Young people are increasingly cutting off their parents for several complex reasons, with common themes including seeking healing from trauma, protecting mental health, and reclaiming autonomy over their family relationships. Many young adults view estrangement as a path to avoid ongoing harm from parents who may have been emotionally abusive, neglectful, controlling, or failed in their parenting responsibilities. This choice reflects a broader societal shift away from the traditional norm that family bonds are irrevocable and must be maintained regardless of their quality. It also aligns with an evolving cultural understanding that personal wellbeing and healthy boundaries take precedence over obligatory family loyalty. Some key factors driving this trend include:

• Young people experiencing parents as sources of trauma or emotional harm and viewing cutting ties as necessary for healing and self-discovery.
• A rejection of outdated values or controlling family dynamics, sometimes linked to religious or cultural expectations.
• Increasing social acceptance of estrangement, with public discourse and social media normalizing the idea that it is okay to leave toxic family relationships.
• The rise of mental health awareness, which prioritizes personal boundaries and defines adult children's debt to parents differently than in the past.
• Generational differences, where younger generations are less bound to the idea of family obligation and more empowered to prioritize their happiness and values.

While this reflects a significant change in family dynamics, the decision to cut off parents is still difficult and emotionally charged, often involving complex feelings around identity, societal expectations, and personal history. In some cases, estranged adult children eventually seek therapy or reconciliation, while others maintain the boundary for their own wellbeing.