When adult children become estranged from their parents, the ripple effects can often spread to other family members—siblings, grandparents, and even close friends. These "innocent bystanders" can become collateral damage in the fallout of a family rift.

In this clarifying episode, host Tina Gilbertson explores four common reasons why estranged adult children might distance themselves from others in the family, and even beyond.

Understanding these motivations can offer a clearer picture of the situation and may help ease parents’ fears about the extent of the rift. You’ll learn that collateral damage doesn’t always mean your adult child’s estrangement is extreme or escalating; it may simply be a reflection of complex dynamics at play.

If you're a parent struggling to understand why your child’s estrangement from you is affecting their other relationships, this episode offers insight into the reasons behind it.

You’ll gain a clearer understanding of the emotional complexities underlying estrangement, and why “innocent bystanders” sometimes become part of the (hopefully temporary) fallout.

For information and tips on how to make repairs and begin to heal from parent-adult child estrangement, read Tina Gilbertson's book, Reconnecting With Your Estranged Adult Child.

Reconnection Club members can discuss this and every episode in the General Discussion forum inside the Reconnection Club. Not a member yet? Learn more and join. Or get on the Reconnection Club mailing list.

EPISODE RESOURCES:

Reconnection Club Podcast Ep. 31: Why Don't Other Relatives Help?