The truth about adult kids who don’t visit their parents  

“If you are sacrificing your own emotional health to meet your parents’ needs, you are paying a hefty price and getting very little in return,” Webb adds.

Poor communication

Sometimes the silence isn’t born out of conflict, but confusion. Miscommunication can quietly drive a wedge between generations.

Parents might believe their children know they are always welcome, while their children may hesitate, unsure how often is too often to call or visit. When expectations go unspoken, assumptions take over – and those assumptions often lead to distance.

“Rid yourself of the idea that your children should call you out of obligation. If you want more contact, pick up the phone and call them,” writes Pauline Phillips – better known as Dear Abby – in the New York Post.

Narcissistic parenting

In more complex family dynamics, narcissistic parenting can create long-term emotional damage. When a parent consistently puts their own needs above their child’s or fails to show empathy, they sow the seeds of detachment early on. These wounds often resurface in adulthood when the child finally gains the independence to step back – and often, chooses to do so.

“Went no contact completely afterwards and wished I did years sooner. I resent all the wasted years too scared and intimidated by my narcissistic mother,” writes one user in a Reddit thread titled: “Children of narcissistic parents, how did you turn out as adults?”

A second user writes: “I’ve healed a lot since I have gone low to no contact with my bio family.”

The result isn’t always total estrangement, but it can lead to significantly reduced contact. In such cases, children may only reach out when necessary – or not at allContinue reading…