Estranged Families

The topic of family estrangement has been an area of special interest for me for many years. Here are my seven key points on the topic:

1. When the estrangement is between a parent and an adult child the parent must take responsibility and be willing to apologize for perceived or real hurts.

2. When a family member chooses estrangement they are giving a loud message that something is not right. This is their way of communicating that they feel dismissed, discounted, or disrespected.

3. A cooling-off period is often critical before any dialogue can begin.

4. Even if the person on the other side wont talk you can still keep the lines of communication open by sending periodic messages of support. Keep the message simple - "I will always love you and I will be there whenever you are ready."

5. Apologies have magical and cleansing properties. Think the apology through before you start or you may end in the wrong place. http://elinorrobin.com/apologies-magical-cleansing-healing-and-the-time-is-now/

6.  Sometimes its too late.  When the bonds are weakened sometimes there is nothing to do.    

7. Follow my 10-step plan for ending feuds and rebuilding connections. http://ezinearticles.com/?The-10-Step-Plan-For-Ending-Feuds-and-Fights-and-Re-Building-Connection&id=3468153

I have written a lot on the subject of family estrangement. Please take a look at my website - www.ElinorRobin.com and this article http://ezinearticles.com/?10-Tips-For-Getting-Along-With-Your-Family-This-Holiday-Season&id=3363801