Even though thoughts of murder, suicide, and kidnapping may occur, one cannot act upon them. Life is worth living; don’t give up. This anger phase involves questioning oneself and others, which is necessary for healing. It is vital to vent by deep breathing, talking to a therapist or friend, exercising, or alleviating the stress that builds from the anger during this anger stage.

From a Child’s Perspective

Stage 5 | Denial/Rationalization

At this stage, another person may be encouraging the estrangement and wish it to continue. A spouse or a close friend. Someone who wants to destroy the original relationship for their own gain or power and control.

Life is so busy right now. I have two little kids who demand my time and energy. I have no energy left to deal with my parents. My wife believes my parents are toxic. It is troubling to me; yet I want to make her happy. Honestly, I can take or leave my parents. I follow my wife’s lead.
A child’s perspective

Individuals in this stage fight their emotions and natural instincts to reconnect. Repetitive messages remind them that this course of action is the best. Reconnecting with the person they are estranged from would open up past wounds and be futile. Their minds try to convince them they are on the right path. Keeping their parent out of their life will be better for them. This is a precarious stage. If an unforeseen situation occurs or an unplanned crossing of paths by either a neutral or estranged person, reconnection is possible.

Author’s Note: Estrangement caused me to feel unloved, and I knew I needed to love myself before I could love others again. From my experience in participating in support groups with other estranged parents, there is a choice to make. You can choose to blame, distrust, and be bitter. Or, you can choose to love and heal yourself, from this incredibly harrowing experience, by opening up to others. It’s up to you. A special thank you to Kathryn Kollowa, EdD, MSN, RN for her feedback and added insights incorporated in this most recent update.

If you gained insight into estrangement, please
Share, Like, Follow or Comment.

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#Estrangement #NadiaCraneAuthor #8StagesofEstrangement #Anger #Denial #Rationalization

April is Stress Awareness Month – Part 5

The 8 Stages of Estrangement
Looking at Both Sides of the Coin

From the Parent’s Perspective

Stage 4 | Shame & Blame

Shame typically begins during the rejection phase after a parent has worked through Acceptance Part 1. The reality of the estrangement starts to set in. The questioning begins. A parent may think they lack parenting skills. What on earth did a parent do for a child to shut a parent out completely? Or, what did a parent not do? This stage is when a parent internalizes the pain and questions the validity of the source. Frequently, a parent does not know the reason(s) for the estrangement. A parent begins to feel shame. The shame of a child’s rejection and the shame of what behavior a parent may have or may not have done or said or not said. The mere thought of a child rejecting a parent is vile; therefore, a parent experiences shame. A deep to-the-core type of shame.

I rack my brain day and night trying to figure out where I went wrong. I thought I was encouraging and supportive. I had heart-to-heart conversations with my child when he was young. As he aged, he started to distant himself from me. I thought it was a normal part of growing up. The shame and blame messages played again and again every day and every night. Many nights I cried myself to sleep. When will this nightmare end?
A parent’s perspective

Shame and blame often coincide. A parent blames themself. A parent blames the child. A parent blames the spouse (or former spouse). Or, in the case of parent alienation, blames the court system. In the end, the question remains, was the estrangement caused by another human being? Or was the estrangement caused by an action? A miscommunication? A series of misfortunate incidents? Lack of communication? Or no communication at all? There is blame, shame, and anger all around.

Abstract painting by K. Davies [KevinDaviesART]

From a Child’s Perspective

Stage 4 | Acceptance Part 1

The child comes to terms with the fact they can no longer reach out to the parent under any circumstances. This is when the child begins to accept that they are not speaking to a parent. They have distanced them from the parent and continue not responding to attempts at contact. They have made a choice, and nothing will set them off course. They see this conflict or relationship avoidance as black and white. There is no in-between thinking for the child.

I chose to dissolve this relationship because it wasn’t working. My whole life was turned upside down and I don’t need my mother causing any more drama. It was all about her. She would instigate fights with my father, and I got caught in the middle – all the time. I’m done. No more drama. My father and I have gotten much closer since we are on the same team.
We won. My mother lost.
A child’s perspective

At this point, the child is telling themselves they no longer have the parent they have estranged from. They have cut them out of their life. The pain they feel is pushed deep inside and locked in a vault. This stage is when the child feels proud of themselves – that they actually have separated from the parent. The parent who is the perceived enemy is no longer valued, recognized, or seen as a threat. As far as the child is concerned, the parent no longer exists. The child has accepted this course of action and is determined to live their life without their parent in it.

Author’s Note: Estrangement caused me to feel unloved, and I knew I needed to love myself before I could love others again. From my experience in participating in support groups with other estranged parents, there is a choice to make. You can choose to blame, distrust, and be bitter. Or, you can choose to love and heal yourself, from this incredibly harrowing experience, by opening up to others. It’s up to you. A special thank you to Kathryn Kollowa, EdD, MSN, RN for her feedback and added insights incorporated in this most recent update.

If you gained insight into estrangement, please like and comment.
(This is my “call to action” I’m supposed to include in every post and often forget.)

Thanks so much for your support!

#Estrangement #NadiaCraneAuthor #8StagesofEstrangement #Shame #Blame #Acceptance

April is Stress Awareness Month – Part 4

The 8 Stages of Estrangement
Looking at Both Sides of a Coin

From a Parent’s Perspective

Stage 3 | Rejection

Rejection is an emptiness and a feeling of loss that causes physical and emotional stress. The rejection of a parent by a child is a traumatic experience. It is very much related to power and control. A child has exerted influence and control over the relationship by walking away from it, which is hurtful. Reactions such as anxiety, panic attacks, and other physical pain or stress occur when rejection occurs. If estrangement happens during a divorce, a rejection by a child can add fuel to the fire of feeling rejected by the spouse. Sometimes, an entire set of relatives and friends disappear in what may seem like an instant. During this stage, a parent feels physically and emotionally depleted. Lost. Loss of a child. Loss of a marriage. Loss of a family. Loss of what was. Loss of what was to be

I feel rejected by my son because he doesn’t even acknowledge me. He walks right past me with his head down. I hate seeing my son in so much pain. It makes me sick to my stomach. And I have so much pain too. The pain of rejection runs so deep.
A parent’s perspective

From a Child’s Perspective

Stage 3 | Anger

Remember that these stages ebb and flow, and each person will experience them differently. Certainly, most will travel in and between stages simultaneously as well as distinctly from each other. In this Anger stage, children want nothing to do with their parents. They are angry. They are mad about something and might not even know what makes them angry. It could be a misunderstanding. It could have nothing to do with the parent. It may be from social media. Whatever it is, the child feels anger, spewing it out on their parent or further harming themselves by bottling their anger within or maybe a little of both.

The adult child may resent that their parent(s) didn’t see their distress. They felt unheard. The anger might stem from their birth order, political differences, or something else. They view their parent(s) as toxic. In their perspective, they see their parent as a stumbling block to their own mental health. It is easier for them to break off and cut the opposition out of their lives. The child does not see a way back at this stage. It is not in the realm of their consciousness.

I don’t know why I am so angry. I don’t know what my triggers are. My anger comes from nowhere, and I don’t know how to tame it. I lash out at my parents, and they just don’t understand. I don’t understand, either. My parents are know-it-alls, and that fuels my anger too.
A child’s perspective

Author’s Note: Estrangement caused me to feel unloved, and I knew I needed to love myself before I could love others again. From my experience in participating in support groups with other estranged parents, there is a choice to make. You can choose to blame, distrust, and be bitter. Or, you can choose to love and heal yourself, from this incredibly harrowing experience, by opening up to others. It’s up to you. A special thank you to Kathryn Kollowa, EdD, MSN, RN for her feedback and added insights incorporated in this most recent update.

#Estrangement #NadiaCraneAuthor #8StagesofEstrangement #Rejection #Anger

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April is Stress Awareness Month – Part 3

The 8 Stages of Estrangement
Looking at Both Sides of a Coin

From a Parent’s Perspective

Stage 2 | Acceptance Part 1

Once the denial phase is over, a parent begins to accept the concept of estrangement. A parent first seeks to understand the growing number of estranged parent-child relationships by scouring the internet for possible resources. A parent may not even know how commonplace it is and can quickly become an expert on the topic realizing other parents have encountered a similar situation. In this Acceptance Part 1 step, a parent acknowledges that the parent-child relationship has changed. Often, family and friends ask why did this happen? Or, what caused this estrangement?

I’m starting to realize that my child is not speaking to me. At all. He won’t even look at me from afar. What have I done to deserve this punishment? I take a deep breath and I start to believe that my child has deliberately estranged from me. I don’t know why. But I have to come to terms with it. I am so sad for my child that they think this is the only course of action. What makes them so afraid of me that they can’t even talk to me?
A parent’s perspective

This stage is confusing for all parties because the estranged parent is just starting to come to terms with the reality of the lost relationship. Parents need clarification. They don’t know the answers. And these questions may very well trigger sadness. Anger. Emotions come out of nowhere. Accepting the estrangement, even on a superficial level, exposes it, which leads to feeling very vulnerable. Daily living becomes muddled. Parents feel a sense of imbalance and try to come to face the loss. This can invoke feelings of worthlessness.

It is best to support parents going through this experience at this stage. Sit with them. Hold their hand. Give them a hug. Silence may be golden. At this point, reconnection can become an obsession. A parent attempts to discover the reasons for the estrangement and remains hopeful for reconciliation. During this stage, a parent realizes that the relationship that once was is no longer. Coming to terms with this acceptance leads to rejection. Furthermore, feeling both accepting of the situation and rejection by it simultaneously is quite common.

*The ghost of a loved one by Chirila Corina fineart.com*

From a Child’s Perspective

Stage 2 | Rejection

Children reject a parent. Maybe both parents. This is the stage where a child shuts down. They are rejecting life as they know it. Whether it is from a misperceived conversation, different ideologies, divorce, or a loss of a parent. They want to be alone. They retreat. They start having trouble focusing on work or school. They really want to be somewhere else. They feel trapped because there may be no other place to turn. Children at this stage may look forward to becoming more independent, so they can further reject their current situation.

To put it simply: the emotional exhaustion of trying to reason with someone who isn’t existing on the same page as I am. Trying to reason or share or grow with someone who cannot or will not see outside of their own perspective is like hitting yourself in the head with a hammer over and over; you know it isn’t good, but you feel stuck. Until you get tired of being stuck. You begin to reject the relationship because it is too much of an emotional drain.
A child’s perspective

At this stage, a child may be influenced by the other parent, a peer, their spouse, or another significant person. The third-party encourages the estrangement. The person who is doing the estranging feels guilty. At the same time, they feel rejected. In other words, they feel abandoned by the parent; therefore, they are leaving the parent. Most children do not verbalize these feelings, so it catches the parent off-guard. The child may have been thinking about estrangement for many years. It gradually does become a reality.

Author’s Note: Estrangement caused me to feel unloved, and I knew I needed to love myself before I could love others again. From my experience in participating in support groups with other estranged parents, there is a choice to make. You can choose to blame, distrust, and be bitter. Or, you can choose to love and heal yourself, from this incredibly harrowing experience, by opening up to others. It’s up to you. A special thank you to Kathryn Kollowa, EdD, MSN, RN for her feedback and added insights incorporated in this most recent update.

If you enjoyed this please remember to Share, Like, Follow.
(This is my “call to action” I’m supposed to include in every post and often forget.)

Thanks so much for your support!

#Estrangement #NadiaCraneAuthor #8StagesofEstrangement #Acceptance #Rejection

April is Stress Awareness Month – Part 2

The 8 Stages of Estrangement
Looking at Both Sides of a Coin

From a Parent’s Perspective

Stage 1 | Denial

Denial is not believing a situation exists. It is pretending that the estrangement is not real and hoping it will disappear. Surely, a child cannot estrange themselves from a parent. What type of child would do that? Denial is a normal response and is the path of least resistance. It is typically short-term. Denial is a defense mechanism wishing the estrangement is not absolute, and normalcy will return. It can include feelings of shock or bewilderment. Eventually, acceptance of the situation replaces denial, whether the parent likes it or not. In death, denial does not want to believe a loved one has passed on from this world onto the next. However, in estrangement, the loved one vanishes into unknown territory. Once parents understand that estrangement is part of their reality, Acceptance Part 1 begins.

My son blocked me from social media and stopped communicating. He was sixteen. I had just separated from his father. I tried endlessly to reconnect to no avail. At the time, I had no idea that this behavior would last this long. I thought it was temporary. Where did my son go? Ten-plus years later, other than the separation and divorce, I still do not know what triggered the estrangement.
A parent’s perspective

Shame Art Print by Haufi Ficoure available at Society 6

From a Child’s Perspective

Stage 1| Shame & Blame

Estrangement begins when a child questions their existence within their family structure. They ask themselves, why am I here? Children feel shame. They blame themselves for their family’s struggles and hardships. They may see their parents on two different pages. In this beginning stage of estrangement, children start fantasizing about leaving the family or, at minimum, stop talking to one, if not both, of their parents. They are internalizing their emotions and not being allowed to share their feelings safely. Or they don’t have the tools necessary to think through their feelings constructively. They feel threatened. They blame their parents. They blame the school system. They blame politics. They blame science. They blame religion. Lots of blame to go around. Therefore, in their minds, leaving or blocking communication solves the immediate threat.

My mom and dad fought endlessly. I was young and couldn’t really process what was happening. I felt it was my fault. I blamed myself, and I wanted the whole situation to just go away. It felt like I was living in a nightmare. I wrote in a letter to my mother if she signed the divorce papers, I wouldn’t speak to her again. Ten-plus years later, I had no idea that my father was the one who filed for divorce.
A child’s perspective

Author’s Note: Estrangement caused me to feel unloved, and I knew I needed to love myself before I could love others again. From my experience in participating in support groups with other estranged parents, there is a choice to make. You can choose to blame, distrust, and be bitter. Or, you can choose to love and heal yourself, from this incredibly harrowing experience, by opening up to others. It’s up to you. A special thank you to Kathryn Kollowa, EdD, MSN, RN for her feedback and added insights incorporated in this most recent update.

If you gained insight into estrangement, please
Share, Like, Follow or Comment.

Thanks so much for your support!

#Estrangement #NadiaCraneAuthor #8StagesofEstrangement #Denial #Shame&Blame