Dear Abby: My family is divided — how do I bring us back together?
Cleveland
Last updated: May 1, 2026
A woman has been separated from her husband for 15 years. They share two adult children who are on the autism spectrum. For the past two years, their daughter has been living with her father due to disagreements over household rules. The mother is seeking advice on how to improve her relationship with her daughter.
- The daughter, who is on the spectrum, moved out two years ago due to conflicts with her mother regarding rules and expectations.
- The father has maintained a more lenient approach, which the daughter prefers.
- The mother wishes to reconnect with her daughter and is asking for advice on how to mend their strained relationship.
- The daughter's living situation with her father is described as a consequence of differing parenting styles and household expectations.
- The mother's request focuses on finding ways to bridge the communication gap and rebuild trust with her daughter.
- The article does not specify the exact nature of the disagreements or the daughter's age beyond "grown."
