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Episode 169: Navigating Estrangement: How to Reconnect with Your Adult Child

In this Ask Me Anything episode, Tina Gosney, The Family Conflict Coach, answers two heartfelt questions from parents struggling with estrangement from their adult children. These relationships are complex, emotional, and often deeply rooted in family patterns that span generations. Tina shares insights from Bowen Family Systems Theory and differentiation of self to help parents navigate these challenging dynamics.

If you're dealing with a strained relationship with your adult child, feeling confused, hurt, or even resentful, this episode is for you. Learn practical strategies for managing your emotions, breaking old family patterns, and fostering connection without pressure or urgency.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• Why adult children distance themselves from parents and how unresolved emotional tension plays a role.
• The impact of generational family patterns on relationships.
• How to stay emotionally grounded and avoid reactive patterns.
• The difference between enmeshment, emotional cutoff, and healthy differentiation.
• Why healing happens on your child’s timeline, not yours.
• Practical steps to rebuild trust and create a safe space for reconnection.

Timestamps:
00:05 - Welcome to Coaching Your Family Relationships podcast
00:17 - Why estrangement between parents and adult children is becoming more common
02:34 - Free guide: 5 Steps to Reconnect with Your Adult Child (Get it in the show notes!)
03:53 - Question #1: Our daughter has set strong boundaries—how do we reconnect?
06:55 - Understanding emotional cutoff and generational family patterns
07:22 - Key questions to ask yourself before reaching out
10:46 - Question #2: My son’s girlfriend “stole” him from our family—how do I handle this?
12:15 - The role of differentiation in family relationships
15:33 - The power of small, pressure-free interactions in rebuilding trust
17:23 - Shifting your mindset: Why healing starts with YOU

Resources & Free Guide:
🎁 Download the Free Guide: 5 Steps to Reconnect with Your Adult Child
➡️ Click here to download

Subscribe & Review:
If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe and leave a review! Your support helps more parents find guidance and hope for healing their family relationships.

Connect with Tina:
🌎 Website: www.tinagosney.com
📩 Email: info@t

Tina Gosney is the Family Conflict Coach. She works with parents who have families in conflict to help them become the grounded, confident leaders their family needs.
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Connect with us:

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/tinagosneycoaching/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tinagosneycoaching

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Tina is certified in family relationships and a trauma informed coach.
Visit tinagosney.com for more information on coaching services.