Once they realize the relationship is in trouble, many parents of estranged adult children are genuinely eager to make any necessary amends.

Rejected parents who send apologies want their child(ren) to know they understand the issues that led to the cut-off, and that they’re ready (or working toward readiness) for a new and better relationship.

But even the sincerest apology is not always met with the desired response, which would be an immediate end to estrangement.

In this informative episode, Tina lists four typical responses from estranged adult children, and ranks them anecdotally from most to least likely.

Once you know that all of these responses are normal and to be expected, you may feel better about making the most of whatever comes your way.

For information on how to repair the parent-adult child relationship, read Tina's book, Reconnecting With Your Estranged Adult Child.

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Resources mentioned on this show:

RC Podcast Episode 87. When You Don't Get a Response

RC Podcast Episode 20. What Your Child's Silence Really Means

Constructive Wallowing: How to Beat Bad Feelings By Letting Yourself Have Them

Fault Lines: Fractured Families and How to Mend Them by Karl Pillemer

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