Shows / The Parent Pivot Podcast
The Parent Pivot Podcast
We are Steve and Julia Cummings and we are empty nesters who desire to maintain healthy relationship with our adult children. We have found that something needs to change in us, the parent, when our child becomes an adult. We need to ”pivot” from parenting, to partnering. What does that look like? When do I say something and when do I not? Why won’t they listen to me? We address these questions and host more in a real, raw an vulnerable way in real time. Tune in each week as we help you become…
Episodes
- The Parent Pivot Podcast
Having a Difficult Conversation with Your Adult Child: Is It Worth Saying?
Your adult child has done or said something that you feel needs to be addressed. But . . . how do you go about having that conversation? On this edition of The…
- The Parent Pivot Podcast
Control, Expectations and a New Season
Life transitions are never easy whether you move to a new city, lose a loved one or are going through a divorce. Essentially . . . life happens. The same can…
- The Parent Pivot Podcast
Best of The Parent Pivot Podcast: Let Them Vent
When communication and conversations with your adult child keep ending up in arguments and you feel like you're just spinning your wheels, how do we pivot from…
- The Parent Pivot Podcast
Best of The Parent Pivot Podcast: Hit the Pause Button!
As parents of 4 married children, Steve and Julia Cummings bring their educational and counseling backgrounds along with their own life experiences as parents…
- The Parent Pivot Podcast
Best of The Parent Pivot Podcast: Pivoting to Being a Partner Means - Get a Life!
The kids are gone and a new season has arrived. You and your spouse suddenly have all this time on your hands. Now what? On this "Best of" episode of "The…
- The Parent Pivot Podcast
Be a Disrupter!
The Cambridge Dictionary defines the word "disrupter" as: "A person or thing that prevents something, especially a system, process, or event, from continuing…
- The Parent Pivot Podcast
Best of The Parent Pivot Podcast - "The Secret to a Deeper Relationship with Your Adult Child"
We all do it. We mask up to protect our hearts from shame, judgment and criticism and it's all based on fear. The Enemy wins because we don't want anyone to…
- The Parent Pivot Podcast
Best of The Parent Pivot Podcast: "When Your Adult Child is Hurting: What NOT to Do"
Football season is in full swing and you've likely seen a runner get stopped at the line of scrimmage and gang tackled to the ground. Five or six guys against…
- The Parent Pivot Podcast
"Broken to Blessed" - Interview with Dr. John Trent and Kari Trent Stageberg
If you have a prodigal son or daughter who is not talking to you and you're wondering, "God, where are You?" . . . there is hope. On today's Parent Pivot…
- The Parent Pivot Podcast
How Do We Get Through a Holiday Without Our Kids?
Whether it's Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas or the 4th of July - pivoting parents can be left alone on the holiday. How do we navigate that when we yearn to…
- The Parent Pivot Podcast
Pivoting Well Requires Short Memories, Giving Grace & Believing the Best
Doing life with your adult children can bring up issues from the past that now affect your relationship as a pivoting parent to partner. Left unaware of how to…
- The Parent Pivot Podcast
"Therefore . . . "
According to AI: "'Therefore'" is an adverb that means 'for that reason' or 'consequently.' It indicates a logical conclusion based on a preceding statement or…
- The Parent Pivot Podcast
Best of The Parent Pivot Podcast - "Pivoting with Your In-Law Kids: Interview with Ashleigh Cummings
Your son or daughter has just gotten married, or is about to. What does it look like to pivot from parent to partner with your new in-law kids? On this episode…
- The Parent Pivot Podcast
What a Week with Our Kids and Grandkids Taught Us
Summer is here and family vacations are in full swing! On this edition of The Parent Pivot Podcast, Steve and Julia reflect on their week hosting their oldest…
- The Parent Pivot Podcast
Best of The Parent Pivot Podcast: "Having Hard Conversations with Your Adult Child"
The pivot from Parent to Partner goes more smoothly when we "keep our mouths shut and the welcome mat out" - the main theme of Jim Burns' book and The Parent…
- The Parent Pivot Podcast
"Generosity and Our Adult Kids"
Helping our adult kids out when they are struggling financially "can" bring up additional issues, especially with their siblings. What is fair when maybe not…
- The Parent Pivot Podcast
"Me? Offensive? Are You Joking?"
We all love family get-togethers where there is laughter and everyone is having a good time remembering stories from the past, right? Nothing wrong with that …
- The Parent Pivot Podcast
How Birthday Celebrations "Can" Impact Your Pivot to Partner
As we grew up as kids ourselves, we may or may not have good memories of how we were celebrated on our birthday. Then we get married and our spouse's…
- The Parent Pivot Podcast
Best of the Parent Pivot Podcast: Navigating This New Season of Empty Nesting
Ecclesiastes 3:1 says "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens." Often the season of the empty nest can leave us…
- The Parent Pivot Podcast
One Symptom of How a Parent Gets Stuck Making the Pivot to Partner
There are instances where parents can get stuck making the pivot from raising a child as a parent - to releasing them into the world as an adult and becoming a…
- The Parent Pivot Podcast
"Mammas, Don't Let Your Sons Grow Up . . . NOT!"
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 edition…
- The Parent Pivot Podcast
"Messy Journey: How Grace and Truth Offer the Prodigal a Way Home": Interview with Lori Wildenberg
Ever feel like you're walking a difficult road with a wayward adult child? On this edition of The Parent Pivot Podcast, Steve and Julia sit down with author…
- The Parent Pivot Podcast
My Adult Child's Marriage is in Trouble: Now What?
Probably THE hardest thing a partner of an adult child faces is when their child goes through some sort of suffering. It never changes because we never stop…
- The Parent Pivot Podcast
Eggshells and Confidence: When the Ground is Shaky with Your Adult Child
Does it seem like your adult child ignores you, talks down to you, or treats you in a negative way somehow? Maybe it even feels like you're walking on…
- The Parent Pivot Podcast
One Adult Child and Some Unique Dynamics to Navigate
"One" is a song by American singer-songwriter Harry Nilsson that was made famous by Three Dog Night back in the 60's. You may be parents who have one adult…
- The Parent Pivot Podcast
"One Choice Away from Change" - Interview with Justin and Trish Davis
We long for relationships to be joyful and life-giving, right? So why do they often leave us wounded, broken and exhausted? If you're looking to break the…
- The Parent Pivot Podcast
Gut Check Time with In-Law Relationships
You pour your heart and soul into raising your family. You kids grow up and become responsible adults and often times find their mate and get married. That's…
- The Parent Pivot Podcast
"Know Thyself!"
Pivoting to healthy relationships with our adult children requires: 1. Diving 2. Reflection 3. Processing Picture an iceberg. That's ALL we see in a person is…
- The Parent Pivot Podcast
For Dads Only: How We Can Become the Hero with Our Adult Kids
Dads: What if you were told that "doing" LESS as a father when your kids turn 20, would actually raise your stock (i.e. respect) i their eyes? Would you…
- The Parent Pivot Podcast
"We're Talking About Our Adult Kids . . . Again!": Interview with Author Gill Tillmann
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…
- The Parent Pivot Podcast
When TikTok Goes Viral: Steve & Julia Address Issues Related to Cutoff Relationships
We recently posted some TikTok short videos on a variety of subjects to see what would stick to the wall. One particular issue touched home with over 11,000…
- The Parent Pivot Podcast
Helicopter Mom Rehab 101
Your son or daughter is heading off to college - or currently in college - and you're finding it extremely hard to let go. It can be painful to not be needed…
- The Parent Pivot Podcast
Sacred Partnering: Pivoting Includes Your Own Sanctification
It's easy to keep the focus on "how" our adult children are doing and who they are becoming, right? This podcast is designed to come alongside you as make the…
- The Parent Pivot Podcast
"I Miss Talking to My Adult Child"
It's happening more and more these days to pivoting parents and we are hearing about it more and more. When WE left the nest - breaking off relationship with…
- The Parent Pivot Podcast
Moving the Needle in 2025: 14 Ways to Improve Your Relationship with Your Adult Child(ren)
Remember the old adage, "How do you eat an elephant?" One bite at a time? Well, the same also holds true with improving our relationships with our adult…
- The Parent Pivot Podcast
"I Don't Want Your Faith!" A Father-Daughter Story to Learn From
Passing on a spiritual legacy to our kids is every Christian parent's dream. It says so in the Bible, right? But what happens when you've done everything…
- The Parent Pivot Podcast
Heart & Life Cleanse: Becoming a Healthier Version of You
We have a tendency to think that we have to do extraordinary things to change things about ourselves. That's a lie and it prevents us from growing in every…
- The Parent Pivot Podcast
The Holidays and Family Conversations
The holidays are upon us and that can mean stress when we gather with extended family, right? Our past experiences for Thanksgiving can bring great, family…
- The Parent Pivot Podcast
Detours Happen
None of us like a detour. It messes up our timing, our plans, and causes stress and anxiety. Can I get an "AMEN!"? Detours are never convenient. They take us…
- The Parent Pivot Podcast
How We Can Use Social Media to ENHANCE Relationship with Our Adult Children
Now that we have your attention, there IS a path toward healthy social media use that can actually draw your adult kids closer to you. WHAT?? It's true. When…
- The Parent Pivot Podcast
The Best Thing We Can Do for Our Adult "Offspring" is . . .
You know that feeling. The one that causes your chest to puff out when someone tells you something about your character they like or something you did that was…
- The Parent Pivot Podcast
Getting Respect And Celebrating Each other: G-R-A-C-E
Often times life can get so busy, hectic, and burdensome it feels like we aren't really making progress. Ever felt this way? Maybe you do now. God never…
- The Parent Pivot Podcast
"My Relationship Has Been Cutoff with My Parent (or Adult Child)! Now What?"
When we've been hurt by a parent or by our adult child, the natural reaction is to protect our heart. We will either withdraw, fight, freeze for flee. We only…
- The Parent Pivot Podcast
"I'm Married (or Dating) and My Parent's Don't Approve of My Choice"
When pivoting parents don't pivot to partner well and don't accept your choice of who you married (or are dating) - it can cause issues on so many fronts! If…
- The Parent Pivot Podcast
Healthy Texting Tips for Pivoting Partners
Relationships are hard enough in-person but when we use our phones to text our adult kids, fracturing a relationship is always one text away. As we pivot from…
- The Parent Pivot Podcast
The Most Neglected Aspect of Becoming a Good Partner to Our Adult Kids
The pivot from parent to partner is a life-learning process that includes many facets. One facet we don't often think is related to pivoting to being a partner…
- The Parent Pivot Podcast
This One's for You 20 & 30-Somethings!: Steve & Julia Talk to the Next Gen
Mom and Dad may be a "tad" slow making the pivot from being a parent to a partner and you're not quite sure how to communicate with them any more. Life with…
- 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 episode of The Parent Pivot Podcast…
- The Parent Pivot Podcast
Our Nest is Empty. Now What?
You have pivoted - or ARE pivoting from Parent to Partner - and you find yourself with adult children who have left the nest, gotten married and now are on…
- The Parent Pivot Podcast
How to Thrive After Your Kids Leave Home: Interview with Author and Speaker, 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…
- The Parent Pivot Podcast
"I Blew It." - An Inside Peek at How Steve Handled a Recent Family Matter
No matter how well we pivot and become a great partner to our adult children, keeping a heart of humility is key. On this episode of The Parent Pivot Podcast…
- The Parent Pivot Podcast
A Common Generational Blindspot & the Road to Healing
It happens to many families and it goes unnoticed for decades and without attention - it gets passed on to our adult children with out even knowing it. What is…
- The Parent Pivot Podcast
"I Can't Do This Anymore!" - Interview with Suzanne Roragen, author of "Unconditional"
Your young adult child heads off to college and the rebellion begins. Drug and alcohol abuse that leads to an arrest you never imagined could happen in your…
- The Parent Pivot Podcast
Best of the Parent Pivot Podcast - "What Do You Do When . . . ?": Steve & Julia Respond to a Loyal Listener's Situation
Like anything we do in life, there can be an "art and a science" to it. Pivoting from Parent to Partner is no different. On this re-air of The Parent Pivot…
- The Parent Pivot Podcast
Best of the Parent Pivot Podcast - Being Generous to Our Adult Children: How Much is Too Much?
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…
- The Parent Pivot Podcast
Best of the Parent Pivot Podcast: When It Seems Hopeless - Interview with Jamilyn Upchurch
Your adult child is battling depression, thoughts of suicide, and has rejected your faith. That's enough to send any parent into high anxiety, control and…
- The Parent Pivot Podcast
Best of the Parent Pivot Podcast: ”I’m Going to the Sidelines” - When It’s Time to Take a Step Back: Interview with Jackson Cummings
There’s a moment every dad faces when your child doesn’t need you the way they used to. And if you’re not careful, you can start to feel unnecessary -…
- The Parent Pivot Podcast
Best of the Parent Pivot Podcast: Having Hard Conversations with Your Adult Child
The pivot from Parent to Partner goes more smoothly when we "keep our mouths shut and the welcome mat out" - the main theme of Jim Burns' book and The Parent…
- The Parent Pivot Podcast
Best of the Parent Pivot Podcast: "Doing Life with Your Adult Children" Interview with author Dr. Jim Burns
Enjoy this replay of The Parent Pivot Podcast where Steve and Julia sit down with Dr. Jim Burns, President of HomeWord and author of the book, "Doing Life with…
- The Parent Pivot Podcast
Summer is Here!
There comes a time when you have to take a step back from life for a bit and take a deep breath. Life gets crazy fast, doesn't it? It's all about balance…