Parenting is a complex and rewarding journey that comes with its own set of challenges. As parents age, they may wonder what kind of parents are not at risk for estrangement from their adult children. While every family and every relationship is unique, certain traits of healthy parent-child relationships can help prevent estrangement from happening.

Traits of Healthy Parent-Child Relationships

These include open communication, mutual respect, healthy boundaries, and self-reflection. It’s important to acknowledge that no parent is perfect, and we all make mistakes. What’s important is how we respond to those mistakes and work to improve our relationships with our adult children. This article identifies what kinds of parents are typically at a lower risk for parent-adult-child estrangement.

Communication

Effective communication is one of the essential traits of healthy parent-child relationships. When parents engage in open and respectful communication with their adult children, they can better understand their child’s perspective and communicate their thoughts and feelings.

It’s important for parents to actively listen to their children, speak kindly and empathetically, and avoid belittling remarks or criticism.

Support

Parents who support their children’s choices and provide emotional and practical support will likely have positive relationships with them. Support means being there for them during tough times, celebrating their achievements, and respecting their decisions, even if you don’t always agree with them.

Boundaries

Healthy boundaries are essential in maintaining solid parent-child relationships. Parents who respect their child’s independence, avoid over-involvement or control, and allow them to make their own decisions will likely have good relationships. At the same time, parents must set boundaries for themselves and communicate them clearly to their children.

Self-Reflection

Parents willing to self-reflect on their behaviors and seek help when needed are more likely to have successful relationships with their adult children. Self-reflecting means taking responsibility for mistakes, apologizing when necessary, and being open to feedback and criticism.

But I Was a Great Parent! Why Me?

It’s important to note that even parents who have exhibited these traits may still experience estrangement from their adult children. However, these characteristics can help reduce the likelihood of it occurring. There is no such thing as “perfect parenting,” and just because mistakes were made does not mean that your parenting warranted estrangement.

While certain behaviors and situations may increase the likelihood of estrangement, ultimately, what warrants estrangement is a personal decision that depends on each family’s circumstances. For some, it may be a significant breach of trust or an ongoing pattern of abusive behavior. For others, it may be a disagreement about a particular issue that is deeply important to them.

Each person’s experience and perspective are valid, and what one person may find unacceptable, another may be able to work through.

When Good Parents Get Kicked to the Curb

Many of my writings address parents’ need to address the concerns of their estranged adult children. Research reports that adult children hope for their parents to take responsibility for their harmful behaviors. Many adult children desire a relationship, but only if their parents have changed.

The is a multitude of reasons and great complexity of variables that participate in the ambiguity and painfulness of the estrangement condition. The breakdown of familial ties is deeply heartbreaking since the support of relatives has the potential to be so nourishing.

But what about parents who were imperfect but did the best they could? Parents who provided emotional and practical support and were still cut off? In fact, some parents qualify as being highly stressful for their adult children and yet their kids still come see them and hold their hands in times of need.

Sadly, some parents have been unjustly accused of behaviors that did not occur. Sometimes, adult children receive therapy, air their hardships and grievances, and blame their parents of offenses. Hearing only one side, the therapist might encourage cutting off so that the adult child experiences less distress.

In some instances, adult children with histories of mental illness, which can include addictions, blame their imperfect parents and decide to cut ties. While it is unwise to generalize, it is reasonable to recognize that not every parent has warranted being harshly treated.

Just as some parents invalidate and refuse to accept their adult child’s version of their pain, some adult children have treated their parents brutally.

Conclusion

As parents, maintaining positive and loving connections with your adult child is what we all hope for. Maintaining these relationships even while they are creating their own families can seem challenging. With open communication, mutual respect, healthy boundaries, and self-reflection, you can help prevent estrangement and maintain a strong relationship with your child for years.

Suppose you are struggling with estrangement or communication issues with your adult child. In that case, it may be helpful to seek the assistance of a therapist or counselor specializing in family relationships. Building healthy relationships takes time and effort, but there is always time to start.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

If you are estranged from your adult child, was it your decision or theirs? Have therapists encouraged you or your adult child to cut ties with each other? Have you considered yourself a good parent?

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, STYLECASTER may receive an affiliate commission.

Buzzy ingredients will continue to ease their way onto the skincare scene, but nothing will ever top retinoids and their alternative counterparts (I’m looking at you, bakuchiol). As a beauty editor, I’ve covered more anti-aging formulas than I care to count—that’s how I know which options are easily worth splurging on and which are not. And, let me tell you, many are not. 

Unsurprisingly, Ren Skincare’s Bio-Retinoid Youth Serum doesn’t appear on that list. The brand carries a vast line of effective formulas, and this one is no exception. It provides “retinol mirroring” results (more on that later), and is clinically proven to improve the appearance of wrinkles within seven (!!!) days of use, per the brand. It’s no secret plenty of beauty products claim to bring results fast, though rarely deliver. According to reviewers, Ren’s retinol serum doesn’t lie; one person said it left behind a notable difference within one night. 

Ren Skincare

Ren Skincare’s Bio-Retinoid Youth Serum

It must be why many shoppers have purchased the serum on repeat. “I am now on my third bottle and my skin looks and feels amazing,” raved one. “It sinks into the skin well and you don’t need a lot. I have a few fine lines on my forehead which have improved since the use of this serum. I have combination, sensitive skin and this doesn’t break me out—definitely worth the investment.” 

Here’s the scoop on the serum’s clean ingredients: The brand’s plant-derived alternative to retinol, bidens pilosa, acts as the main wrinkle-reducer, while the inclusion of ceramides soothe irritation, and niacinamide boosts radiance and minimizes hyperpigmentation across the face. Since it contains a less irritating retinol alternative, you’re unlikely to experience redness or flaking with use, so even those with sensitive skin can safely apply the serum.

Need further proof of its capabilities? Just check out this photo straight from the brand’s own trial-runs. Smile lines are noticeably reduced after 14 days of use, with even more visible results apparent after 28 days of use.

Ren Skincare

RELATED: Shoppers Call This Lotion a ‘Miracle Worker’ For Erasing Back-of-the-Arm Bumps & Dark Spots

“This really works. Used the samples first to check that I loved it before purchasing as it’s one of the more expensive products. But for a reason,” shared another reviewer. “One application makes your skin feel tighter. But used over a week or so and you see results immediately.”

Copy that. To save a little on Ren Skincare’s Bio-Retinoid Youth Serum during the brand’s Friends & Family sale, just add anything to your cart to automatically for the discount.

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, STYLECASTER may receive an affiliate commission.

When it comes to hydrating your skin this spring, there simply aren’t enough products to add to your daily rotation. There are so many good ones to choose from, like Jennifer Aniston’s fave Tatcha lip mask or Brooke Shields’ go-to Laneige hydrating treatment. While these ultra-nourishing formulas are indeed amazing and worth every penny, you shouldn’t skip out on one simple but effective lip balm that happens to be Hailey Bieber’s all-time fave.

It’s still cold AF, and I don’t know about you, but my lips have been getting drier. Luckily, Mrs. Bieber and I are on the same page about the best lip balm on the market. The A-list model raved about Aquaphor’s Lip Repair Ointment to Glamour, saying that when replenishing skin is the goal, “it just does the job every time.” 

I can personally confirm that this lip balm definitely gets the job done time after time. It’s a go-to product that’ll help your lips through the toughest of times. The formula calls on castor seed oil, glycerin, panthenol, shea butter, and other lip-saving ingredients. It’s no wonder why it flaunts a 4.7-star rating on Amazon, with over 29,000 perfect ratings. 

Now that is one impressive resume. If that’s not enough for you, I’m not ashamed to admit that I own 13 tubes of this ointment, including the O.G., SPF, and stick versions. I may have an Aquaphor problem, but my lips are all the better for it. 

And let me just point out that this lip balm rarely goes on sale at Amazon, but it’s currently down to under $4. Soon enough, you’ll be in the same boat as me, hoarding Aquaphor’s Lip Repair Ointment like there’s no tomorrow. 

RELATED: Shoppers Insist This $1 Bestselling Lipstick From Amazon ‘Goes On As Smoothly’ As Ones From Pricier Brands

Photo: Aquaphor.

I’m not being overdramatic when I say that I own 13 Aquaphor Lip Repairs. I need one on me at all times, so I keep tubes in my bag, desk, bathroom, car, and the list goes on. My lips seriously can’t go without it. 

I already mentioned the skincare ingredients that make this formula so beneficial for dry, chapped lips, but the texture is right up there, too. It’s thick, but not so thick that you feel like your lips can’t breathe. It’s also instantly moisturizing, stays on for long periods of time, and doesn’t get all crusty after 10 minutes of wear. 

Photo: Aquaphor.

The best part is that you can go with the original version, or try the same formula just with sun protection, or test the stick format. Bieber swears by the Lip Repair Stick, revealing in a video with Vogue France that she “can’t live without it.” I recently discovered the stick and have been reaching for that one more often. It’s super easy to apply and feels just like the O.G. edition. I have one on my desk and one in my purse at the moment. Join the club and grab the Lip Repair Stick in a pack of two for under $8 at Amazon.

There really isn’t some secret, magical ingredient that stands out among the others. Aquaphor uses simple ingredients like vitamins, shea butter, and chamomile essence. There’s no fluff in the tube, as in no fragrance, preservatives, or sparkles. The uncomplicated formula makes the product suitable for even those with sensitive skin.

Over 29,000 Amazon shoppers agree with Bieber and I. 

“This lip repair ointment has worked magic on my very very dry lips,” wrote one five-star reviewer. “I got my first tube three days ago and am so impressed that I just ordered three more tubes. I sure don’t want to run out now that I’ve found something that consistently keeps my lips moist & feeling GOOD!”

Another reviewer tells it like it is: “If you have chapped lips and you use this product, you will no longer have chapped lips. It is that simple.”

It really is that simple, so don’t let your lips dry up and crack any longer. Stock up on Aquaphor’s Lip Repair Ointment for under $4 and Lip Repair Stick for less than $8 while you still can.

Have you heard about eyelash extensions? Are you thinking of getting them? They are rising in popularity and it’s now easier and easier to find eyelash technicians who perform eyelash extensions.

Last year I started getting eyelash extensions after meeting a new friend who I thought had great-looking eyelashes. She was a woman my age, and I ponied up the courage to ask her why her eyelashes were so perfect all the time. She replied, “Eyelash extensions!”

I had already heard about eyelash extensions before but, to me, it seemed like an arduous and inaccessible procedure to go through. After a few conversations with my perfect-lashed friend, I decided to book an appointment with her eyelash technician and try it out for myself.

What Are Eyelash Extensions?

Eyelash extensions are synthetic lashes that are glued individually to your existing natural lashes. Yes, it’s a procedure that’s as long as it sounds. My first initial appointment took almost two hours and the following appointments, called fill-ins, were about an hour each (every two to three weeks).

Extensions are typically made of silk, mink, or synthetic fiber and each type varies in cost.

My Personal Experience with Eyelash Extensions

I decided to get eyelash extensions from a nearby certified technician – the same one as my perfect-lashed friend. The place was clean and had soft music playing. I told her what I wanted, and she showed me pictures of different types of extensions. I opted for a very natural look with a natural curve. In silk.

She determined the numbers, and I lay down and closed my eyes. She placed a pad on the undereye area to hold down the bottom lashes and proceeded to wash my top lashes.

The eyelash extensions are tediously placed on each of your existing lashes. The more lashes you have, the longer it takes. There is no pain – I think I even fell asleep for a short while.

When she was finished, she gently brushed the eyelashes and placed a small fan to dry them for about 10 minutes. She gave me a mirror to check my new fluttery eyelashes out. I absolutely loved the look!

The technician instructed me of the aftercare, which consists of keeping the eyelashes completely dry for 24 hours and then regular cleanings with a specialized cleaning product or baby shampoo.

I started going regularly, about every two or three weeks, to fill in the lashes that had fallen off. This happens regularly. These appointments are never more than an hour, depending on how many lashes she needed to replace.

After a few months, I realized that my lashes were thinning out. The technician noticed also. She hardly had any new lashes to put the extensions on. The golden rule of eyelash extensions is that you need to have natural lashes to attach the extensions to. No lashes, no extensions. I removed the remaining few extensions and waited for new lashes to grow. It wasn’t a pleasant transition, to say the least.

My friend, on the other hand, has been getting extensions and fill-ins for years without any breaks. She is in her 50s, like me.

Pros and Cons of Eyelash Extensions

Pros

They Look Natural

I absolutely love the look of my eyes with extensions. I make sure to ask for a natural look and curve.

No More Mascara

This one was a big pro for me. I have been wearing mascara every single day since I was a teenager. That’s a lot of mascara!

You Wake Up Like That!

I love the freedom of waking up and having a very minimal makeup regimen when I have eyelash extensions. Definitely love what I see in the mirror first thing in the morning!

They Feel Light, Compared to Layers of Mascara or Falsies

Unlike mascara which can feel clumpy or false eyelashes that can feel heavy, extensions feel light and breezy.

Cons

Expensive

They are not cheap and it’s a constant dip in your wallet to upkeep the look.

Time-Consuming

The first appointment can last up to two hours – depending on your technician. The subsequent appointments are typically about an hour long.

Reduce Natural Lashes

The extensions (and glue) can cause weakness in your natural lashes, and they can fall out with the extensions. At least that was my experience.

Risk of Infection or Irritation

Any procedure that involves tweezers, glue, and a stranger’s hands near your eyes opens the door to possible bacteria or viruses. Also, some women may be sensitive to the adhesive and get irritation.

Would I get eyelash extensions again? Yes. I do love the look of the extensions and If I am to get them again, I will make sure the lash technician is knowledgeable about older women’s lashes.

If eyelash extensions are not for you but you still want full lashes, read 13 BEST MASCARAS FOR OLDER WOMEN and 7 BEST NATURAL MASCARAS FOR OLDER WOMEN.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Do you have eyelash extensions and love them? Have you ever gotten them and hated them? Will be getting eyelash extensions? I would love to hear about it in the comments below.

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, STYLECASTER may receive an affiliate commission.

Buzzy ingredients will continue to ease their way onto the skincare scene, but nothing will ever top retinoids and their alternative counterparts (I’m looking at you, bakuchiol). As a beauty editor, I’ve covered more anti-aging formulas than I care to count—that’s how I know which options are easily worth splurging on and which are not. And, let me tell you, many are not. 

Unsurprisingly, Ren Skincare’s Bio-Retinoid Youth Serum doesn’t appear on that list. The brand carries a vast line of effective formulas, and this one is no exception. It provides “retinol mirroring” results (more on that later), and is clinically proven to improve the appearance of wrinkles within seven (!!!) days of use, per the brand. It’s no secret plenty of beauty products claim to bring results fast, though rarely deliver. According to reviewers, Ren’s retinol serum doesn’t lie; one person said it left behind a notable difference within one night. 

Ren Skincare

Ren Skincare’s Bio-Retinoid Youth Serum

It must be why many shoppers have purchased the serum on repeat. “I am now on my third bottle and my skin looks and feels amazing,” raved one. “It sinks into the skin well and you don’t need a lot. I have a few fine lines on my forehead which have improved since the use of this serum. I have combination, sensitive skin and this doesn’t break me out—definitely worth the investment.” 

Here’s the scoop on the serum’s clean ingredients: The brand’s plant-derived alternative to retinol, bidens pilosa, acts as the main wrinkle-reducer, while the inclusion of ceramides soothe irritation, and niacinamide boosts radiance and minimizes hyperpigmentation across the face. Since it contains a less irritating retinol alternative, you’re unlikely to experience redness or flaking with use, so even those with sensitive skin can safely apply the serum.

Need further proof of its capabilities? Just check out this photo straight from the brand’s own trial-runs. Smile lines are noticeably reduced after 14 days of use, with even more visible results apparent after 28 days of use.

Ren Skincare

RELATED: Shoppers Call This Lotion a ‘Miracle Worker’ For Erasing Back-of-the-Arm Bumps & Dark Spots

“This really works. Used the samples first to check that I loved it before purchasing as it’s one of the more expensive products. But for a reason,” shared another reviewer. “One application makes your skin feel tighter. But used over a week or so and you see results immediately.”

Copy that. To save a little on Ren Skincare’s Bio-Retinoid Youth Serum during the brand’s Friends & Family sale, just add anything to your cart to automatically for the discount.