This unique book helps parents work through the pain, shame, and sense of loss that they feel when their relationship with their older or adult children has not turned out as they hoped or expected Sometimes, despite our best efforts, we lose the opportunity to be the parent we desperately want to be and must mourn the loss of a harmonious relationship with our child. Although this situation may seem hopeless, When Parents Hurt is designed to help us through this intensely difficult situation with compassion and thoughtfulness. Through healing exercises and case examples, Dr. Joshua Coleman helps parents: Reduce anger, guilt, and shame Learn how temperament, the teen years, a partner's or their own mistakes, and divorce can harm the parent-child bond Come to terms with their imperfections, as well as their child's Develop strategies for reaching out and for maintaining their self-esteem through trying times Understand how society's expectations contribute to the risk of parental wounds By helping parents recognize what they can do--and to let go of what they cannot control-- When Parents Hurt helps families develop more positive ways of relating to themselves and each other.