Estranged but faithful: What the Bible says about difficult parent–child relationships

Writer Maxine Harrison reflects on Brooklyn Beckham’s recent Instagram statement revealing his estrangement from parents Victoria and David Beckham, and his claim that fame was prioritised over family. Using the moment as a starting point, she explores what the Bible teaches about forgiveness, boundaries, and faith-filled wisdom when navigating painful or unconventional relationships with parents.

Brooklyn Beckham released a statement on his Instagram stories sharing the current estranged relationship with his parents. In it he shared he felt they prioritised fame above family. In the statement, the 26-year-old says he currently has no desire to “reconcile” with his parents, Victoria and David Beckham.

But what does the Bible say about children having estranged relationships with their parents? As someone who was raised by my amazing grandmother from just a few months old, this is something that I have personally had to wrestle with and bring before the Lord. Although I wasn’t raised in the same household as my parents, I would visit and see them regularly. However, the nature of this relationship when I was younger felt more about obligation - as my grandmother would encourage me to keep in touch with them - ensuring I knew who my parents were.