Nowadays, it seems that intergenerational cut-offs are so common, that they may happen for any reason, including clashes in values, differences of opinion, or even a look that someone gave you that was taken out of context. Sometimes the cut-off is interpreted as holding firm boundaries, which is sometimes given as an excuse for remaining distant and estranged.

Let’s face it, back to school is here and some kids simply do not want to go. Back to school is hard enough for families as we adjust from the slow pace of summer to the long grueling grind of the school day. Not to mention needing to wait for half an hour in line at the before and after school pick-up and drop-off. It is hard to readjust to the routine again, for kids and parents alike.

So, then where does this intense fear of judgment start to form? Somewhere along the way, through all the shaming and criticism, and through being told you are “bad” in some form or another, you start to get the hint. Read: This is not in your head. In fact, some people don’t recognize that your fear actually is valid even when it is far from the truth.