Rules of Estrangement

A compassionate and practical guide for parents navigating the pain of estrangement from an adult child, written by a psychologist who has lived through it himself.

“A ray of hope.” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“A really helpful book for estranged parents.” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“I feel so much lighter after reading this book.” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“I’ve seen many parents and adult children grappling with these issues, and this is exactly the book they have all been waiting for.” ~ Lori Gottlieb

Has your adult child cut off contact with you? Are you struggling with feelings of grief, shame, guilt, confusion, or loss? Do you hope to rebuild the relationship but don’t know where to begin?

Parent-child estrangement is one of the most painful and isolating experiences a parent can face. Yet many estranged parents find themselves navigating this loss without support, understanding, or practical guidance. Too often, public discussions reduce estrangement to simplistic narratives, when the reality is usually far more complex.

Drawing on more than forty years of clinical experience and his own journey through estrangement and reconciliation with his daughter, psychologist Dr Joshua Coleman offers parents a compassionate roadmap for understanding, healing, and, where possible, rebuilding relationships with their adult children.

In Rules of Estrangement, Dr Coleman explores the emotional, relational, and cultural factors that contribute to family estrangement, offering practical strategies for navigating difficult conversations, repairing trust, responding constructively to criticism, and fostering healthier family relationships.

You’ll learn how to:

• Understand the complex causes of family estrangement


• Manage feelings of grief, shame, anger, and guilt


• See the situation from both the parent’s and adult child’s perspective


• Communicate more effectively during periods of conflict or distance


• Create opportunities for reconciliation and relationship repair


• Find acceptance and move forward when reconciliation is not possible