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CALLING HOME with Whitney Goodman, LMFT

Part 1: Estranged Parents Share Their Perspective

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This is Part 1 of a 3 Part Series on Adult Child and Parent estrangement. In this episode, Whitney discusses the findings from a survey of 204 estranged parents. You will hear how this group of parents feels about their estrangement from their adult child, what they're willing to do to fix the relationship, and if therapists and social media really are the cause of it all.

The responses from these parents reflect experiences and stories that resonate deeply with many who have faced the pain of family separation. They share their emotional struggles, expressing feelings of loss, confusion, and helplessness as they try to understand why their adult children have distanced themselves. These shared experiences highlight broader patterns in family dynamics, showing that estrangement is a complex yet relatable issue that touches many lives. We can learn a lot from the parents who were willing to share their experiences for this episode.

What You Will Learn:
  • [09:14] About the survey and how Whitney collected the data 
  • [14:50] A breakdown of the findings from the survey of 204 estranged parents 
  • [39:32] The responses and how they reflect our experiences and stories 
  • [40:54] What to expect and look forward to in Part 2
Standout Quotes:
  • "Adult children have a lifetime of experience under their parent care; for a minimum of 18 years, the parent has power over them, and this power differential never completely goes away.” [03:13]
  • “Parents should attempt to be strong, steady leaders even when their children are adults.” [03:35]
  • “Adults are entitled to have and end relationships with whoever they want to have relationship with, parents and adult children both have this right in adulthood, no matter how painful that is.” [03:41]


Let’s Connect

Have a question for Whitney? Call Home at 866-225-5466. 

Join Whitney’s Family Cycle Breakers Club for further support and discussion on family dynamics at CallingHome.co. Follow the Calling Home community on Instagram.

Click here to get “Toxic Positivity” on paperback. 

Follow Whitney Goodman on Instagram or TikTok. 

The Calling Home podcast is not engaged in providing therapy services, mental health advice, or other medical advice or services, is not a substitute for advice from a qualified healthcare provider, and does not create any therapist-patient or other treatment relationship between you and Calling Home or Whitney Goodman. For more information, please see Calling Home’s Terms of Service. 

Mixing, editing, and show notes provided by Next Day Podcast.

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