Fern Schumer Chapman's Blog, page 2
July 1, 2025
New blog post on psychologytoday.com
When my book, Brothers, Sisters, Strangers: Sibling Estrangement and the Road to Reconciliation, was released in 2021, the editorial board at my publishing house debated whether to use the word “estrangement” in the subtitle. That word was not widely used at that time, and editors feared that potential readers would be confused and put off by the term.
Now, in just four years, the word “estrangement” is everywhere – so much so that some have called the phenomenon a kind of “Me Too” movement.
What has changed?
A new book, Forget Them Kids: Challenging the One-Sided Narrative of the Estrangement Epidemic and the Biased Therapy Trends That Fuel it, claims that two of the most prevalent factors driving the trend are the changing approaches of young therapists and the influence of internet culture.
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June 5, 2025
Reader asks for help with her strained relationship with her sister
Seeking advice on how to deal with current relationship with sister whom was close to in the past
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May 20, 2025
New blog post: How siblings profoundly shape each other’s identities
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May 16, 2025
Parade/AOL article quote: Estranged are harshly judged
“Some grow up with their siblings side by side as best friends, while others spend their childhood walking on eggshells. And there are no guarantees that things will get better with time, either. To explore how deep this sort of damage can run, let’s take a look at a Reddit thread where people have been sharing what it’s like to have an antisocial brother or sister who has crossed every possible line, and how their behaviors still echo in their families today.
“My sister, who is 8 years older than me, chased 6 year old me around the house with a knife so I would leave her alone… because she was babysitting while my parents were on a date…. and I needed food….
“Such a decision still comes with a fair number of challenges. “Whether estrangement was a choice or the relationship simply faded away, estranged siblings are caught in a swirl of judgments and doubts,” said Fern Schumer Chapman, author of the book Brothers, Sisters, Strangers: Sibling Estrangement and the Road to Reconciliation….”
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April 26, 2025
New blog: 2 hidden factors that contribute to family estrangement
Hiding vices or avoiding triggers may cause family members to cut off contact.
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March 23, 2025
NewsBreak’s BuzzFeed article quotes Brothers, Sisters, Strangers
“Second, there are distinct risk factors for sibling estrangement. In her book, Brothers, Sisters, Strangers: Sibling Estrangement and the Road to Reconciliation, Fern Schumer Chapman says children raised in chaotic, abusive, or neglectful families like the one V and I grew up in run the greatest risk of estrangement, often shutting down and numbing themselves to their emotions, which effectively limits all relationships. She adds that poor communication skills modeled by parents who are unable to express feelings, negotiate differences, and model necessary skills of listening, apologizing, or cooling off can also be at the root of estrangement between siblings.
“Third, and most important, my daughters deserved the freedom to be good sisters, and it was my responsibility to nurture a healthy, positive relationship between them. Instead of pitting them against one another in the ultimate competition for my love and approval, I encouraged them to be good to each other. I made sure they attended one another’s arts, academic, and sports events so they could share in each other’s joys and disappointments. I gave them projects to accomplish together and plenty of opportunities to revel in their shared annoyance of their mom.”
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February 21, 2025
For Love of Recovery Podcast features FSC
For Love of Recovery Podcast features FSC – https://www.forloveofrecovery.com/podcast/my-sibling-and-i-are-estranged-fern-schumer-chapman
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January 26, 2025
Ordered Book
I read the description of this book to my hub. He could not believe how accurately it described the emotions & distress which have consumed our lives over the past 9 months. My baby sister dumped us after more than 33 years of closeness. It has been nearly a year of despair, hurt & anger.
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January 7, 2025
Join the Book Launch party for 90 on Jan. 10!
How far would you go to avoid being forced to kill?
That is the question Bruce Wasser faced as a young man!
The year is 1969; Bruce is 20, and 90 was his lottery number. The number that guaranteed he’d be drafted into the military—likely becoming a soldier in the Vietnam War.
Join us for the ZOOM book launch party on Friday, January 10, 2025, at 8:30 pm EST, (7:30 CST, 6:30 MT, 5:30 PST) as Mr. Wasser discusses his compelling new coming-of-age memoir about his arduous journey to becoming the first non-religious conscientious objector in San Diego’s history.
Mr. Wasser also will host a Q & A with his co-author and wife, Fern Schumer Chapman. They’ll answer questions about the book and their experiences of writing this memoir together. Please have your paperback or eBook of 90 at the ready, as we will take a screenshot of participants holding up their copies.
Get your book at https://www.amazon.com/dp/1962817121#SalesRank
Space is limited. To register for Mr. Wasser’s Next Lesson, please email fernschumer@gmail.com and we will send you a link.
Can’t wait to see you there!
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