Estranged Mom Shares Pain of Being Cut Off

Laura Wellington, a Connecticut mother who gained a social media following as "Doormat Mom," has spoken out about her sudden estrangement from her daughter. The painful rift occurred in 2024 when Wellington was excluded from her daughter's wedding plans and subsequently blocked from all contact. This experience led her to share her story on TikTok, where she discovered a vast online community of parents facing similar, often gradual, family divisions.

Her online advocacy has attracted nearly 150,000 followers, with many parents reporting profound grief and isolation. Wellington observes that estrangement is becoming more normalized, even without abuse, citing factors like political differences and shifting societal values. Psychotherapist Dr. Jonathan Alpert notes that politics increasingly drives these separations, framing disagreements as 'moral injury' rather than simple disputes.

Wellington released a book in December 2024, "Doormat Mom, No More!," broadening her story into a collective experience. She emphasizes that while reconciliation is possible, forcing it is counterproductive. Instead, she advises parents to focus on their own well-being and personal growth, suggesting that a thriving life may encourage reconnection. Dr. Alpert distinguishes between healthy boundaries and complete estrangement, cautioning that the latter can be framed as emotional health when it is not.

Both Wellington and Dr. Alpert acknowledge that while estrangement can be reinforced by online communities and political identities, repair is possible. It requires a mutual willingness to believe that relationships can endure disagreements. Wellington expresses hope for future reconnection with her daughter, viewing her own journey as a testament to strength and resilience.