@Catherine Hickem - I am going to bare my soul here. I’m truly wondering as I’m moving through the PACT content if this program can address the complex issues within my family. I shared my concern with the onboarding individual I spoke with, and she assured me that it would. Firstly, I am separated from my spouse of 37 years due to a very unhealthy relationship I stayed with for religious reasons and was not able to leave until I was able to address religious trauma and deconstruct. My children experienced a very dysfunctional / unhealthy upbringing due to the religion. My “spouse” is very manipulative with my children, and I was labeled the “bad one” for leaving. Someone had to “stop the insanity” and chaos. I mentioned in the PACT call this evening that my daughter has been married to a Russian orphan for 15 years who has caused significant issues in our family dynamic over the years. We have shown him compassion and grace, and he has done nothing but take advantage of our kindness and patience. HIs own adopted family has not had contact with him for many years due to his behaviors. He has worked very hard to attempt to isolate our daughter from us and has had periods of success in doing so. I very much want to have a healthy relationship with her, and the request from her is “to let the past be the past”. This has been an ongoing pattern as his behavior patterns continue repeatedly, so “the past” consists of 15 years including recent events. He is resistant to treatment, and my daughter has to carry all the responsibilities, as he can’t hold a job and doesn’t work … staying home smoking weed and playing video games. She has stated off and on that she is going to divorce him and doesn’t follow through. She has done therapy and various healing modalities and continues to be manipulated by him. I have been estranged from my oldest son from a teen marriage for over 6 years now. He is an abusive man, and his children have suffered significant trauma. One of his children died due to his negligence. I have no confidence that my relationship with my grandchildren can be restored as he has turned my grandchildren who I once had a very close relationship with against my family.

Sunday is just a few days away. And we want to make sure you have what you need. Catherine created a free guide called "Getting Through Mother's Day When Your Heart Is Heavy." It covers what you might be feeling and why it's completely normal, how to plan the day intentionally, a self-compassion journaling exercise, and where to find support. DOWNLOAD YOUR MOTHER'S DAY GUIDE Catherine is also hosting a "Mother's Day Check-in" for those navigating a painful Mother's Day. Real conversation. A safe space: 🗓️ Friday May 8, 2026 at 8:30pm EST/ 5:30pm PST You don't have to explain yourself to anyone this week. You just have to show up, here, with us, exactly as you are. 🙂

This community exists for exactly this moment. For the mothers who won't be getting brunch reservations or handmade cards. For the ones who will spend Sunday wondering if their child thought of them at all. You belong here. And you are so deeply not alone. We want to hear from you this week. What would you want another mom in your situation to know she's not alone in feeling? Share it below — your words might be exactly what someone else needs to read today.

Here’s a question. When we “let go” where (how) do we now connect”?

Hello Parent, I am so excited you are here! We are going on a journey together that will help you create the relationship with your adult child you have always wanted. Parenting in this season is not for the faint of heart and I know from personal and professional experience what it takes to be a successful parent to adult kids. You are already ahead of the curve. You are here, hungry to learn, and wanting to grow! Your children are fortunate to have a parent like you who is teachable and willing to invest in your relationship with them. There is no ceiling on a parent who is committed to being the best version of themselves and you will learn on this journey how to be who your child needs you to be: Accepting, emotionally safe, and worthy of trust. Parenting is about you and how you show up in the relationship, not how your children turn out. This is your journey so take whatever time you need to walk through this framework. I have helped parents for over 40 years and I have implemented what you will see and hear with my own adult children, who are in their 40's. I will take you through this process step by step so you know exactly how to incorporate these skills and insights into your life. I want you to be kind to yourself as you start this process. There are millions of parents who have the same questions so take comfort in knowing you are not alone. The good news is that now you are a part of a community who will learn together how to parent adults with confidence and grace. Thanks again for being a part of the P.A.R.E.N.T. Method community. Let's get started! Warmly, Catherine