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.

There are very observable patterns in the estrangement standoff between adult children and estranged parents that are reflected and reinforced in the cultural narrative.

An exploration of "mother hunger" and disenfranchised grief

Breaking cycles means employing different models in our own parenting

"How dare you keep MY grandchild from me!" An exploration of how the entitlement of estranged parents extends to our children.

Respect and entitlement are probably THE most often discussed topics within estrangement - and most often incorrectly.