Estrangement discourse increasingly suggests that modern psychology and therapy is overly sensitizing adult children to believe "normal" parenting was, in fact, traumatic. This month's Educational Series examines that narrative.

I understand that there may be those, like me, who are desperate to retain their family name as a way to solidify their identity within their family. That before the estrangement, you once belonged to this particular group of people.

Image credit: Pixabay I have recently been introduced to the term “mother hunger.” And although the actual term is new to me, I recognize that I have been writing about this topic unknowingly throughout my columns on Together Estranged. In fact, the article I wrote in November 2025 entitled “Estrangement and Fear of the Unknown” interestingly begins with the sentence “I miss my mom.” When I re-read this article, it becomes painfully clear to me how much I miss my mother.

This month, the advice columnist answers a question about what we owe to the people we leave behind - and to ourselves - when we walk away.

Estrangement has a way of sneaking into your life and triggering memories. And it may come in the form of flashbacks, déjà vu, or you may just catch yourself imitating a parent even though you swore up and down that you would never be like him or her. And all this has gotten me to think about our memories. The painful ones we try to conceal that always manage to surface. Can we trust them?

This month, the advice columnist advises the parent of an estranged adult child about what to do instead of trying to locate her.

This month, the advice columnist answers a question about siblings and estrangement.

An estrangement case study in being told — and refusing to hear

I have been estranged from my family for almost a decade. During that time, many life-altering decisions have been made that have shaped the person I presently am, and the life I have chosen to lead. One of the biggest events that has happened during my period of estrangement is that I now have children.

I have been completely estranged from my entire family for many years, and I’m getting more comfortable sharing that with closer friends, colleagues, and even strangers. More often than not, it is someone I am meeting for the first time who asks questions about my family in an attempt at polite conversation.

“I miss my mom.” I’ve noticed that this sentence makes an appearance in my thoughts more than I care to admit. Sometimes it’s not surprising, like when I’m having a difficult day and my nerves and patience are worn thin. I start craving that support, understanding, validation, and love that only a mother can provide.

This month, the advice columnist answers a question about housing, finances and sibling estrangement.

In recognition of July 18 "Perfect Family Day" this month's educational series will explore this topic.