Done with the Crying

Help and Healing for Mothers of Estranged Adult Children

By: Sheri McGregor

Narrated by: Randye Kaye

In Done with the Crying: Help and Healing for Mothers of Estranged Adult Children, Sheri McGregor, MA, helps parents break free from emotional pain - and move forward in their own lives.

As a loving mother to whom the unthinkable happened, McGregor knows the horrible shock that wrings a parent dry, triggers denial, blame, anger, and shame. With empathy and understanding, as well as tools, the latest research, and insight from more than 9,000 parents of estranged adult children, McGregor helps parents of estranged adults plan ahead, prepare for emotional triggers, and prevail over setbacks and pain.

You can be happy again. In a calm yet authoritative voice, and with exercises derived from her work as a life coach and her own recovery, McGregor helps mothers come to terms with their estranged adult child's choices and regain their health and happiness.

To fathers of estranged adult children - this book can help you, too. "Ninety-three percent of the parents who answer my survey at rejectedparents.net are mothers," says Sheri McGregor. "That's why the title is directed at them. But many of the book's examples are from couples, and include the experiences of fathers. Some passages directly highlight men's reactions, including my husband's. The principles presented are relevant to fathers, and the strategies for coping can be used by anyone."

In this encouraging and comprehensive book, McGregor fully covers the phenomenon of estranged adult children from families who never expected a son or daughter to cut ties and walk away.

Nine in-depth chapters provide dozens of inspiring examples from among the thousands of parents of estranged adult children. Gain understanding and practical help from a mother who knows the pain of this devastating loss with all its uncertainty and heartache. Hope can remain, but you don't have to stay stalled, forever waiting. You can move past the disbelief and distress. Take charge. Reclaim yourself and your life - only maybe even better.

©2016 Sheri McGregor (P)2018 Tantor

Excellent Well Researched and Compassionate

I related very much to many of the stories in this book. Thank you Sherri for bringing light and compassion to a very difficult and gut wrenching topic. You helped me accept reality and gather my wits so I can now move forward.

Well written, not well read, but still valuable

An important topic handled really well. I’m very glad to have found it. Thank you. But I would like to encourage the author to read in her own voice. I found the extra cheery never experienced what I’m talking about voice to be distracting...

Bravo Extremely Insightful

The examples and explanations were priceless. While this book talks about estrange adult children.
I recommend this book to mother's who struggle with setting boundaries and having respectful communication with their adult children.

The stories and suggestions for addressing situations and having self-love were helpful. After listening to this book I feel empowered. I'm going to purchase the physical book too.

I almost didn't listen to this book because a review stated it was monotonous. This is far from the truth. I listen to this audio books at 1.1 speed.

Good coping skills

A good starter book for parents experiencing estrangement from their kids. I would love to know more of the back stories. We don’t really hear the full story about why these kids exited the family or the intricacies of these relationships. There could be so many reasons. I don’t believe a child just ups and leaves as suddenly and confusingly as author portrays in these anecdotes. The coping strategies are good for once you are in that predicament. Read with a grain of salt.

A new normal

I read this book because l am estranged from my kids and while each situation is different in some ways she pretty much hits the nail on the head.

Great for parents who’ve processes their sadness, sorrow and anger

This book is just right for the parent who has worked through the terrible grief that comes from estrangement and is ready to make meaning out of their loss, or is already on the path of making meaning. If your child has newly estranged from you- meaning in the last year or so- wait to read this book and find other resources to help you fully grieve your sorrow and all the other hard feelings as this book won’t help you yet. If it’s been a year or so and you’ve done therapy or other work to grieve, this book can be very helpful for getting perspective and turning your loss into something meaningful.

Great book. I learned so much.

Such a helpful book. Has help me and thought me a lot. I love the book

Reaffirming that I am not alone.

The shared stories of this book helped me understand that I am not alone. My son comes in and out of my life and every time he leaves he leaves me puzzled. Through this book I am learning how to love myself and set boundaries.

Stopped hating and /or waiting for my child to love me .

This book is like having your personal therapist whom you can rely on 24 hours of the day and seven days of the week .

From chapter 1, the onset of your offspring pushing you out of their life , and the many stages in between to the final chapter , Sheri helps you to evaluate yourself and your offspring in a way that removes all of the negative feelings from one of the most painful events that you could ever experience in life .

If you are experiencing any time of estrangement —- this is a must read book

Helpful advise

This is a wonderful book for any parent going through relationship breakdown/issues with their grown up child.
The book describes the many commen emotions and situations a parent can find themselves having to deal with when a son or daughter decide to no longer want to be in their lives anymore. It is a devastating and soul destroying experience, but knowing so many other parents go through it makes you feel less alone.
Highly recommend this book. Its invaluable in getting you back on track and living life again.