Estrangement Grief - Stage 2 - Anger

In this episode, we take a deep dive into the 2nd stage of my model of estrangement grief - Anger.  This and the other five stages are uniquely related to crumbling relationships between family members. The primary experiences in the Anger stage are overwhelming indignation, exasperation, animosity, antagonism, bitterness, spite, fury and rage. We find ourselves saying things like – how dare they…. after all I’ve done for them, and don’t they realize how much I’ve done for them and how much they depend on me?  In the stage of Anger we as parents might communicate our raging feelings to our adult children by lashing out, making accusations, and even making threats (i.e., references to inheritance). These actions are seldom if ever effective in healing the relationship, and any momentary relief we might feel after lashing out, is commonly followed quickly by despair and hopelessness.In the early stages of estrangement, many of us swirl through disbelief, anger and despair (the first three stages of my model) over and over, round and round, minute by minute, hour by hour, day by day. Take a listen to understand better the reasons behind this cycle and how to navigate and manage our grief.Check out episode episodes 1 - 7 of this podcast series. No matter where your relationship struggles sit on the continuum of estrangement you are likely experiencing some level of loss and therefore, are also experiencing grief. For more information, please go to https://www.WhenOurAdultChildrenWalkAway.com where you will find resources, events, book clubs, communication training, strategies and tips to prepare to repair!The continuum of estrangement discussed in this episode can be found at https://www.togetherestranged.org/levels-of-estrangement.Hi Listeners. I'd love to hear from you. Send an email to Janet@jesteinkamp. It is not possible to respond to your Fan Mail posts directly.DISCLAIMERThe content of this podcast is based on my professional work as an estrangement coach and my personal estrangement journey. Any examples, characters, or stories referenced are drawn from my own lived experience or represent a composite of multiple real-life situations shared with me over time. PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS: Dr. Janet SteinkampWhen Our Adult Children Walk Away with Dr. Janet Steinkamp explores healthy communication, ethical interaction, safe family relationships, and reciprocal (appropriate) boundaries. The podcast provides education and support for parents navigating family estrangement, communication breakdowns, grief, reconciliation efforts, healthy boundary development and adult family relationship dynamics.Dr. Janet Steinkamp's work emphasizes emotionally healthy communication, adult accountability, ethical and safe relationship practices, mutual respect and appropriate boundaries, voluntary communication and reconnection and safe and appropriate family systems. Listeners gain practical tools to improve communication, understand the dynamics of estrangement, and pursue emotional responsibility, compassion, and integrity.