"Recently, I have had many conversations with many clients and friends discussing what happened to their family connection. As a family therapist and parent, I've spent decades helping people navigate the challenges of family life. I notice adult children and their families are drifting apart, as strong ties once counted on now seem to be coming undone. I hear it every week in my therapy sessions."
"Each generation develops its own rhythm, but this one feels different. For many young adults, family connection is less a responsibility and more of a choice, revisited if and when it feels comfortable. Technology promised to keep us connected, yet it often leaves people lonelier. Group texts replace conversations. "Liking" a cousin's photo becomes the new way of showing up. We live in a time that encourages hyper-individualism. The message is clear: Protect your peace, set boundaries, and put yourself first."
Many adult children and their families are drifting apart, with once-reliable ties fraying and contact dwindling. Parents report long stretches without communication, exclusion from major events, and reduced grandparent-grandchild visits. Young adults report feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, and unsure how to maintain closeness despite caring about their families. The shift reflects a cultural change in which family connection is treated as a choice rather than an obligation. Technology and group messaging often substitute for deep interaction, and a rise in hyper-individualism emphasizes self-protection and boundaries. Boundaries provide self-care, but can become barriers that accelerate family disengagement, demanding attention and repair.
Read at Psychology Today
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