Have you ever had to go no contact with a family member?

It’s one of the hardest decisions a person can make. We grow up believing that family is everything—that no matter what happens, blood is thicker than water. But sometimes, the people closest to us are the ones who hurt us the most. And sometimes, protecting your peace means walking away from someone you love.

I had to go no-contact with my youngest daughter.

It wasn’t something I did lightly or suddenly. Over time, I realized that the relationship had become deeply toxic. The constant manipulation and emotional roller coasters wore me down. The harsh words and disrespect affected me in ways I didn’t fully understand until I stepped back. I kept telling myself, “She’s my daughter, she’ll change.” But change never came, and the damage kept growing.

Setting that boundary broke my heart. I knew I had to do it for my own sanity, health, and healing. I still love her. I always will. But love doesn’t mean sacrificing yourself to keep someone else comfortable. This is especially true when they show no signs of growth or accountability.

People don’t talk enough about the pain of estrangement, especially when it comes to a parent and child. There’s a lot of guilt. There’s grief—even when the person is still alive. But there’s also relief. Peace. It is the quiet that comes when you are no longer trying to fix something. The other person refuses to acknowledge that it is broken.

Going no-contact is never easy. It’s not about punishment—it’s about protection. It’s not about giving up—it’s about letting go when holding on is doing more harm than good.

If you’re struggling in a toxic family relationship, I want you to know you’re not alone. It’s okay to set boundaries. It’s okay to choose peace. And it’s okay to walk away from people who continue to hurt you, even if they’re family.

Thanks for reading. If you’ve gone through something similar or need a safe place to share, feel free to comment below. We heal together.