When Our Adult Children Walk Away

My story. Reflecting my experiences, observations and perspective - in my words.

In the early spring of 2019, under the influence of her gatekeeper-partner, in the heart of the global pandemic and after several years of trying to sort through our differences, my (young) adult daughter made the heartbreaking choice to cut all communication with our family.

As difficult as it is to admit. I've come to accept that my contributions to our fractured relationship played a substantial role in Bri's vulnerability to the charm of a narcissist. In her case, he was also her work supervisor. The inherent power differential, her desire to please her boss, and her need for income positioned her perfectly to be manipulated and controlled. Eventually, she succumbed to his advances, and the rest is history. 

Today, I can humbly and gratefully share that my daughter, our family and I have reconnected. My daughter found her voice and the inner strength to leave a toxic and dangerous relationship, pack up her children, and begin to reestablish herself as an independent woman and mother. Brianna (she prefers Bri) often consults with me as I coach estranged parents and adult children who want to understand their circumstances and embrace their new emerging self-awareness.

My name is Dr. Janet Steinkamp, and the reason for this podcast is simple. During the long, dark hours of my isolation and desperation, I decided to use my formal training and professional experience to help people struggling to understand how their communication styles and interpersonal behavior might be strengthened to rebuild a fracturing relationship. I pivoted from decades of work in medical education to work with families. 

I now coach people, both parents and adult children, through the dark days, isolation, and pain of estrangement from their parent or adult child. We work to find hope and look toward the future, to grow despite and because of their estrangement, and find strategies that help them prepare to strengthen and rebuild their fractured relationship.

When you are ready to walk through the hot coals of self-reflection toward self-discovery - to prepare for repair - I'm here to walk alongside you. In each episode of the When Our Adult Children Walk Away podcast, we explore topics relevant to anyone hoping to reconnect with an estranged adult child or to those estranged from their parents. The material in each episode relates explicitly to the messy, exhausting, and hellish experience of estrangement.

When Our Adult Children Walk Away podcast, blog and 1:1 coaching are at your fingertips. Though I can't promise reconnection, I can and will help you find clarity, purpose and strength as you prepare for opportunities to establish respectful, trusting communication.