5 reasons people cut ties with their parents

It is said that blood is thicker than water, but for some people, cutting off their parents is – sadly – their only option.

From a toxic upbringing to a lack of boundaries, a host of reasons contribute to some choosing their peace than relive their childhood.

Here are some of the sad reasons people choose to become estranged from their families:

•     Generation gap:

Times have changed, and the traditional way of doing things can look different depending on the era. Having strict parents can raise disciplined children, but parents can forget that there is a fine line between being strict and silencing their children. A generational gap can lead to constant criticism and negativity

•     Difference in values:

Parenting is trial and error, and parents do not always get everything right. As adults, people have the right to choose which values from their upbringing they would like to hold onto

•     Physical or emotional abuse:

‘Children are meant to be seen and not heard’ and ‘You will do as I say and not as I do’ are the words many children grow up hearing. These words are used to diminish the value of the child’s contribution to the family, which can leave them feeling insecure

•     Divorced parents:

While no one gets married to get divorced, the decision to end a marriage is not only hard for the adults, but is also emotionally taxing for the children as the adults try to mediate what their ‘new normal’ will look like. The parent who is awarded full custody is the one who gets to maintain a relationship with their children – sometimes to the detriment of the kids’ relationship with the other parent

•     They voice their dislike for your partner: 

While you cannot choose who you fall in love with, many parents make the mistake of bad-mouthing their children’s partners, leaving them with no choice but to cut ties and choose their new family

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