Reconnecting With Estranged Siblings and FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY by Jennifer E. Smith

The Endicott siblings, Gemma, Connor, Roddy and Jude, were once inseparable. Childhood wasn’t easy—their mother left to chase her acting dreams, and their father stayed behind, but working long hours. The children were largely to their own devices, and Gemma, the oldest stepped into the role of a parent far too soon.

And somehow, she pulled it off. Her siblings flourished: Jude became a celebrated actress, Roddy a professional soccer star, and Connor an award-winning author. They consistently leaned on each other—until one argument shattered the bond they thought was unbreakable.

What started as a disagreement spiraled into years of silence. Then, Jude took a risk—extendin an olive branch in the form of an invitation to spend a weekend together in a North Dakota town.

Sibling estrangement occurs when siblings intentionally cut off contact for an extended period. Often, it’s a painful ripple effect following parent-child estrangement, and it tends to become more common as people grow older and life becomes more complex.

The emotional toll of sibling estrangement can be profound. Those who experience it face an increased risk of depression, anxiety, disordered eating, low self-esteem, substance use, and sleep disturbances. The pain is especially deep when the estranged siblings were once close—even enmeshed—making the loss feel like a fracture in one’s identity.

But just as relationships can unravel, they can also be mended—with time, intention, and care. Here are tools for reconnecting with estranged siblings.

Decide If Reconciliation Is Right for You: Not all relationships are meant to be repaired. If the dynamic was harmful, abusive, or persistently boundary-violating, estrangement is a valid decision. If the relationship was supportive, and you miss your sibling, reconciliation makes sense.

Move at Your Own Pace: Timing matters. Give yourself space to reflect on what caused the estrangement, what has changed since, and how reconnecting might affect your current emotional landscape. Don’t rush the process; wait until you’re ready.

Prepare for Big Emotions: Reconnecting will likely stir up old wounds. That’s normal. Have healthy coping strategies in place. Emotional regulation is key to staying grounded as you navigate this delicate process.

Set Boundaries: Reconciliation doesn’t mean picking up exactly where you left off. Trust takes time to rebuild, and healthy boundaries are essential—especially if enmeshment or blurred roles contributed to the original fallout. Take small steps, communicate openly, and honor your emotional limits.

Fun for the Whole Family by Jennifer E. Smith

Love Jennifer E. Smith? Me too. Check out my post on All-or-Nothing Thinking and THE UNSINKABLE GRETA JAMES by Jennifer E. Smith.