Wonder why they’re not coming home for the holidays? Upset because they never return your letters, calls, or texts? Estranged, alienated, or suffering silently (or not)? Are the kids you always wanted to be your friends not only decidedly unfriendly, but also still upset because of something you don’t even remember? According to my post-parent clients, more than 40 social media groups for estranged parents, and recent research, here are the top ten reasons:

1. You insist on being right. We all have different stories about the past, even one we shared. But as long as you insist on your version, they don’t have a right to theirs. Accept their stories as being true for them.

2. You don’t know who they are now. Life has taught them lessons you don’t know. They’re not the same people they were as children, even if you think they are. Don‘t assume that you still know what they think and feel.

3. You've locked them into outgrown roles. She was a spendthrift, he was a ne’er do well, she was the good girl, he was the peacemaker. But now she manages a million-dollar budget, he has a responsible job, she’s a complete mess, and he gets in the thick of every family fight. Give them a chance to show you who they are now — you might be surprised.

4. You think the doesn’t still bother them. It might. Once again, explain that it wasn’t their fault. Admit your inability to prevent it. Acknowledge their pain, even if it was long ago. Let them tell you how it was for them without being defensive. Express your regret. And tell them you hope they can move on, because you have.

5. You can't let them lead their own lives. They’re adults now — they have a right to their lifestyle, religion, partners, decisions, and choices.

6. You ignore their boundaries. You stick your nose in things that are none of your business, like their marriages. You tell their secrets to others, including their siblings. You can’t stop nagging, no matter how many times you tell them to do something they don’t want or choose not to do.

7. You listen, but you don’t hear them. You jump in before they’ve finished. You tell them instead of asking them. You talk over or through them, not to them. Just be quiet, and let their words sink in before you jump in with a response. If you don’t understand something, ask them to explain it again.

8. You take sides. quarrels aren’t your business anymore, if they ever were. Let them work it out amongst themselves, no matter who you think is right. Refuse to mediate unless you can be truly neutral.

9. You triangulate. If you can’t get what you want from one child, you try going through the other, or even through their or your spouses. You ask them to tell each other’s confidences. You draw a third person into an issue that’s only between the two of you — or should be.

10. You take liberties you’re not entitled to. Just because you’re still their parent, you can’t interfere with their life. You need to back off and wait to be asked for your help, your opinion, and your understanding. Imagine there’s a door between you and them; knock first, and don’t enter unless invited, even if the door is more than a metaphor.