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Do you ever worry about losing touch with your kids as they grow up?

In this episode of Teenagers Untangled I'm joined by Catherine Hickem, a licensed clinical social worker, psychotherapist, and founder of Parenting Adult Children Today to explore the growing issue of family estrangement.

Catherine is leading a conversation around one of the most overlooked family dynamics: the relationship between parents and their adult children. Despite how common this phase of life is, few resources exist to help parents navigate the transition from authority figure to trusted ally.

*Research shows that about one in four American adults—27%—report estrangement from a family member. Notably, 26% of adult children have experienced estrangement from a father, compared to only 6% from a mother—and many of these rifts eventually heal.

We discuss why adult children might cut ties with parents, and what we can do now—while our kids are tweens or teens—to build a strong, lasting relationship.

We cover:

The most common reasons adult children become estranged from their parents
The key mistakes parents make (and how to avoid them)
How to adapt your parenting style as your children grow into adulthood
The impact of parental expectations, grief, and cultural pressures on family bonds
Practical strategies for fostering trust, open communication, and unconditional love
Real-life stories of reconciliation and hope

Catherine Hickem brings decades of experience working with thousands of families, offering actionable advice and heartfelt encouragement.

CATHERINE HICKEM:

https://www.parentingadultchildrentoday.com/

https://www.instagram.com/parentingadultchildrentoday/

Research sources:

A longitudinal U.S. study (Reczek et al.), Cornell's Fault Lines project, and the YouGov poll conducted in 2022.

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I don't have medical training so please seek the advice of a specialist if you're not coping.

My email is teenagersuntangled@gmail.com
And my website has a blog, searchable episodes, and ways to contact me:
www.teenagersuntangled.com

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You can reach Susie at www.amindful-life.co.uk

Lessons in parenting from adult kids who go no contact: 155

Parenting Teenagers Untangled: The award-winning podcast for parents of tweens and teens, offering realistic, science-backed advice for calmer, more connected family life.

Lessons in parenting from adult kids who go no contact: 155