Rules of Estrangement

A hopeful, comprehensive, and compassionate guide to navigating one of the most painful experiences for parents and their adult children alike. The Rules of Estrangement candidly addresses parental estrangement from every conceivable angle, steering readers away from shame and blame to a place of newfound understanding and empowerment. I've seen many parents and adult children grappling with these issues, and this is exactly the book they have all been waiting for. * Lori Gottlieb, psychotherapist and 'New York Times' bestselling author of MAYBE YOU SHOULD TALK TO TALK TO SOMEONE *
Dr Coleman is one of the few experts in the western world on family estrangement. This book both comforts and challenges parents who are estranged from their adult children, lighting up a path for how they may repair their broken relationships. It offers excellent insights into the sociology and psychology of family relationships, which we too often assume are always supportive, close and functional. I would recommend this book to anyone looking to learn from years of refined specialist practice in this important field. * Becca Bland, Chief Executive, Stand Alone Charity *
A must-read guide for any parent in a troubled relationship with their adult child. * Ruth Whippman, author of THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS *
Family estrangement is shrouded in shame and secrecy, yet in Dr Coleman's experienced hands, both the causes and consequences of estrangement become far easier to comprehend. Crucially, Dr Coleman explores the complexity of estrangement whilst extending kindness and compassion for all involved. Rules of Estrangement is essential reading for anyone looking to gain insight and understanding on this topic. * Dr Lucy Blake, Senior Lecturer in Children, Young People and Families, Edge Hill University *
I have, for many years, recommended people to see Dr Coleman, but until I read this book I don't think I ever knew the extraordinary range of his gifts. An inspirational book. * Pepper Schwartz, Ph.D. Professor, Department of Sociology, University of Washington, Seattle. Expert: 'Married at First Sight' *
While this is a book primarily written for parents, his compassionate view of the estranged adult child offers helpful insights for all generations involved. * Joel Kramer, Psy.D.; John Douglas French Alzheimer’s Foundation Endowed Professor of Neuropsychology in Neurology, University of California, San Francisco Medical Center *
Rejecting glib indictments of 'toxic parents' or 'ungrateful kids', Coleman offers calming advice on ways that estranged families can recover or move on. * Stephanie Coontz, author, THE WAY WE NEVER WERE *
Joshua Coleman has provided a beautifully written book that describes painful disruptions in relationships between parents and their adult children. His wise and authoritative strategies and specific tips will prove to be essential for both younger and older generations and for clinicians who attempt to foster hope and relationship repair in these poignant family ruptures. * Philip A. Cowan, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology, Emeritus; University of California, Berkeley, and coauthor (with Carolyn Pape Cowan, Ph.D) of WHEN PARTNERS BECOME PARENTS (2000) , *
Joshua Coleman provides compassionate and useful advice to parents and their adult children who are trying to navigate the minefield of past family experience. His work with families is engaging, informative, exceedingly helpful. * Frank Furstenberg, Zellerbach Family Professor of Sociology, Emeritus, University of Pennsylvania *
A very thoughtful book filled with great wisdom and care. The advice is heartfelt, intelligent, and will be very helpful to many parents facing an array of complicated issues in their relationship with their adult children. * Amy J.L. Baker, PhD, author of ADULT CHILDREN AND PARENTAL ALIENATION SYNDROME *
Shows how to navigate the challenges of estrangement with compassion and empathy, and offers adults, and their children, a path forward. * Charles Duhigg, bestselling author of THE POWER OF HABIT and SMARTER FASTER BETTER *