When families fall apart: Adult child–parent estrangement and the health visitor role

Abstract

This article aims to review the literature published in the UK, Australia and the US during the last 10 years on adult child–parent estrangement to increase awareness among health visitors of the complexity, frequency and consequences for new parents, especially mothers. Adult child–parent estrangement encompasses a deliberate distancing between the adult child and parent, resulting in an absence of communication. By increasing health visitors' awareness of the issues, it is hoped they may be able to reduce the distress, social isolation and potential consequences for new mothers and families in their care.