Journaling for Deeper Understanding

This exercise is designed to help you think about your family situation if you're not in contact with one of your parents. It aims to guide you through understanding your feelings better. Remember, every child deserves love and support from both parents. If these questions raise any concerns for you, talking to someone you trust, like a family member, teacher, or counselor, may help you sort through these feelings.

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Let's take some time to think about how you feel about your Mom or Dad and the choices you've made in your relationships. Rely on your own direct, personal interactions and not things you have heard or been told that have not directly happened to you. Dive deep into these specific experiences:

Writing Exercise: Analyzing Your Family Dynamics

Reflect on your relationship with your Mom or Dad, focusing solely on your own, direct experiences. Avoid using secondhand stories, hearsay, or assumptions. Consider the following prompts to explore the reasons for your situation:

Describe specific moments you spent with your Mom or Dad that stand out to you. What happened during these times, and how did you feel?

Think about any conflicts or problems you had with your Mom or Dad. What specific incidents upset you, and how did they impact your feelings and relationship?

Reflect on the reasons that led you to decide to cut off contact. What events or behaviors influenced your decision? How did you feel at the time, and how do you feel about it now?

Consider whether your reaction to these incidents was proportionate to what your parent actually did. Do you believe your response was justified? Why or why not?

Think about what you have learned from these experiences. How have they shaped your views on relationships and communication?

What it would take for you to reconnect with your Mom or Dad. Are there things you did or said that were excessive or hurtful? Are you worried about their reaction or whether you made the wrong choice? If they are open to it, could you start a conversation to rebuild the relationship?

Remember, the goal of this exercise is not to judge your decisions but to understand them better. It's about exploring your feelings, thoughts, and the reasons behind your choices. This process can be challenging but also very rewarding, as it helps you to learn more about yourself, your relationships and how to move forward.