The Parent Pivot Podcast

“You Won’t Be Fine” — The Fear Behind Letting Go

Mother’s Day can bring up a lot more than flowers and brunch reservations.
For many moms of adult children… it brings disappointment, loneliness, fear, and the painful question:  “Am I still needed?”
In this episode of The Parent Pivot Podcast, Steve and Julia talk honestly about the struggle of releasing your adult children without losing your identity in the process.
From unmet expectations around holidays… to learning how to let your kids fail, grow, and find their own way… this conversation is full of encouragement, honesty, laughter, and hope for parents navigating this difficult season.
If letting go feels harder than you expected… this episode is for you.
Resources:
1.  Email us at parentpivotpodcast@gmail.com.
2. Need someone to talk to about your adult child relationship? Call or text Julia at 714-392-2060 for a FREE consultation. Or visit: www.meadowbrookcounselingga.com
3. "The Parent Pivot: 13 Principles for Building Stronger Relationships with Your Adult Children" by Steve and Julia Cummings.

The Hardest Pivot: Loving Your Adult Children Without Losing Yourself - Interview with Dr Kathy Koch

What do you do when your relationship with your adult child isn’t what you hoped it would be?
In this powerful episode of The Parent Pivot Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Kathy Koch to talk about the real struggles parents face—grief, distance, conflict, and conversations that don’t have easy answers.
You’ll hear how to love your adult children without controlling them…how to hold onto truth without compromising…and why “being sad before you’re mad” might change everything.
If you’ve ever felt confused, hurt, or unsure of your role as a parent of adult children—this conversation will meet you right where you are and give you hope for the road ahead.
Resources mentioned on today's podcast:
1. www.CelebrateKinds.com
2. "Resolve Conflict and Find Peace and Hope with Adult Children: Strategies and Conversations that Work" by Dr. Kathy Koch.
3. "Raising Gender-Confident Kids: Helping Kids Embrace Their God-Given Design" by Dr. Kathy Koch

“I Didn’t Know What I Didn’t Know": Letting Go of Parenting Regret

What do you do when you look back on your parenting and wish you had done something differently?
In this deeply honest episode of The Parent Pivot Podcast, Steve and Julia share a powerful conversation sparked by a true story film—and the emotions it brought to the surface. Together, they explore the weight of regret, the reality that “you didn’t know what you didn’t know,” and how shame can quietly follow parents into their children’s adult years.
You’ll hear real stories, raw reflections, and practical wisdom on how to release yourself from guilt, extend grace to your past, and take meaningful steps toward healing—whether that includes a conversation with your child or work in your own heart.
If you’ve ever replayed parenting moments in your mind and wondered “what if…”—this episode is for you.
Resources mentioned on today's podcast:
1. "The Parent Pivot: 13 Principles for Building Stronger Relationships with Your Adult Children" by Steve and Julia Cummings.
2. Need someone to talk to about your adult child relationship? Call or text   Julia at 714-392-2060 for a FREE consultation. Or visit: www.meadowbrookcounselingga.com
 

“You’re Not Helping: Why Your Adult Child Needs You to Let Them Fail”

What if the way you’re trying to help is actually hurting your relationship with your adult child?
In this episode of The Parent Pivot Podcast, Steve and Julia say something that’s hard to hear—but incredibly freeing: you might not be helping.
They talk about the tension every parent feels—wanting to step in, fix it, protect them and why that instinct, if left unchecked, can actually get in the way of their growth.
Because failure isn’t the enemy.  It’s often the very thing that shapes who they’re becoming.
So how do you know when to speak and when to stay quiet?
When to step in - and when to trust and let go?
If you’ve ever thought, “I’m just trying to help…” this conversation might change how you see everything.
Got something you'd like Steve and Julia to talk about? Email them at: parentpivotpodcast@gmail.com.
Need someone to talk to about your adult child relationship? Call or text Julia at 714-392-2060 for a FREE consultation. Or visit: www.meadowbrookcounselingga.com
Get a copy of Steve and Julia's book, "The Parent Pivot: 13 Principles for Building Stronger Relationships with Your Adult Children." 
 

"Best of The Parent Pivot Podcast" - When Your Adult Child is Hurting: What NOT to Do

What do you do when your adult child is already carrying something heavy… and everything in you wants to correct, fix, or pile on?
In this episode of the "Best of The Parent Pivot Podcast, we’re talking about a trap so many parents fall into—adding pressure when our kids are already overwhelmed.
There’s a better way.
A way to stay connected… to lead with wisdom instead of reaction… and to become the kind of parent your adult child actually wants to come to.
If you’ve ever felt that tension between speaking truth and protecting the relationship—this episode is for you.
Listen now and learn how to pivot when it matters most.
1. "The Parent Pivot: 13 Principles for Building Stronger Relationships with Your Adult Children" by Steve and Julia Cummings.
2. "Doing Life with Your Adult Children" by Jim Burns. 
4. Need someone to talk to about your adult child relationship? Call or text   Julia at 714-392-2060 for a FREE consultation. Or visit: www.meadowbrookcounselingga.com
 
 

When Your Adult Child Gets Engaged: Where Do You Step In… and Step Back?

Your child just got engaged. You’re excited… maybe emotional… maybe even a little anxious.
Because suddenly—you’re not in control anymore.
There are new voices. New opinions. New dynamics. And if you’re not careful, this season meant to bring joy… can quietly create distance.
So how do you stay close to your son or daughter…without overstepping, controlling, or damaging the relationship?
In this episode of The Parent Pivot Podcast, we’re talking about how to navigate the engagement season with wisdom, humility, and love—
Because this isn’t just about a wedding.  It’s about the future of your relationship.
Watch Steve and Jamilyn in their Father-Daughter Dance - Boomer vs. Millennial.
 

Seen, Not Controlled: The Secret to Staying Close to Your Adult Child”

Most parents don’t lose connection with their adult children because they stopped loving them. They lose connection because they won’t stop trying to control them.
In this episode of The Parent Pivot Podcast, we sit down with Miriam Groom, Founder & CEO of Mindful Career, to unpack one of the biggest tensions parents face: How do you let go without losing your relationship?
We talk about what your adult child actually needs from you right now—and it’s probably not advice. It’s being seen. It’s curiosity. It’s learning how to stay connected without controlling the outcome.
If you’ve ever felt the tension of wanting to guide your kids - but not push them away - this episode will change how you show up—starting today.
Resources mentioned on today's podcast:
1. Truity Career Aptitude Test https://www.truity.com/test/career-personality-profiler-test
2. VARK Learning Styles Questionnaire https://vark-learn.com/the-vark-questionnaire/
3. Morning Pages (The Artist’s Way) https://juliacameronlive.com/basic-tools/morning-pages/
 

"Best of The Parent Pivot Podcast:" Comedy, Empty Nesting and Ecclesiastes - Interview with Comedian Jeff Allen

Being an empty nester doesn't have to be a sad season of life. It CAN be a hoot! Just ask comedian Jeff Allen.
On this "Best of The Parent Pivot Podcast," Steve and Julia Cummings interview Jeff as get his life experiences of being an empty nester. You'll also get a chance to see the personal side of Jeff as he shares about his new book, "Are We There Yet?" (Available on Amazon).
It's an inspirational account and at times laugh-out-loud story of how God rescued him from alcoholism and despair through the book of Ecclesiastes.
See Jeff Allen on tour at: https://www.jeffallencomedy.com/tour

Grandparents vs. No-Screen Parenting: How to Have the Conversation

What happens when grandparents want to help… but they’re running out of energy?
In today’s episode of The Parent Pivot Podcast, we tackle a real-life tension so many families face— grandparents stepping in to help with the kids… and parents who don’t want any screen time.
It sounds simple… until real life hits. Aches. Fatigue. Rainy days. And a toddler who never stops moving.
So how do you honor your adult child’s parenting… without burning yourself out in the process?
We’re talking about communication, boundaries, and how to have this conversation without damaging the relationship that matters most.
If you’re a grandparent—or you will be someday—this one’s for you.
Resources mentioned on today's podcast:
1. "The Parent Pivot: 13 Principles for Building Stronger Relationships with Your Adult Children" by Steve and Julia Cummings.
2. "Doing Life with Your Adult Children" by Jim Burns. 
3. Legacy Coalition Grandparenting Summit. 
4. Need someone to talk to about your adult child relationship? Call or text   Julia at 714-392-2060 for a FREE consultation. Or visit: www.meadowbrookcounselingga.com

"Best of The Parent Pivot Podcast" - How to Thrive After Your Kids Leave Home: Interview with Jill Savage

The season of becoming a new empty nester is finally here.  As author and speaker, Jill Savage says, "It can be either a time of 'boo-hoo' or "WOO-HOO!"  
You might find yourself caught between grief and delight and full of questions, hopes and regrets.  How can we make sense of it all?
On this edition of The Parent Pivot Podcast, Steve and Julia interview Jill and get her wisdom, encouragement and ideas for thriving in this next season of life.  Don't miss it!
 
Resources mentioned on this podcast:
"Empty Nest, Full Life" - by Jill Savage
Other books by Jill
Empty Nest Retreat and Course
Marriage Intensives