
Bryan seeks the best way to handle constant arguments, emotional pushback, and being ghosted by parents when disagreements don’t go their way. Got a dilemma? Call 1-800-DR-LAURA / 1-800-375-2872 or make an appointment at DrLaura.com - Listen to The Dr. Laura Program daily on SiriusXM Triumph 123.
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Dr. Laura
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Brian
Hi Dr. Laura, how are you?
Dr. Laura
I'm fine. How can I help?
Brian
Brian Great. I am calling today because I'm having difficulty with my relationship with my parents as well as my siblings. I have four younger sisters and in the past, I would say five to six years maybe. There's obviously a lot of dynamics of the big family, but what will happen is with any family disagreement, my parents have this tendency, especially a lot recently, where they express what they have to say, and a lot of times it's in written form like a letter, and it could be a small issue or it could be a big issue or complaint, and then they will, per se, ghost me or my siblings. So they'll disappear and have no contact for several weeks or maybe up to a couple months because they're mad. And then by the time we reconnect with anything or agree to reconnect, a lot of individuals don't even know why they're upset anymore. But then it creates, I guess, future grudges for other arguments. And then it's a. It's a building thing. So then things keep getting worse over time.
Dr. Laura
Only if you participate.
Brian
Okay?
Dr. Laura
If you don't participate, they don't get worse for you.
Brian
So what would be, I guess, the best route to minimal contact?
Dr. Laura
Give everybody a call now and then, how are you doing? How are things? How are the kids? How's the dog? How are the parakeets? How are the agave in the backyard? Doing pleasantries, superficial pleasantries. And then get on with your life. The only way to avoid is to avoid.
Brian
Understand? How do I not feel?
Dr. Laura
Oh, stop with the feel. How would I stop with the feel? Stop with the feel. You need to make a rational choice. Engaging with these people is self defeating. That's what you have to say to yourself. It's sad that I have a bunch of sisters and parents who are whack jobs to some extent where they constantly lack the drama and the fight and they're writing letters and then saying goodbye and I don't want to play anymore. And it's really sad that I don't have a healthier family, but maybe I'll get married and make a healthy family of my own. As opposed to feeling guilt. I don't see where you've done anything immoral or legal or unethical. It's not guilt, it's sadness. It makes you sad to think of nothing. As people age, it's normal to ask what more they could be doing to take care of their health. It's important to be proactive, especially when it comes to your brain health. Don't wait for something to feel off before taking action. Make your next checkup count. Ask your doctor about your risk factors for dementia and a cognitive assessment. Visit brainhealthmatters.com for more information and resources
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Dr. Laura
It's your happy place.
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Dr. Laura
But it's not nothing. Every month you give everybody a call. How are you doing? How are the kids? How's the bird?
Brian
Yeah, and I have my. I have my own family. Family unit. So my wife and my two kids.
Dr. Laura
Do you have a very different family dynamic?
Brian
Yes. Yes. Very.
Dr. Laura
Well then let the rest of them go. It was an accident of an egg and a sperm that put you there anyway. And if they're basically not that nice and they cause all this strife and heartache and headache, let them be. Just let them be. Don't attack them back. Don't try to reach out and make it better. Because that's just stupid. When you're just recycling. That's good with cans, but it's not good with people.
Brian
So perfect every month.
Dr. Laura
Thank you.
Brian
Same thoughts. So good.
Dr. Laura
There you go.
Brian
Just wasn't sure if that was the right route to go, so.
Dr. Laura
Of course it is. I don't want you bringing this into your current family. Your sadness and frustration and anger and irritation and resentment. Your wife doesn't need any of this
Brian
100% she just needs you.
Dr. Laura
Adorable. You
Brian
cool. Well, thank you.
Dr. Laura
You're very welcome, Brian. Call anytime. My number 1-800-375-2872. If you like this podcast, be sure to rate it on Apple Podcasts or your favorite place to listen to my podcast. Of course, I'd love if you gave me five stars. And be sure to share this podcast with a friend on Facebook or your preferred social media platform.
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Dr. Laura
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Dr. Laura
Every time you go to bed with a negative thought, you have to match it up with a positive one.
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Dr. Laura
Yeah, but I'm not itching to go downtown and tell a receptionist I'm here to talk about my downtown. Some things you'd rather type then say out loud.
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Episode: Dealing With Difficult Parents Who Shut Down Communication
Date: May 25, 2026
Host: Dr. Laura Schlessinger
Featured Caller: Brian
In this episode, Dr. Laura helps a caller named Brian navigate the emotional and practical challenges of dealing with parents who frequently shut down communication after disagreements. The conversation explores strategies for maintaining minimal contact, handling guilt and sadness, and prioritizing one's own family and emotional well-being. Dr. Laura delivers her signature direct and pragmatic advice, emphasizing boundaries, rational decision-making, and the importance of creating a healthy family environment for oneself.
Dr. Laura brings her classic no-nonsense, practical advice. She directly addresses the caller's pain and acknowledges the sadness of an unhealthy family dynamic, while steering him toward logical, emotionally self-protective solutions. The conversation is compassionate but brisk, emphasizing the value of boundaries and self-care.
For more direct advice, tune in to The Dr. Laura Podcast daily via your preferred platform.