Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
If you’re feeling ready for support and want to learn more about working together, I invite you to start with a short application. From there, you’ll receive next steps to book your Heart-to-Heart Consultation. Start here: sally-harris.com/H2Happ
Your estranged adult child is talking to you again—but the walls are still up. What do you do now?
In this episode of The Sally Harris Show, I’m answering a mom whose daughter has started attending family gatherings again after a year of no contact. Her daughter is cordial, but distant. She gives short answers, talks mostly with her sibling, and doesn’t seem ready to let Mom back in.
So how do you move forward when your adult child has reopened the door—but only a little?
One of the biggest mistakes we can make during early reconnection is trying to rush the relationship back to where it used to be. When you’ve spent months or years hoping your estranged son or daughter would come back, it’s natural to look for signs of progress. But your adult child may be looking for signs of progress in you, too.
In this episode, we’ll talk about:
• Why small steps after family estrangement still matter
• How to respond when your adult child is cordial but emotionally distant
• Why you shouldn’t make every interaction a test of the relationship
• How to stay warm without chasing connection
• What to do when your child talks freely with other family members but barely speaks to you
• Why rebuilding trust after estrangement can take time
• How to give God room to work when you can’t see what’s happening
If your estranged adult child has recently reached out, started texting again, returned to family gatherings, or begun allowing limited contact, don’t rush it.
Reconciliation rarely happens all at once. Sometimes the next faithful step is simply creating a different experience with you—one without pressure, desperation, punishment, or expectations.
A year ago, she wasn't coming. Today, she's in the room. Don't overlook what God may be doing because it doesn't look like the relationship you've been praying for yet.
If you’re a mom struggling with an estranged or difficult relationship with your adult child and you need help knowing what your next step should be, I’d love to support you through coaching.
❤️ Learn more about working with Sally Harris Coaching and applying for a Heart-to-Heart Consultation: sally-harris.com/H2Happ
Subscribe to The Sally Harris Show for weekly conversations about adult child estrangement, reconciliation, boundaries, healing, faith, and learning how to move forward while trusting God with your family.
00:17 A mom’s question: She’s back, but the walls are still up
01:05 First, recognize what HAS changed
02:02 Don’t overlook the progress God has already made
02:35 Don’t make every family gathering a test
03:30 Be present without pressuring her
04:00 Your warmth and body language matter
05:05 Pay attention to what your child has told you before
06:05 This is your opportunity to show your growth
07:05 Don’t rush the conversation you want to have
07:50 Expectations can turn into resentment
READY TO TAKE YOUR FIRST STEP? Apply for a consultation.👇
HEART-TO HEART CONSULT- sally-harris.com/H2Happ
LEARN MORE ABOUT MY “FROM STRUGGLE TO STRENGTH COURSE 👇 sally-harris.com/self-study
Check out my NEWEST blog posts 👇
sally-harris.com/blog
Thank you for watching this video—Please Share it and get the word out!
What part of this video resonated with you the most? Comment below!
👇 SUBSCRIBE TO SALLY’S YOUTUBE CHANNEL NOW 👇
youtube.com/@sallyharriscoach
Free Guides Available to You:
sally-harris.com/free-guides
Mini Courses:
sally-harris.com/mini-courses
▶︎ Breaking the Chains of Mom Guilt: Your Path to Reclaiming Peace (Mini Course Available)
▶︎ Do You Want To Stop the Toxicity With Your Adult Child? (Mini Course Available)
▶︎ Self Care GPS Action Plan (Mini Course Available)
→ → → CONNECT WITH SALLY HARRIS ON SOCIAL MEDIA: ← ← ←
▶︎ INSTAGRAM | instagram.com/sallyharriscoach/?hl=en
▶︎ FACEBOOK | facebook.com/coachsallyharris
▶︎ WEBSITE | sally-harris.com
#SallyHarrisMomsofEstrangedAdultKidExpert #estrangement
If you’re feeling ready for support and want to learn more about working together, I invite you to start with a short application. From there, you’ll receive next steps to book your Heart-to-Heart Consultation. Start here: sally-harris.com/H2Happ
Your estranged adult child is talking to you again—but the walls are still up. What do you do now?
In this episode of The Sally Harris Show, I’m answering a mom whose daughter has started attending family gatherings again after a year of no contact. Her daughter is cordial, but distant. She gives short answers, talks mostly with her sibling, and doesn’t seem ready to let Mom back in.
So how do you move forward when your adult child has reopened the door—but only a little?
One of the biggest mistakes we can make during early reconnection is trying to rush the relationship back to where it used to be. When you’ve spent months or years hoping your estranged son or daughter would come back, it’s natural to look for signs of progress. But your adult child may be looking for signs of progress in you, too.
In this episode, we’ll talk about:
• Why small steps after family estrangement still matter
• How to respond when your adult child is cordial but emotionally distant
• Why you shouldn’t make every interaction a test of the relationship
• How to stay warm without chasing connection
• What to do when your child talks freely with other family members but barely speaks to you
• Why rebuilding trust after estrangement can take time
• How to give God room to work when you can’t see what’s happening
If your estranged adult child has recently reached out, started texting again, returned to family gatherings, or begun allowing limited contact, don’t rush it.
Reconciliation rarely happens all at once. Sometimes the next faithful step is simply creating a different experience with you—one without pressure, desperation, punishment, or expectations.
A year ago, she wasn't coming. Today, she's in the room. Don't overlook what God may be doing because it doesn't look like the relationship you've been praying for yet.
If you’re a mom struggling with an estranged or difficult relationship with your adult child and you need help knowing what your next step should be, I’d love to support you through coaching.
❤️ Learn more about working with Sally Harris Coaching and applying for a Heart-to-Heart Consultation: sally-harris.com/H2Happ
Subscribe to The Sally Harris Show for weekly conversations about adult child estrangement, reconciliation, boundaries, healing, faith, and learning how to move forward while trusting God with your family.
00:17 A mom’s question: She’s back, but the walls are still up
01:05 First, recognize what HAS changed
02:02 Don’t overlook the progress God has already made
02:35 Don’t make every family gathering a test
03:30 Be present without pressuring her
04:00 Your warmth and body language matter
05:05 Pay attention to what your child has told you before
06:05 This is your opportunity to show your growth
07:05 Don’t rush the conversation you want to have
07:50 Expectations can turn into resentment
READY TO TAKE YOUR FIRST STEP? Apply for a consultation.👇
HEART-TO HEART CONSULT- sally-harris.com/H2Happ
LEARN MORE ABOUT MY “FROM STRUGGLE TO STRENGTH COURSE 👇 sally-harris.com/self-study
Check out my NEWEST blog posts 👇
sally-harris.com/blog
Thank you for watching this video—Please Share it and get the word out!
What part of this video resonated with you the most? Comment below!
👇 SUBSCRIBE TO SALLY’S YOUTUBE CHANNEL NOW 👇
youtube.com/@sallyharriscoach
Free Guides Available to You:
sally-harris.com/free-guides
Mini Courses:
sally-harris.com/mini-courses
▶︎ Breaking the Chains of Mom Guilt: Your Path to Reclaiming Peace (Mini Course Available)
▶︎ Do You Want To Stop the Toxicity With Your Adult Child? (Mini Course Available)
▶︎ Self Care GPS Action Plan (Mini Course Available)
→ → → CONNECT WITH SALLY HARRIS ON SOCIAL MEDIA: ← ← ←
▶︎ INSTAGRAM | instagram.com/sallyharriscoach/?hl=en
▶︎ FACEBOOK | facebook.com/coachsallyharris
▶︎ WEBSITE | sally-harris.com
#SallyHarrisMomsofEstrangedAdultKidExpert #estrangement
