Ending contact with family members has become a popular trend, but is it really the best solution for everyone involved? An expert warns that this approach can create more pain than healing.
Dr. Jessica Schrader, who helps people love each other more and teach skills to build stronger connections, says she’s “appalled” by the growing popularity of breaking relationships with family members. The trend is fueled by bestselling authors and therapists like Dr. Lindsay Gibson, who claim that parents can be toxic or emotionally immature.
However, experts disagree. Dr. Josh Coleman emphasizes healing possibilities, while Nedra Glover Tawwab suggests setting boundaries when fixing relationships isn’t possible. Dr. Schrader argues that labeling parents as “toxic” or “narcissistic” can lead to unrealistic expectations and hurtful behavior.
She suggests that relationships can improve over time with work and help, rather than shutting down entirely. Instead of complete withdrawal, she proposes finding a balance between cutting ties and maintaining some connection with family members.
The impact on children and grandchildren is significant, as they learn that difficult relationships are often resolved by distancing themselves from the people involved. While ending relationships can be necessary in extreme cases, Dr. Schrader warns against ignoring communication skills and emotional intelligence.
Ultimately, experts agree that compassion and understanding are essential when navigating complex family dynamics. By exploring the complexities of these issues, we can work towards healing and positive change.
Source: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/divorce-busting/202511/nocontact-an-unfortunate-trend