It can be tough when you feel rejected by your child, especially when you are going through a separation. Today’s guest, a Marriage and Family Therapist helps us understand why and how to manage these situations.
What We Talked About
- The complexities of high-conflict divorces and how they impact children
- The underlying reasons why children may reject a parent
- Recurring patterns observed in children during custody disputes
- How attachment-based methods can help repair strained relationships between children and parents
- Practical advice for parents considering divorce
- How power struggles within couples can impact parenting
- The difference between litigation and mediation
Things to Remember
“Parenting is getting into the child’s world.”
“The ideal for children from separated homes, to not be pulled or pushed from either home is to have both parents work together and try to have similar items.”
“You can’t go into divorce and figure out what you want unless you understand your options.”
“Trying to make it work is best, because it may just be relationship ruptures or injuries that never healed.”
“Try to have that lens on what’s in the best interest of your child.”
“Have some respite care. Take time in between having children to focus on the marriage.”
“Controlling usually means anxiety.”
“There’s no book for each child. Every child is different and we don’t know what they’re going to turn out to be.”
“All the parenting tools and techniques out there are just tools. It’s the relationship that matters.”
“The Family Court system needs to shift focus away from litigation and toward the children and their developmental, psychological, and emotional needs.”
― Cathy Himlin
Additional Resources:
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
What is Internal Family Systems?
Cathy’s children’s book recommendation: No Matter What by Debi Gliori
Let’s Continue the conversation…
Now, Cathy and I want to hear from you!
Has your child rejected you? Listen in and learn how to handle it with Cathy Himlin
Remember, The Art of Parenting was created for you. If you have any suggestions for experts, I should have on the show or parenting questions you want to be answered. Please let me know here.
More About My Guest
Cathy Himlin, LMFT, LPCC, is a member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts, and an affiliate of the San Diego Family Law Bar Association.
She is the President and CEO of Family Connections Therapy and the Founder of Himlin Consulting. She is a court-involved, child-centered family therapist with over 25 years of experience helping families reduce stress and conflict, leading to healthier relationships.
She teaches a class for parents facing rejection by their children and those looking to learn positive parenting strategies.
- Website: Himlin Consulting
- Facebook: Cathy Himlin
- Instagram: @cathyhimlin
- LinkedIn: Cathy Himlin, LMFT, LPCC
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