7 Signs Your Child Feels Disconnected from You

Disconnection happens over time and can result from a number of factors such as conflicting schedules and a lack of communication. Unresolved disputes can result in emotional disconnection and make it increasingly difficult to reconnect over time. Look for these warning signs so you can try to bridge the emotional gap before it gets too wide.

Look for These Behaviors

• They begin to withhold what is going on in their lives. They don’t share with you because they do not think you will care.
• They begin to retreat to their rooms and prefer to spend time with friends as opposed to family time. This includes Saturdays and Sundays.
• They respond to your questions with ‘fine’ ‘nothing’ ‘okay’ to keep you at a distance.
• They won’t call on you for assistance like they used to. They have learned that you cannot be relied on.
• They are more likely to be engaged and in a good mood around others as opposed to you.
• They have chosen not to share their good fortune with you. They would rather celebrate away from you.
• Touching is avoided. It is either awkward or intentionally avoided.

How to Respond

• Don’t resort to guilt. This is an opportunity to be the first to extend the olive branch. The first step doesn’t have to be huge.
• Look for ways to spend time in the presence of your child with no opportunity to strengthen your bond.
• Seeing you care in a succinct way is a way to apologize. “I miss you. It feels like we have separated some. ” is all that needs to be said.

It is expected that you will show up over and over in small ways rather than a single huge way.

Have you ever seen these signs before? Tell us your reconnection stories!

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