Podcast
The Parent Pivot Podcast
Hosted by Steve and Julia Cummings · EN
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 a partner to your adult children. New podcast weblog
40episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
When Mamma Bear Takes Over
2w ago00:22:36Tap to summarizeWhat happens when concern for your adult child crosses the line into control? In this episode of The Parent Pivot Podcast, Julia shares how one worried text to her 35-year-old son quickly turned into a family-wide intervention he never asked for—and what happened next. Steve and Julia talk honestly about helicopter parenting, owning your mistakes, and why repairing small relational ruptures can protect the relationship with your adult child. They’ll also share more about their book, The Parent Pivot: 13 Principles for Building Stronger Relationships with Your Adult Children, a practical guide for moving from authority figure to trusted partner. And if you’ve already read the book, would you take a moment to leave an honest Amazon review? Your review helps other parents discover it. Need someone to process or dump on about your adult child and what's going on? Text Julia at 714-392-2060 to set up a virtual counseling session or visit her website at: www.meadowbrookcounselingga.com
Transcribe →"Best of The Parent Pivot Podcast" - 31 Words That Will Change Your Family Trajectory for Generations
3w ago00:13:13Tap to summarizeWhat if one of the greatest gift you could give your adult child isn’t advice, correction, or another solution—but your blessing? “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 The Parent Pivot Podcast.” Steve and Julia revisit the power of intentionally speaking words of love, value, and affirmation over our children. Even when they’re grown, they still need to know they are seen, accepted, and deeply loved—not because of what they accomplish, but simply because they belong. Listen to "The Blessing" by Kari Jobe Contact Steve and Julia at: parentpivotpodcast@gmail.com Need to talk to someone about your adult child situation? Contact Julia at: julia@meadowbrookcounselingga.com Get a copy of Steve and Julia's book, "The Parent Pivot: 13 Principles for Building Stronger Relationships with Your Adult Children." Available on Amazon.
Transcribe →"Best of The Parent Pivot Podcast" - Multi-Generational Family Living Part 2: Interview with Jon & Cheri Talbert
4w ago00:33:50Tap to summarizeThis week on The Parent Pivot Podcast, we’re continuing our conversation with our long-time friends, Jon and Cherie Talbert, on Multi-Generational Family Living. In Part 2, we go deeper into what it looks like to build a family culture where multiple generations are connected, supported, and invited into each other’s lives. Jon and Cherie share more wisdom on the practical realities, the relational challenges, and the beautiful kingdom opportunity of living with legacy in mind. If you missed Part 1, go back and listen — then join us for this encouraging second half of the conversation.
Transcribe →"Best of The Parent Pivot Podcast" - Multi-Generational Family Living Part 1: Interview with Jon & Cheri Talbert
Jul 700:35:17Tap to summarizeThis week on The Parent Pivot Podcast, we’re going back to one of our favorite conversations with our long-time friends, Jon and Cherie Talbert on Multi-Generational Family Living. What happens when adult children, aging parents, grandparents, and grandkids begin sharing more than just holidays together? Jon and Cherie help us think through the beauty, challenges, boundaries, and blessings of multi-generational family life — and how God can use it to shape legacy, deepen relationships, and strengthen the family. This is Part 1 of 2, and we’ll re-air Part 2 next week.
Transcribe →"Best of The Parent Pivot Podcast" - Their Perception is Their Reality
Jun 3000:13:34Tap to summarizeGrandbaby #7 is arriving and Steve and Julia will be back next week with new content. Please enjoy this "Best of" episode. It's bound to happen. Your adult child is hurt by something they see their grandparents do for their sibling and not for them. Do you get involved? Ignore it? Take sides? Explain it away? In yet another "real time" episode of The Parent Pivot Podcast, Steve and Julia walk through a situation that just happened that involved their adult child and their grandparent. How do you navigate this one when there's so many paths to take? Be listening for some practical, loving counsel that will strengthen your relationship with your adult child. Contact Steve & Julia on Facebook at The Parent Pivot Podcast, or via email at: parentpivotpodcast@gmail.com www.meadowbrookcounselingga.com www.bringingkingdom.org Resources by Steve and Julia include: 1. "The Parent Pivot: 13 Principles for Building Stronger Relationships with Your Adult Children." by Steve and Julia Cummings 2. "The Father Eclipse: How Your Earthly Father Shaped Your Idnetity and How to See God Clearly Again" by Steve Cummings
Transcribe →When Disagreement Becomes Disconnection
Jun 2300:27:29Tap to summarizeHave you ever found yourself stuck in a disagreement with your adult child? Maybe it's about parenting, career choices, relationships, faith, or simply how they're living their life. The disagreement itself may seem small—but over time, it can create distance neither of you intended. In this episode of The Parent Pivot Podcast, Steve and Julia explore how unresolved disagreements can slowly become disconnection, and why preserving the relationship matters more than winning the argument. And at the end of the episode, Steve shares how his book, The Father Eclipse, can help parents understand the powerful influence they still have in their adult children's lives—and how to keep that influence from becoming an obstacle to connection. Resources mentioned on today's podcast: 1. "The Father Eclipse: How Your Earthly Father Shaped Your Identity and How to See God Clearly Again" by Steve Cummings. Available on Amazon. 2. "I Know a Guy" Podcast with Steve Cummings. A 5-min daily podcast for men who are tired of performing. Available on Apple, Spotify and all podcast platforms. 3. Need to talk? Book some time with Julia by sending her a text at 714-392-2060 - or go to MeadowbrookCounselingGa.com.
Transcribe →When You Let Them Go: How Releasing Your Adult Child Can Strengthen Your Relationship
Jun 1600:39:51Tap to summarizeWhat happens when you stop holding on and start trusting God with your adult child? In this special episode of The Parent Pivot Podcast, Steve and Julia sit down with their daughter, Jamilyn, to hear her side of the story—from mission trips as a teenager, to the World Race, to discovering her identity, hearing God's voice, and finding her calling. Along the way, she shares one powerful truth every parent needs to hear: "Your adult child will never become your answered prayer if you're holding on to them." If you're struggling to release your adult son or daughter, this conversation may give you the courage—and hope—you need. Please share this episode on social media, rate and review us so other parents of adult children can find us. Resources mentioned on today's podcast: 1. When It Seems Hopeless: Interview with Jamilyn Upchurch - Apple podcast link. Spotify link. 2. "The Parent Pivot: 13 Principles for Building Stronger Relationships with Your Adult Children" by Steve and Julia Cummings
Transcribe →The Courage to Release: Pivoting with Adult Children in an Anxious World. Interview with Seth Barnes
Jun 900:44:21Tap to summarizeWhat happens when parents stop trying to protect their adult children from every risk and start trusting God with their future? This week on The Parent Pivot Podcast, we sit down with Seth Barnes, founder of Adventures in Missions and The World Race, to talk about launching adult children into purpose, faith, and real-world responsibility. We discuss fear-based parenting, why young adults need challenge and adventure, the power of listening prayer, and how some of the greatest growth happens when parents learn to let go. If you're navigating the transition from parenting to partnership with your adult child, this conversation will encourage and challenge you. Join us for this powerful discussion with Seth Barnes.
Transcribe →"Best of The Parent Pivot Podcast" - Summer is Here!
Jun 200:04:30Tap to summarizeThere 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. Summer break is finally here—and for many pivoting parents, that brings a mix of excitement, opportunity, and maybe a little anxiety too. In this "Best of" The Parent Pivot Podcast re-air, Steve and Julia talk about how to make the most of the summer months with your adult kids and grandkids, creating meaningful memories instead of simply surviving the schedule changes. As we record this, we're excitedly awaiting the arrival of our 7th grandbaby, and it reminds us just how quickly these seasons pass. We hope this conversation encourages you to slow down, be present, and make the most of the gift of family this summer.
Transcribe →The Boy You're Worried About Isn't Finished Yet
May 2600:29:18Tap to summarizeWhat if the young man you’re worried about is still becoming who he was created to be? In this deeply personal episode of The Parent Pivot Podcast, Steve and Julia talk honestly about boys, brain development, unmet expectations, parenting fear, and why so many parents panic too soon. From the science behind the prefrontal cortex developing around age 26… to the emotional impact parents can unknowingly have on their sons… this conversation is filled with hope, wisdom, and practical encouragement. Steve also shares part of his own story behind his new book, The Father Eclipse, and how fathers can unintentionally shape a son’s identity for decades and block his view of the Father. If you’re parenting a teenage or young adult son, this episode will help you breathe, step back, and love him well through the journey. Resources mentioned on today's podcast: 1. The Parent Pivot Podcast, "I'm Going to the Sidelines" - When It's Time to Take a Step Back: Interview with Jackson Cummings 2. "The Father Eclipse: How Your Earthy Father Shaped Your Identity and How to See God Clearly Again" by Steve Cummings. Available on Amazon. 3. I Know a Guy Podcast - 5-minutes each day. Real talk for men who don't do small talk. 4. "Stop Fixing Her: Why Your 'Help" is Killing Connection" Episode 126 of I Know a Guy Podcast with Steve Cummings 5. YouVersion Bible Plan - "The Heart of a Warrior: Before You Can Become the Warrior, You Must Become the Beloved Son." with Michael Thompson 6. "The Heart of a Warrior" book by Michael Thompson.
Transcribe →