The Rejected parent newsletter

This newsletter is for parents who are being rejected by their children and those who support them. I will be sending regular newsletters to give suggestions and support to parents dealing with rejection from their children on all levels. I generally support parents whose children are 18 years and under; however, some of this will apply to parents with adult children as well.

Hello Reader,

Supporting parents who struggle with their children is rewarding. I recently worked with one parent who had not had contact with their children for a few years and didn’t have a path forward. After a few consulting sessions, showing them how to reconnect with their child, I saw my favorite moment happen: the “Light Bulb” shine over their head. Several sessions later, they called me a “miracle worker.”

I get so excited waiting for this moment to happen for the parents I work with. We generally start by finding the “why” in their specific situation with their family and what is behind their child rejecting them. Then, parents learn how to address their child's concerns so they feel seen and heard.

I live for that moment when it all comes together, and parents realize there is hope. The Light Bulb shines for them, like a beacon that gives them the strength to try again and risk another rejection from their child. Parents find new courage to revisit situations they thought would never be resolved with their children. Now, they know they have a chance of repairing their relationships again.

Parents learn new tools they didn’t know existed to tap into their Super Powers. We practice together until they feel comfortable writing or meeting with their children again. Then the magic happens!

Magical Super Powers

The magic may take a few days, months, or even years. Parents may need to try several times until the door cracks open for the child to allow interaction. At the very least, parents can plant seeds of hope in their children until the day comes when they can directly interact and repair their relationship.

Every time I witness a lightbulb moment, it’s like it’s my first time because each client's situation is different! I get to experience their hope and joy and the prospect of their situations getting better. That is why I do what I do.

Families can change through one parent at a time. Both parents don’t always need to be on board to elicit positive change. One parent making positive changes can influence the entire family system.

I’m here to tell you that after months or years of not being able to have a healthy relationship with your child, there is hope.

-Cathy Himlin