I am estranged from my family in general. My mother divorced my father when I was 3 and remarried when I was 5. He treated my blood brother and I like soldiers, he was very abusive, verbally, physically and emotionally. My mom never protected me from him. She has made it clear she never wanted kids, so in her next life she will definitely be sure to not have them 🤦🏻‍♀️. She never calls or visits my kids. My family knew what was going on but never cared to step in. I’ve forgiven and moved on but I cannot be around or talk to them without feeling anxious or unsafe. I have no desire. Ppl ask me why is it so easy for me to cut them off? 1. I never felt like I was part of the family anyway. 2. I’m protecting myself and my children. By stepping away from that family I’ve been able to learn how to properly parent your children with love, and not the way I was taught. It’s been really rough. I guess what I struggle with now is do I have to force a relationship with them?