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THE SCAPEGOAT CLUB
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Three Manipulative Tactics Toxic Parents Use to Control Their Children
The “time traveler parent" is one who manipulates the timeline of events to suit their narrative and avoid accountability.
Feb 84 min read
The Fundamental Question We Don't Ask When People Estrange From Their Families
If you're a parent wondering how to reconnect with an estranged child, start by asking a simple yet powerful question.
Feb 14 min read
Navigating Sibling Rivalry Over Inheritance: How to Protect Yourself and Find Peace
Dealing with family conflict over inheritance can be complicated. It’s crucial to approach the situation with awareness and independence.
Jan 254 min read
Why a Child May Think Their Parent is a Narcissist (But They're Actually Not)
When parents do not recognize the need for their child to establish their own identity, it can lead to a suffocating dynamic.
Jan 114 min read
Processing Childhood Memories from Difficult Upbringings: A Path to Healing
When we start questioning the validity of our memories, it can feel unsettling. What we once recalled as clear moments may appear distorted.
Jan 45 min read
What 'Going No Contact' in Family Estrangement Actually Means
If your child has decided to go no contact, it’s likely that there is a fundamental issue in the relationship.
Dec 29, 20245 min read
The Surprising Science of Forgiveness
Forgiveness is complicated. Which is curious for a word that gets tossed around daily as if it's no big deal.
Dec 1, 20242 min read
Reducing family stress during holiday season
Family conflict can make us feel very lonely around the holidays. Here are 5 ways to stay afloat.
Nov 27, 20242 min read
Do Discussions Of Soul Mate Parenting Cloud The Real Issues Of Estrangement?
We need space for children to be heard, not fake discussions
excusing parents for not meeting unrealistic relationship expectations
Nov 23, 20243 min read
10 Things Parents Can Do (or Avoid) to Build a Better Relationship With Their Kids
As my work in estrangement expands to include estranged parents, I often find people reaching out to me in fear that their kids might...
Nov 7, 20244 min read
2 simple ways to avoid parental estrangement
Be kind Have good boundaries. If your relationship with your adult child has gone sideways it can be hard to know where to start to get...
Oct 26, 20242 min read
5 reasons we may think our parent is a narcissist (when they aren't!)
In the parent-child dynamic, certain behaviors can appear narcissistic from a child's perspective
Oct 12, 20243 min read
Understanding Forgiveness: A Journey Towards Healing
The concept of forgiveness can feel daunting. It can seem like yet another way to take on more responsibility for someone else's actions.
Sep 28, 20242 min read
Understanding the Unspoken Pain: A Child’s Perspective on Parental Relationships
In the intricate dance of parent-child relationships, there’s an unspoken truth that often goes unnoticed. From a child's perspective,...
Sep 7, 20241 min read
The "Dos and Don’ts" of Family Estrangement
It’s important to avoid making hasty decisions when it comes to estrangement.
Aug 24, 20243 min read
5 Signs of a Narcissistic Sibling: How to Recognize and Navigate the Challenges
A particularly harmful behavior of narcissistic siblings is belittling or disrespecting you in front of their children.
Aug 3, 20243 min read
Navigating Estrangement: A Tale of Two Parental Responses
Exploring how a narcissistic parent typically responds to estrangement compared to a healthy parent
Jul 13, 20243 min read
I Didn't Walk Away to Teach You a Lesson, I Walked Away Because I Learned Mine
I've been reflecting on a meme I saw recently in social media, which resonated with my choice to estrange from my family. That meme is "I...
Jun 22, 20243 min read
7 reasons to not take on a power of attorney for a difficult parent
The decision to take on power of attorney for a difficult parent is challenging. Here are 7 things to consider about this role.
May 30, 20243 min read
" You owe me!" The invisible chains that bind us to our narcissistic families
Navigating the intricate web of family dynamics, especially within narcissistic environments, can feel like tiptoeing through a...
May 9, 20242 min read
When Grandparents Cross The Line
Many grandparents are wise, playful, and loving. But sometimes, the dynamic can go very wrong, especially when the relationship between parent and grandparent is already breaking down. In these cases, grandparents may bypass their adult children entirely and focus solely on the grandchildren. This makes grandkids the new battleground, and can create new tension and resentment with the parents.
5 days ago3 min read
Five Lessons I’ve Learned From Family Estrangement
Five years in, I can honestly say: estrangement didn’t just make me “okay.” It made me better than I could have imagined.
It cracked my world open. Without the constant twisting and confusion, I can think clearly. I can breathe. I can trust myself.
Aug 233 min read
Why I Refuse to Stop Saying “Narcissist”
Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is a diagnosis listed in the DSM. But when most people say narcissist, they’re not diagnosing—they’re describing a pattern of harm.
We use descriptive labels all the time without formal diagnoses.
Aug 164 min read
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