Summary of Done With The Crying WORKBOOK: for Parents of Estranged Adult Children by Sheri McGregor M.A.

Navigate the emotional upheaval of estrangement with Sheri McGregor's 'Done With The Crying WORKBOOK.' Find healing, humor, and hope for parents.

Welcome to the emotional rollercoaster that is "Done With The Crying WORKBOOK"! If you thought parenting was tough, brace yourself for what happens when those cute little munchkins become estranged adults. Sheri McGregor, M.A., has cracked open the manual for parents pulled into the twilight zone of estrangement, and trust me, it's a wild ride.

First off, let's address the pink elephant in the room. Estrangement? Yeah, that's when your once-cuddly child decides to pull a Houdini on you-vanishing from your life like a poorly planned magic trick. McGregor isn't here to sugarcoat it. Instead, she hands you a workbook that's like a therapist and a drill sergeant rolled into one. Who needs therapy when you can have a workbook that makes you confront your feelings head-on?

Now, let's dive into the juice of this workbook. It's packed with exercises that might make you cringe, laugh, or want to fling the book across the room. Each chapter dives into the emotional chaos of estrangement, encouraging parents to reflect on their feelings. Think of it as a guided tour through the unexpected museum of heartbreak where every exhibit is named after a tear you shed.

Key topics include:

1. Understanding Estrangement: Ever wonder why your sweet little angel turned into a stranger? McGregor lays down the groundwork to help you not just understand the 'why' but also who's to blame-hint: it might not be you (or it might be, but we'll deal with that later).

2. Self-Care Is Not Selfish: Don't just throw yourself a pity party; you deserve a cake at that party too! McGregor emphasizes the importance of taking care of yourself amidst the grief. Because, let's be real, you can't pour from an empty cup, and we all know that you must at least have a half-full cup to keep functioning.

3. Journaling Your Feelings: Oh, joy! More writing! This workbook prompts you to grab your favorite pen and notebook to pour out your feelings like a soap opera character. There are even sections dedicated to "rage release," which sounds like a fun party game where you throw your issues onto paper instead of at your child.

4. Creating Boundaries: Discussing the fine art of boundaries like a master fencing instructor, McGregor helps you establish what's acceptable and what's not. Spoiler alert: it's not acceptable for your child to treat you like yesterday's trash.

5. Finding Closure: This is the big one! It's like trying to find the last piece of a jigsaw puzzle while blindfolded. Closure is an elusive little rascal, and Sheri McGregor provides tools to help you chase it down.

As you work through the exercises, you'll likely go through a whirlwind of feelings-sadness, anger, confusion, and maybe even a bit of liberation. Just remember, no matter how hefty the emotional load, you're not alone. Thousands of other parents are tossing their hands up in bewilderment alongside you.

In conclusion, Done With The Crying WORKBOOK is not just a manual; it's a survival guide to navigate the often stormy seas of parental heartbreak. It arms you with tools to maintain your sanity while your adult child explores the unknown-and might even make you chuckle through the tears. So pick up this workbook, expect to do some crying, and maybe-just maybe-find a few giggles along the way.

Maddie Page

Classics, bestsellers, and guilty pleasures-none are safe from my sarcastic recaps. I turn heavy reads into lighthearted summaries you can actually enjoy. Warning: may cause random outbursts of laughter while pretending to study literature.