The Parent Pivot Podcast

Looking back at raising your kids brings both joys and sorrows.  Often times we see how we could have done things better - or maybe how we messed up. On this edition of The Parent Pivot Podcast, Steve and Julia give us some practical counsel on how we can do some repair work to strengthen our relationship with our adult kids.   Resources mentioned on today's podcast: 1. "I Know a Guy" podcast with Steve Cummings - a ministry for men from www.BringingKingdom.org. 2. Subscribe to Steve's free Substack newsletter here. 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  

As parents of 4 married children, Steve and Julia Cummings bring their educational and counseling backgrounds along with their own life experiences as parents, to help others navigate The Parent Pivot: From Parenting to Partnering.  On this inaugural podcast, it's time to hit the pause button and pivot as you shift how you relate to your adult children. Contact Steve & Julia at: parentpivotpodcast@gmail.com www.meadowbrookcounselingga.com www.bringingkingdom.org

What if the “difficult” daughter-in-law in your family… isn’t angry at all? What if she’s just alone? In this week’s episode of The Parent Pivot Podcast, we unpack a powerful reflection called the “Angry Daughter-in-Law Theory.” We talk about what really happens when someone marries into an established family system — the inside jokes, the unspoken rules, the old loyalties — and how easy it is to label someone as “too sensitive” or “too much” instead of asking deeper questions. If you have married children — or hope to one day — this conversation might change the way you see your in-law forever. Because pivoting from parent to partner sometimes begins with empathy.   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  

What do you do when your adult child costs you a boatload of money? A wrecked car. A bailout. Another “can you help me just this once?” As parents, we want to be generous. But what happens when generosity turns into enabling? And how do you pivot when your adult child needs more than grace — they need growth? In this episode of The Parent Pivot Podcast, we talk about a powerful moment from a recent workshop where a mom admitted she hadn’t always been the parent her son needed… and decided it was time to “go full Miyagi.” We unpack tough love, ownership, financial boundaries, adult children living at home, and why clear communication matters more than control. Sometimes the most loving thing you can do… is teach discipline with humility. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re being too generous — or not generous enough — this conversation is for you. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Sometime just have a conversation with someone to process with brings validation and relieves those feelings of guilt, anxiety and frustration.  We are here to help.  Call or text Julia at 714-392-2060 for a FREE consultation. Or visit: www.meadowbrookcounselingga.com. Also - pick up a copy of "The Parent Pivot: 13 Principles for Building Stronger Relationships with Your Adult Children" by Steve and Julia. Available for $9.99 on Amazon.

What do you do when your adult child starts parenting in ways you completely disagree with? Maybe it’s gentle parenting. Maybe it’s food rules. Bedtime. Discipline. Screen time. And you’re sitting there thinking… “We would never have done it that way.” Here’s the harder question: Do you want to be right… or do you want a relationship? In this episode of The Parent Pivot Podcast, Steve and Julia talk honestly about biting your tongue, respecting your adult child’s authority, avoiding triangulation in their marriage, and learning how to pivot from parent to partner. If you’re a grandparent — or you will be someday — this conversation could save your family from unnecessary fractures. Listen now and learn how to stay connected without stepping over the line. Resources mentioned on this podcast: 1. "The Parent Pivot: 13 Principles for Building Stronger Relationships with Your Adult Children" 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  

Let's face it . . . not only is there NOT instructions handed to new parents by the doctor explaining "what to do" when you leave the hospital and take your baby home. The same can also be said when your adult kids leave home. Where's the "partner manual"? Where do you go to find out how to make the pivot from parent to partner? We got you on this one! On this "Best of The Parent Pivot Podcast," Steve and Julia interview Gill Tillmann, author of the book, "Pour the Wine: We're Talking About Our Adult Children . . . Again". Sit back, relax and pull up a chair and join us for this delightful conversation about "life after parenting." Links: https://www.instagram.com/fished.my.wish/?hl=en Pour the Wine - book

On the next Parent Pivot Podcast, Dr. James Banks joins us with a story every parent needs to hear. He opens up about his son Geoff — a bright, likable kid who spiraled into addiction and walked far from faith… and the raw, hard years his family lived through as they prayed without giving up. Dr. Banks shares what it really looked like to trust God through fear, anger, shame, and unanswered prayers — and how, through grace and love, Geoff not only came back — he discovered purpose and now serves in ministry alongside his dad. If you’re carrying hope for a prodigal — or praying for a relationship that feels lost — this conversation will encourage your heart and renew your faith that hope really does lie ahead. Resources mentioned on this podcast: 1. "Prayers for Prodigals" by Dr. James Banks. 2. "Hope Lies Ahead: Encouragement for Parents of Prodigals From a Family That's Been There" by James Banks & Geoff Banks 3. www.jamesbanks.org 4. Other books by James Banks. 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 For speaking engagements on marriage, parenting, men's and women's identity issues, contact Julia at: www.meadowbrookcounselingga.com and Steve at: www.bringingkingdom.org  

One of the pains of our hearts is when we hear from our listeners that their is a broken relationship with an adult child.  Maybe they have cut-off all communication and Mom & Dad are left wondering, "What can we do?" On this edition of The Parent Pivot Podcast, Steve and Julia welcome Dr. Ken Canfield and his wife Dr. Michelle Watson-Canfield to the podcast to dive deeper into this subject and bring hope to hurting pivoting partners. If you have an adult child who is not speaking to you, or know someone who is going through this, this podcast is for you/them.  Please share it, rate it, and write a review. [Podcast production note: We apologize for the change in audio about halfway through. We lost internet connection to our recording platform and had to use our laptop speakers as mic's.] Resources mentioned on this podcast: 1. "Let’s Talk: Conversation starters for Dads & Daughters" by Dr. Michelle Watson-Canfield. 2. "Forgiving the Unforgiveable" by Beverly Flanagan 3. For a FREE copy of the 6-step process Dr.Michelle mentioned on today's podcast -  A PROCESS FOR FORGIVENESS - send us an email: parentpivotpodcast@gmail.com and we will send it to you 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   Background on today's guests: Ken Canfield PhD, is a nationally-known leader and scholar, and has committed his life to strengthening fathers and families. He founded and is president of the National Center for Fathering (www.fathers.com), as well as the National Association for Grandparenting (www.grandkidsmatter.org), and continues to engage in several organizations dedicated to improving family well-being. Michelle Watson Canfield, PhD, LPC, is a national speaker, author, professional counselor of 30 years, and founder of The Abba Project, a nine-month group forum for dads whose daughters are in their teens and 20’s.  She writes guest articles regularly for journals and magazines as well as her own bi-monthly Dad-Daughter Friday blog, and is the host the award-winning The Dad Whisperer Podcast.

If you've ever wanted to be a "fly on the wall" of a real-life, real-time, intimate conversation with pivoting partners and their adult child - this is the podcast you will be glad you heard. The tables get turned on Steve and Julia on this episode of The Parent Pivot Podcast when their daughter Jamilyn interviews them about a variety of issues she is facing as their adult child living under their roof.  Real life conversations with adult children in real time!  Don't miss it - and then share it with your adult child. Mentioned on the podcast: 18 year-old Jamilyn does Dance Dares in the Airport. https://www.instagram.com/heyitsjamilynjoy/ https://www.youtube.com/@heyitsjamilynjoy Quote from Jim Carrey on depression:  “I believe depression is legitimate. But I also believe that if you don’t exercise, eat nutritious food, get sunlight, consume positive material, surround yourself with support, then you aren’t giving yourself a fighting chance.” 

A new year has begun—and so has a new season of The Parent Pivot Podcast. After a season of loss, reflection, and hard conversations, we are back with a powerful reminder for parents of adult children. Today we talk about grief, legacy, forgiveness, and what really matters when the noise fades. How do you stop majoring on the minors? How do you keep short accounts with your adult kids? And what kind of parent do you want them to remember when you’re gone? This conversation will challenge you to pivot—from control to connection, from parenting to partnering.  If you want healthier relationships with your adult children in 2026, this episode is for you.

Pivoting from "Mamma parent" to "Mamma partner" can be one of the toughest things you'll ever have to do - especially if you have an adult son. On this Best of The Parent Pivot Podcast, Steve and Julia discuss the unique dynamics of the Mother/Son relationship and what you want that to look like as they start their own life without you as the #1 woman in their life. It's not a sad story and doesn't have to be. Find out how to see the joy in this next season.   Resources mentioned on this podcast: 1. "A Tale of Two Brains - Men's Brain Women's Brain" - Mark Gungor.  2. "The Parent Pivot" - by Steve and Julia Cummings.  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 For speaking engagements on marriage, parenting, men's and women's identity issues, contact Julia at: www.meadowbrookcounselingga.com and Steve at: www.bringingkingdom.org  

It happens to all of us at some time.  Our kids become adults.  Leave home.  Get married.  And all their stuff from childhood remains in our basements and garages. What does that have to do with pivoting from parent to partner? On this Best of The Parent Pivot podcast, we get an insightful look at how Julia faced this recently and what this "emotional torture" taught her in her pivot to partner. 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 For speaking engagements on marriage, parenting, men's and women's identity issues, contact Julia at: www.meadowbrookcounselingga.com and Steve at: www.bringingkingdom.org  

One dynamic that comes into play as we pivot from being a parent to a partner is: What is the balance between financially helping our adult child(ren) - and enabling them?   Whether it's paying for college, a car, a down payment on a new home, or childcare for the grand babies, how much is too much?  Especially when you aren't seeing any grateful hearts and expectations begin to take over because, "Mom and Dad will cover it." Can you relate? On this "Best of" editon of The Parent Pivot Podcast, Steve and Julia sort that tension out for us and provide wisdom to help you have the right conversation with your spouse about how generosity plays out for you with your adult child(ren).  Don't miss it! For a free copy of "The Treasure Principle" by Randy Alcorn, text Steve at 714-742-9625 or email 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 For speaking engagements on marriage, parenting, men's and women's identity issues, contact Julia at: www.meadowbrookcounselingga.com and Steve at: www.bringingkingdom.org

In the Cummings' kitchen is a wooden plaque that says, "Simplify."  We often get overwhelmed in life trying to balance, juggle, and learn new things.  Don't you wish you could just simplify life more? On today's Parent Pivot Podcast, Steve and Julia help us simplify how we can focus on a few things on the road to becoming a champion partner to our adult children. Resources mentioned on this "Best of" podcast: 1. "How We Love" by Milan and Kay Yerkovich 2.  Take the Enneagram Test here 3. "The Road Back to You" for understanding and insight. 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 For speaking engagements on marriage, parenting, men's and women's identity issues, contact Julia at: www.meadowbrookcounselingga.com and Steve at: www.bringingkingdom.org  

“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you     and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you     and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26 These verses from the Old Testament are known as "The Blessing" and are the focal point of this "Best of" edition of The Parent Pivot Podcast. Steve and Julia share how it's not to late to change generational "stuff" and see what God does in the lives of your adult children, and their children's children.  Don't miss it! Listen to "The Blessing" by Kari Jobe  Email Steve & Julia your story 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 For speaking engagements on marriage, parenting, men's and women's identity issues, contact Julia at: www.meadowbrookcounselingga.com and Steve at: www.bringingkingdom.org

This Thanksgiving, families gather, memories surface, and… so do the opinions. On this week’s episode of The Parent Pivot Podcast, we’re leaning into the heart of the holiday—gratitude, connection, and the power of choosing peace. Join us as we share fun family memories, talk about how to stay unoffended around the dinner table, and give you practical ways to steer conversations away from hostility and toward harmony. Whether your family is calm, chaotic, or somewhere in between, this episode will help you navigate Thanksgiving with grace, humor, and a whole lot of love. So before you pass the mashed potatoes, hit play on this special Thanksgiving edition of The Parent Pivot Podcast—and make this holiday one your family will actually be thankful for. 🦃✨ Email Steve & Julia your story 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

Pivoting from parent to partner isn't easy.  It's a road of what seems like constant change.  But! . . . the intentional effort you put in, will reap a stronger, deeper and more healthy relationship with your adult children. On this "Best of" episode of The Parent Pivot Podcast, Steve and Julia show us how we can have a lasting legacy that will strengthen your relationships with your adult children for a lifetime. Need someone to talk to about your adult child relationship? Call or text Julia at 714-392-2060 for a FREE consultation. Or email her at: parentpivotpodcast@gmail.com or visit: www.meadowbrookcounselingga.com  

On this episode of The Parent Pivot Podcast, we're talking about the legacy you’ll one day leave—and how to be intentional about it now. As parents, we don’t just pass on our DNA; we pass on values, wisdom, traditions, and faith. Today, we walk through how to create a simple "Legacy List"—a thoughtful inventory of the lessons, stories, and blessings we want to pass down to our kids and grandkids. Join us as we explore practical and meaningful ways to invest in the next generation so your influence endures long after today. Your legacy isn’t about what you own—it’s about who you are and what you share. Let’s build that on purpose. Resources mentioned on today's podcast: 1. "Resilient: Restoring Your Weary Soul in These Turbulent Times" by John Eldridge.  2. One-Minute Pause App.

Whether it’s hours of Fox News, CNN, or scrolling through heated headlines, constant news consumption can shape our attitudes, heighten emotions, and unintentionally create relational distance with our adult kids. On this episode of The Parent Pivot Podcast, Steve and Julia tackle a challenge many pivoting partners may be facing today—navigating the tension that can arise when our over indulgence of media habits can alienate our adult children. Resources mentioned on this podcast: 1. "The Parent Pivot: 13 Principles for Building Stronger Relationships With Your Adult Children" by Steve and Julia Cummings. Available on Amazon. 2. Need someone to talk to about your adult child relationship? Call or text Julia at 714-392-2060 for a FREE consultation. Or email her at: parentpivotpodcast@gmail.com or visit: www.meadowbrookcounselingga.com  

It’s easy to brag about one of your adult kids — especially when you’re proud of who they’ve become. But what happens when your other kids feel overlooked or compared? On this episode of The Parent Pivot Podcast, Steve and Julia  unpack why bragging (even the innocent kind) can damage family relationships and how humility, gratitude, and biblical wisdom can keep everyone feeling valued. Learn how to celebrate each child’s story without creating competition — and how to keep your family connected for the long haul. Resources mentioned on this podcast: Need someone to talk to about your adult child relationship? Call or text Julia at 714-392-2060 for a FREE consultation. Or email her at: parentpivotpodcast@gmail.com or visit: www.meadowbrookcounselingga.com