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While Brooklyn Beckham’s recent social media posts about his family feud thrust the topic of parent-child separation into the headlines, research suggests that these types of separations have been on the rise for years.
Another study from Cornell University found that more than a quarter of Americans — about 67 million people — report being separated from a family member. One of those is Laura Wellington in Connecticut, known on social media as “Doormat Mom.”
Although research has shown that most breakups happen gradually, Wellington described his as unexpected and unexpected. After taking part in his daughter’s wedding planning, he was suddenly told that he would not be invited.
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When Wellington stepped down, his daughter and daughter-in-law blocked him from everyone in 2024, he told Fox News Digital during a recent interview.
“I disagreed with this,” he said. “The pain of amputation – a pain you can’t explain unless you ask.”
A widowed mother of four took to TikTok to share her experience.
“I just said what was on my mind—and I didn’t talk about my daughter specifically,” she said. “I just came out very heavy-handed and said something to the effect of, ‘Were you a really good parent and you raised an ungrateful little b—–d?’
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Wellington was “overwhelmed” by the response from parents, he said – not only in the US, but also in Germany, the UK, Australia and other countries. “They wanted to express themselves, share the impact. They needed support.”
Since posting her first video in August 2024, Wellington has built a huge social media following — nearly 150,000 on TikTok and Instagram — including other moms in the same situation, and a fair share of critics.
Laura Wellington of Connecticut, known on social media as “Doormat Mom,” shared her own experience with a breakup with her daughter. (Laura Wellington)
Wellington said he has heard from many parents who have experienced great grief, isolation and even suicidal thoughts after being separated from their grown children.
“Parents were embarrassed to talk about it,” she said. “Because they felt … that if they talked about it, if they talked about it, then the first question they would get was, ‘What did you do?’
Divorce is a common way of dealing with family conflicts, even in cases where there is no abuse or neglect, according to Wellington.
“The pain of amputation – a pain you can’t explain unless you ask.”
He blames several factors for the division, including political and cultural divides and “social narratives that destroy families.”
“There is a lack of foundation and traditional family values … a loss of faith, a loss of basic principles, and education that is happening in our country,” Wellington said. “The way things are going today, the termination of your parentage is the beginning, not the end.”
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“We are at a crossroads in our nation, because what is the use of saving the nation if you don’t have united families to save us?”
In December 2024, the weekend of her daughter’s wedding, Wellington released a self-published book, “Doormat Mom, No More!”
“I married my new life, she said. “It was no longer my personal story – it became the story of many.”
Wellington also heard from young adults who wanted to repair their parents’ relationship.
“There are beautiful young people who want answers, who want to solve their problems, who want to have relationships,” she said.
In some cases, Wellington acknowledged that older children are warranted in ending a relationship, such as when they are abused or neglected.
Causes and effects
Dr. Jonathan Alpert, a New York City psychiatrist, told Fox News Digital that he sees parent-child separation becoming more common, as politics often play a role.
“I always work with families where separation is not caused by abuse or neglect as it happens because of politics and voting behavior,” he said. “Parents are cut off because of who they voted for, what news they watch or what opinions they express.”
“What could have been treated as a disagreement is now seen as a moral injury.”
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Alpert echoed Wellington’s words that separation has become an inevitable phenomenon.
“Once a parent’s beliefs are labeled ‘unsafe’ or ‘toxic,’ non-cooperation feels appropriate and necessary,” he said. “Estrangement becomes a form of behavioral expression rather than a final response to actual harm.”
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In situations where children of adults go “untouchable,” Alpert said the emotional impact “can be huge.”
“Parents often face deep grief, confusion and shame,” he said. “Older children may feel strong at first, but many later suffer from unresolved anger, stiffness, and reduced emotional tolerance that affects other relationships.”
After he took part in his daughter’s wedding planning, Wellington was told he would not be invited, he said. (Laura Wellington)
What worries Alpert, he said, is that separation is presented as emotional health.
“In fact, emotional health often involves learning how to stay connected to all the differences,” he said. “When medical language and political culture reward backsliding in the face of reconciliation, families are left torn apart long after the conflicts are over.”
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Alpert stressed that there is a difference between borders and segregation.
“Borders are made to allow ongoing relationships with limitations, while separation ends the relationship completely,” he said.
Advice for parents
For parents who are having trouble separating from their older children, Wellington warns against trying to force reconciliation, as he said that could make things worse.
“Estrangement becomes a form of behavioral expression rather than a final response to actual harm.”
“You can’t force them to fall in love with you,” she said. “”Once you start following them, you give up your independence. If they choose to leave you, you have to let them go.”
“Let life teach them, if they are meant to come back, they will come back.”
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Wellington said it is important for parents in his situation to focus on moving forward with their lives.
“Keep creating a life you are proud of, find your happiness,” he advised. “When they come back, they will see that you are doing well and thriving.”
“Adjustment requires a shared belief that the relationship can survive disagreements,” says the psychologist. (Stock)
Looking ahead, Wellington said she thinks there’s “always hope” that she and her daughter might reconnect one day.
“I hope you see that this is the woman who wants to use all her strength so that this family can continue… she is the very woman who created this forum to help others to continue,” he said. “And I hope he sees his mother as a strong woman.”
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Alpert acknowledged that reconciliation is possible, but said it’s a big challenge when divisions are “reinforced by social validation, online communities or political identities.”
“Adjustment requires a shared belief that the relationship can survive disagreements,” he added.
