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When Our Adult Children Walk AwayAuthor: Dr. Janet Steinkamp, EdD
My story. Reflecting my experiences, observations and perspective - in my words. In the early spring of 2019, under the coercive influence of her abusive gatekeeper partner, in the heart of the global pandemic and after several years of trying to sort through our erratic relationship, my (young) adult daughter made the heartbreaking choice to cut all communication with our family. I understand now that for a very long time, through her high school and college years, she tried to get her messages across to me. I recall instances when she asked me to listen, pay attention, and understand her better, to accept her evolving boundaries, to recognize her as an emerging adult, and to adjust my communication style to be more respectful of her emerging adulthood. She needed and expected a change in our relationship, in our boundaries, and in my recognition of her as a young woman. I didn't take her seriously and didn't listen to learn. I listened to respond, explain and convince. It took many months after she went no-contact for me to cycle through my grief. Like you, I experienced disbelief, anger and hopelessness before I could begin to recognize and accept my role in the reality of our circumstances. Even then, as I began to take responsibility for my contributions, my pain, confusion and hopelessness were often overwhelming. As difficult as it is to admit. I've come to accept that my contributions to our fractured relationship played a substantial role in her vulnerability to the charm of a narcissist. In her case, he was also her 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 humbly and gratefully report that my daughter, our family and I have reconnected. My daughter found her voice and the inner strength to leave a toxic and dangerous relationshi Language: en-us Genres: Kids & Family, Parenting, Relationships, Society & Culture Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it Trailer: |
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The Unrest of Not Knowing: Letting Go of The Need for Certainty in Estrangement
Sunday, 7 December, 2025
Hi Listeners. I'd love to hear from you. Send an email to Janet@jesteinkamp. It is not possible to respond to your Fan Mail posts directly.You’re not crazy for wanting answers—you’re human. It's human nature to want to know how and why things happen. In estrangement, too often the answers don't come, and we are challenged to find closure amid ambiguity.In this episode, I'll walk you through the unrest of not knowing in parent–adult-child estrangement. You’ll hear why many adult children don’t offer explanations (overwhelm, failed attempts to be heard, self-protection, different views of obligation, and shame/guilt). When we're submerged in uncertainty, there can be consequences for our minds, bodies and souls. So, can you move forward without answers?Listen in to hear 6 aspects of ambiguity and practical tools: mindset reframes, survival strategies and a simple step toward acceptance. If you've ever found yourself stuck in the 'why' or 'how could you' loop, this conversation will help you breathe again, slow the ruminating, and refocus on the present. Remember that reconnection starts with you.If today’s episode helps, share it with a friend who needs hope. Learn more or schedule coaching at whenouradultchildrenwalkaway.com, or email janet@jesteinkamp.com—and remember, you are not alone.Support the showFor more information, please visit https://www.WhenOurAdultChildrenWalkAway.com for resources, strategies, and tips to help you prepare to repair! The continuum of estrangement discussed today is available at https://www.togetherestranged.org/levels-of-estrangement. The stories, examples, reflections, and perspectives shared in this podcast are based on my professional work as an estrangement coach and my personal estrangement journey. Any examples, characters, or stories referenced are either drawn from my own lived experience or represent a composite of multiple real-life situations shared with me over time. The intention of this podcast is not to accuse, label, or defame any individual but to provide insight, validation, and support for those navigating the complexities of family estrangement. All opinions expressed are my own and are shared with you, the listener, from a place of healing and learning.
