Welcome
Estranged Parents is a free UK-wide discussion community where parents can share experiences, ask questions, find useful information and talk to other people who understand something of what they are going through.
If you have used online discussion forums before, you will probably feel at home straight away. If you haven't, this page explains the basics and shows you how to get started.
How does a discussion forum work?
A discussion forum is simply a collection of conversations organised by subject. Unlike a live chatroom, everyone does not have to be online at the same time. People can read and reply when it suits them, so a conversation may develop over several hours or days.
Sections
The main community page is divided into different areas, a little like shelves in a library. Choose the area that interests you.
Topics
Inside each section are topics. A topic is simply a conversation started by a member about one subject.
Replies
Open a topic to read the conversation. If you would like to add something, use Reply. To begin your own conversation, use New Topic.
You do not have to post anything straight away. You are very welcome to read for a while, see how things work and join in only when you feel comfortable.
Getting started
- Have a look around Some parts of Estranged Parents are public, so you can browse before deciding whether you want to join.
- Choose a pseudonym We positively recommend choosing a username that is not your real name. Family estrangement is personal, and many people find it easier to speak honestly when their forum identity is separate from their everyday identity.
- Create your free account Our step-by-step registration guide explains exactly what to do, including how to activate your account after registering.
- Take your time Once you have joined, there is no obligation to introduce yourself immediately. Read for as long as you like and get a feel for the community first.
- Join in when you feel ready Reply to an existing conversation or start a topic of your own. You do not need to tell your whole story at once.
Why we recommend a pseudonym
Using a pseudonym gives you an extra layer of privacy. It also makes it less likely that somebody searching for your real name online will connect you with things you write here.
It does not need to be clever or complicated — a simple nickname or made-up username is fine. We suggest avoiding your full name, email address, date of birth, workplace, or a username that people already strongly associate with you elsewhere online.
If you have never used anything like this before
The forum may look unfamiliar the first time you see it. That is completely normal. You do not need to understand every button or menu before you start.
Think of the main page as an index of conversations. Open a section, choose a topic whose title interests you, and read it. You cannot break anything simply by looking around.
When you are ready to take part, the two words you really need to know are Reply and New Topic. Everything else can come later.
If you are unsure where to begin, the Start Here section contains the basic information about joining and using the community.
A few things worth knowing
- Joining and using Estranged Parents is free.
- We encourage members to use a pseudonym rather than their real name.
- You decide how much personal information you want to share.
- You can read quietly for as long as you like before posting.
- Some discussions are public; others are available only to registered members.
- The community is moderated.
- Estranged Parents is UK-wide, non-commercial and non-religious.
- Respectful differences of opinion are welcome.
Ready to begin?
If this kind of community is new to you, start with our simple registration guide. If you already know your way around discussion forums, you can go straight to the main board.