Dr. Phil Primetime S2025E53 - Toxic Family: Breaking the Silence on Parental Estrangement

Across America, parent-child estrangement is on the rise, with nearly one in four adults now cut off from a close family member. Laura, a single mom known online as "Doormat Mom," shares how her youngest daughter walked away after building a new life overseas. Kristen, a licensed therapist, explains why she chose to go "no contact" with her own mother—and why she believes not every relationship should be saved. April, a mother of four, opens up about losing her daughter to a cycle of hurt she says started long before her time, while her mother, Karen, says the blame being thrown at her is both unfair and incomplete. Dr. Phil breaks down the shifting cultural norms, the toxic messages spreading on social media, and the hard conversations families must have if they want to find their way home again.