ABCs of Parenting Adult Children

James C Moffitt Jr.

ABC’s of Parenting Adult Children is a thoughtful, compassionate podcast hosted by James Moffitt for parents navigating the challenges of relationships with adult sons and daughters. Through honest conversations and real-life stories, the show explores communication, boundaries, identity, LGBTQ+ acceptance, grief, faith, reconciliation, and emotional healing. Whether your relationship is strong, strained, or broken, this podcast offers insight, hope, and practical wisdom for parenting adult children with empathy and understanding. Want to be a guest on ABCs of Parenting Adult Children?  Send James Moffitt a message on PodMatch https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/parentingadultchildren

  1. 6D AGO

    Proactive Parenting: Strategies for Success with Steve Ward

    Send us a text Keywords parenting, adult children, family dynamics, recovery, emotional wellbeing, financial literacy, proactive parenting, spirituality, life skills, communication Summary In this episode of The Parenting Adult Children Podcast, host James Moffitt speaks with Steve Ward about the challenges of parenting adult children, particularly those transitioning from adolescence to adulthood. They discuss the importance of adapting parenting styles, breaking generational patterns, and the necessity of proactive parenting. Steve shares insights from his own family's journey through substance abuse and recovery, emphasizing the need for emotional, social, and financial literacy in parenting. The conversation also touches on the integration of faith and spirituality in raising children, the significance of modeling behavior, and practical steps parents can take to prepare for potential crises. Ultimately, the episode serves as a resource for parents seeking to navigate the complexities of raising adult children with compassion and understanding. Takeaways Parents need to adapt their parenting styles as children grow. Breaking generational patterns is crucial for effective parenting. Proactive parenting involves preparation and awareness of children's needs. Financial literacy is an essential skill for adult children. Emotional and social skills are vital for children's development. Modeling good behavior is key to teaching children values. Recognizing early signs of anxiety can prevent crises. Setting boundaries with love is important during challenging times. Parents can make mistakes and still raise successful children. Faith and spirituality play a significant role in parenting.  Sound bites "We are all holistic integrated beings." "It's important to model good behavior." "You need to change your approach." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Parenting Challenges 02:05 Navigating Substance Abuse in Family Dynamics 04:47 Transitioning from Teen to Adult: A Parent's Role 07:51 Breaking Generational Patterns in Parenting 10:29 Nudging Adult Children Towards Independence 12:42 The Importance of Life Skills in Parenting 16:19 Financial Literacy: A Critical Life Skill 18:42 Emotional and Social Skills in Parenting 21:13 Integrating Faith and Spirituality in Parenting 26:04 The Hello, James here ! Please click on the subscribe button to gain access to premium episodes. Please go to parentingadultchildren.org website and sign up for the email list and leave a review for this episode.  If you have any requests for future topics send me an email to TalkPAC@proton.me Please share this podcast with your friends and family. Now for today's guest intervi Richard Jones. I am an RN with over 34 years of Nursing Experience, much of that experience working with young adults in the corrections system.  Support the show Social Media Links https://www.youtube.com/@JamesMoffitt https://www.instagram.com/parentingadultchildren125/ https://www.tiktok.com/@chiefpropellerhead ABC's of Parenting Adult Children Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581576308055 r/parentingadultchildren Feel free to subscribe to these channels and share the links with your social media portals.

    55 min
  2. JAN 16

    Understanding the Transition to Adulthood with Lindy Vanheerden

    Send us a text Keywords parenting, adult children, transition to adulthood, parent-child dynamics, emotional intelligence, self-care, clarity, perspective, expectations, personal growth Summary In this episode of the ABCs of Parenting Adult Children podcast, host James Moffitt and guest Lindy Van Heerden discuss the complexities of parenting adult children, the transition to adulthood, and the importance of understanding both perspectives in parent-child dynamics. They explore the challenges faced by young adults in finding clarity in their lives and the role of parents in supporting them through this journey. The conversation emphasizes the need for open communication, emotional intelligence, and self-care for both parents and children as they navigate this evolving relationship. Takeaways Parenting adult children requires a shift in roles. The transition to adulthood is challenging for both parents and children. Understanding each other's perspectives is crucial for effective communication. Clarity is often a myth; taking action leads to clarity. Parents' fears can influence their children's decisions. Self-care is essential for parents navigating this transition. Mistakes are valuable learning experiences for both sides. Emotional intelligence plays a key role in parent-child relationships. Encouraging independence in children can be difficult for parents. Open conversations can bridge the gap between generations. Titles Navigating the Challenges of Parenting Adult Children Understanding the Transition to Adulthood Sound bites "Parenting doesn't end at 18." "Life teaches some valuable lessons." "Clarity keeps young adults stuck." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Parenting Adult Children 02:30 The Transition to Adulthood 05:32 Understanding Parent-Child Dynamics 08:36 The Importance of Perspective 11:47 Navigating Expectations and Reality 14:31 The Role of Clarity in Young Adults' Lives 17:36 Learning from Mistakes and Experiences 20:38 The Journey of Self-Discovery 23:21 Closing Thoughts and Future Conversations Hello, James here ! Please click on the subscribe button to gain access to premium episodes. Please go to parentingadultchildren.org website and sign up for the email list and leave a review for this episode.  If you have any requests for future topics send me an email to TalkPAC@proton.me Please share this podcast with your friends and family. Now for today's guest intervi Richard Jones. I am an RN with over 34 years of Nursing Experience, much of that experience working with young adults in the corrections system.  Support the show Social Media Links https://www.youtube.com/@JamesMoffitt https://www.instagram.com/parentingadultchildren125/ https://www.tiktok.com/@chiefpropellerhead ABC's of Parenting Adult Children Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581576308055 r/parentingadultchildren Feel free to subscribe to these channels and share the links with your social media portals.

    51 min
  3. JAN 9

    Fostering Respectful Relationships with Adult Children with Katherine Sellery

    Send us a text Summary:** In this episode, Katherine Sellery, a renowned parenting coach, joins James Moffitt to discuss the challenges and strategies of parenting adult children. They explore the impact of emotional intelligence and communication, focusing on fostering respectful and empowered relationships beyond typical power struggles. Katherine shares insights from her experience and research, emphasizing the importance of connection over correction and the role of self-awareness in effective parenting. Keywords: parenting adult children, emotional intelligence, communication, power struggles, connection over correction Takeaways: Retaliation, rebellion, and resistance are common reactions to authoritarian parenting.Emotional intelligence is crucial in navigating relationships with adult children.Connection should be prioritized over correction in family conflicts.Parents should focus on understanding rather than controlling their children.Self-awareness helps parents manage their emotional triggers.Observation without evaluation is key to effective communication.Perfectionism hinders creativity and self-esteem in children.Acknowledgment, not praise, fosters genuine self-esteem in children.Parents should model empathy and compassion to encourage the same in their children.Letting go of perfection allows for growth and exploration.Sound bites: "Retaliation, rebellion, and resistance are common.""Connection over correction is key.""Emotional intelligence is crucial.""Let go of perfection for growth.""Observation without evaluation is vital.""Acknowledge, don't praise, for self-esteem.""Model empathy and compassion.""Self-awareness helps manage triggers.""Foster respectful relationships.""Break free from power struggles."Chapters: 00:00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction00:00:00 The Three Rs: Retaliation, Rebellion, Resistance00:00:00 Emotional Intelligence and Communication00:00:00 Connection Over Correction00:00:01 Self-Awareness and Emotional Triggers00:00:01 Letting Go of Perfection00:00:01 Conclusion and ResourcesIf you need further assistance or want to explore more options for promoting this episode, jus Hello, James here ! Please click on the subscribe button to gain access to premium episodes. Please go to parentingadultchildren.org website and sign up for the email list and leave a review for this episode.  If you have any requests for future topics send me an email to TalkPAC@proton.me Please share this podcast with your friends and family. Now for today's guest intervi Richard Jones. I am an RN with over 34 years of Nursing Experience, much of that experience working with young adults in the corrections system.  Support the show Social Media Links https://www.youtube.com/@JamesMoffitt https://www.instagram.com/parentingadultchildren125/ https://www.tiktok.com/@chiefpropellerhead ABC's of Parenting Adult Children Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581576308055 r/parentingadultchildren Feel free to subscribe to these channels and share the links with your social media portals.

    47 min
  4. JAN 3

    From Silence to Support: Parenting LGBTQ+ Adult Kids

    Send us a text Key words LGBTQ+, parenting, grief, relationships, storytelling, empathy, personal growth, creativity, emotional intelligence, family dynamics, LGBTQ+, parenting, acceptance, emotional intelligence, family dynamics, identity, relationships, advice for parents, societal norms, validation summary In this episode of the Parenting Adult Children podcast, host James Moffitt speaks with Paul Cramm about the intersection of creativity, empathy, and LGBTQ+ representation. The conversation delves into personal stories of loss, the complexities of parental relationships, and the importance of understanding and accepting diverse identities. Paul shares his experiences growing up in a fundamentalist environment and the challenges he faced in coming out, while James reflects on his relationship with his late son, Jeremy, who identified as LGBTQ+. Together, they explore the significance of open communication and the need for inclusive spaces for discussions about identity and family dynamics. In this conversation, Paul Cram and James Moffitt explore the complexities of growing up gay, the dynamics of family acceptance, and the importance of emotional intelligence in parenting. They reflect on their personal experiences, the societal changes regarding LGBTQ+ acceptance, and offer advice for parents on how to foster healthy relationships with their children. The discussion emphasizes the need for validation, understanding, and the freedom to pursue one's dreams and aspirations without the constraints of societal expectations. I Hello, James here ! Please click on the subscribe button to gain access to premium episodes. Please go to parentingadultchildren.org website and sign up for the email list and leave a review for this episode.  If you have any requests for future topics send me an email to TalkPAC@proton.me Please share this podcast with your friends and family. Now for today's guest intervi Richard Jones. I am an RN with over 34 years of Nursing Experience, much of that experience working with young adults in the corrections system.  Support the show Social Media Links https://www.youtube.com/@JamesMoffitt https://www.instagram.com/parentingadultchildren125/ https://www.tiktok.com/@chiefpropellerhead ABC's of Parenting Adult Children Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581576308055 r/parentingadultchildren Feel free to subscribe to these channels and share the links with your social media portals.

    52 min
  5. 12/26/2025

    Parenting Adult Children with Emotional Wisdom: Featuring Talia Bambola

    Send us a text Talia is the CEO and Founder of Newport Counseling Center, Inc. and Coaching with Talia, Inc. She holds a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy. Talia has completed post-graduate certification in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Psychoanalytic Couples Therapy and Infant, Child, and Adolescent Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy. Her work centers on uncovering the unconscious material within a client’s psyche to relieve psychic tension—inner conflict that often originates in early childhood and arises during times of intense stress or emotional turmoil. In other words, it all goes back to childhood. Once this is understood and tended to, we can reclaim our adult selves and be more authentic.  Hello, James here ! Please click on the subscribe button to gain access to premium episodes. Please go to parentingadultchildren.org website and sign up for the email list and leave a review for this episode.  If you have any requests for future topics send me an email to TalkPAC@proton.me Please share this podcast with your friends and family. Now for today's guest intervi Richard Jones. I am an RN with over 34 years of Nursing Experience, much of that experience working with young adults in the corrections system.  Support the show Social Media Links https://www.youtube.com/@JamesMoffitt https://www.instagram.com/parentingadultchildren125/ https://www.tiktok.com/@chiefpropellerhead ABC's of Parenting Adult Children Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581576308055 r/parentingadultchildren Feel free to subscribe to these channels and share the links with your social media portals.

    35 min
  6. 12/19/2025

    Navigating Parenting Challenges with Andrea Pollack

    Send us a text Keywords parenting, autism, neurodivergent, homeschooling, adaptive strategies, mindset shifts, self-regulation, empowerment, collaboration, Andrea Pollack Takeaways Andrea transitioned from law to homeschooling her autistic son, gaining insights into adaptive parenting.Understanding and collaboration are more effective than punishment in parenting.Parents should focus on self-regulation to better support their children.Mindset shifts are crucial for managing parenting stress.Parents are the best advocates for their children, knowing their needs intimately.Andrea's program emphasizes starting with the parent's self-regulation.Parenting strategies should be tailored to each child's unique needs.Parents can provide significant value beyond professional help.Andrea encourages parents to trust their instincts and embrace new parenting approaches.The podcast offers hope and empowerment for parents of neurodivergent children.Sound bites "Understanding over punishment." "Parents are the best advocates." "Mindset shifts manage stress." "Trust your parenting instincts." "Empowerment through self-regulation." "Collaboration, not punishment." "Hope for neurodivergent parenting." "Andrea's journey from law to homeschooling." "Value beyond professional help." "Embrace new parenting approaches." Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction00:00:00 Andrea's Transition from Law to Homeschooling00:00:00 Adaptive Parenting Strategies00:00:00 Mindset Shifts and Self-Regulation00:00:01 Empowerment and Collaboration in ParentingWant to be a guest on ABCs of Parenting Adult Children? Send James Moffitt a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/parentingadultchildren Hello, James here ! Please click on the subscribe button to gain access to premium episodes. Please go to parentingadultchildren.org website and sign up for the email list and leave a review for this episode.  If you have any requests for future topics send me an email to TalkPAC@proton.me Please share this podcast with your friends and family. Now for today's guest intervi Richard Jones. I am an RN with over 34 years of Nursing Experience, much of that experience working with young adults in the corrections system.  Support the show Social Media Links https://www.youtube.com/@JamesMoffitt https://www.instagram.com/parentingadultchildren125/ https://www.tiktok.com/@chiefpropellerhead ABC's of Parenting Adult Children Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581576308055 r/parentingadultchildren Feel free to subscribe to these channels and share the links with your social media portals.

    33 min
  7. 12/12/2025

    Skiing to Success: Ryan Delena's Story

    Send us a text Show Notes In this episode of the ABC's of Parenting Adult Children podcast, host James Moffitt welcomes Robert C. Delena to discuss the transformative journey of his son, Ryan. The conversation delves into the challenges Ryan faced in therapeutic schools, the impact of skiing on his development, and the importance of finding passion in unconventional paths. Robert shares insights on parenting, challenging traditional methods, and the power of nature in emotional growth. Keywords parenting, adult children, unconventional paths, skiing, emotional growth, therapeutic schools, passion, nature, Robert C. Delena, Ryan Delena Takeaways Robert Delena shares his son's journey through therapeutic schools.Skiing played a pivotal role in Ryan's emotional development.The importance of finding passion in unconventional paths.Challenging traditional parenting methods can lead to growth.The power of nature in emotional healing.Ryan's transformation from a troubled child to a thriving outdoorsman.The role of adventure in personal development.Insights into embracing creativity and resilience in parenting.The impact of skiing on Ryan's life and family.Encouragement for parents to explore unique paths for their children.Sound bites Transformative power of skiing Challenging traditional parenting Nature's role in healing Ryan's journey to success Passion in unconventional paths Embracing creativity in parenting Skiing changed our lives Adventure and emotional growth Parenting with resilience Exploring unique paths Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 00:00:00 Robert Delena's Background00:00:00 The Boston Marathon Incident00:00:00 Ryan's Challenges and Therapeutic Schools00:00:01 The Impact of Skiing00:00:01 Ryan's Transformation and Current Life00:00:01 Parenting Insights and AdviceWant to be a guest on ABCs of Parenting Adult Children? Send James Moffitt a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/parentingadultchildren Hello, James here ! Please click on the subscribe button to gain access to premium episodes. Please go to parentingadultchildren.org website and sign up for the email list and leave a review for this episode.  If you have any requests for future topics send me an email to TalkPAC@proton.me Please share this podcast with your friends and family. Now for today's guest intervi Support the show Social Media Links https://www.youtube.com/@JamesMoffitt https://www.instagram.com/parentingadultchildren125/ https://www.tiktok.com/@chiefpropellerhead ABC's of Parenting Adult Children Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581576308055 r/parentingadultchildren Feel free to subscribe to these channels and share the links with your social media portals.

    21 min
  8. 12/05/2025

    Emptying Out: A Guide to Emotional Release by Dr David Marcus

    Send us a text In this episode of ABC's Parenting Adult Children podcast, host James Moffitt welcomes back Dr. David Marcus, a clinical psychologist specializing in families under stress. Dr. Marcus discusses the concept of a 'soothing presence' and the process of 'emptying out' emotions, emphasizing the importance of understanding emotional communication with children. He explains the three levels of emotional intensity: the logical here-and-now, the history level, and the tapped-into level, and how these need to be addressed for effective communication. The conversation also touches on the cultural and familial influences on emotional intelligence and the importance of validating feelings in relationships. Keywords parenting, emotional communication, soothing presence, emptying out, emotional intelligence, family stress, Dr. David Marcus, James Moffitt, podcast, relationships Takeaways A soothing presence is someone who is okay when you're not.Emotional communication involves understanding three levels: logical, history, and tapped-into.Emptying out emotions requires addressing all three levels for effective communication.Cultural and familial influences shape emotional intelligence.Validating feelings is crucial in relationships.Men often struggle with emotional expression due to cultural norms.Parents should avoid trying to 'make' children feel better, instead allowing them to express emotions.Children learn emotional resilience by observing adult interactions.Opposites attract in relationships, allowing partners to soothe each other.Effective communication involves both partners feeling heard and understood.Sound bites A soothing presence is key.Emptying out emotions is essential.Validate feelings for better relationships.Men struggle with emotional expression.Children learn from adult interactions.Opposites attract in soothing relationships.Cultural norms shape emotional intelligence.Effective communication needs understanding.Parents shouldn't force emotions.Emotional resilience starts young.Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction00:00:00 Understanding Soothing Presence00:00:00 Emptying Out Process00:00:00 Cultural and Familial InfluencesHello, James here ! Please click on the subscribe button to gain access to premium episodes. Please go to parentingadultchildren.org website and sign up for the email list and leave a review for this episode.  If you have any requests for future topics send me an email to TalkPAC@proton.me Please share this podcast with your friends and family. Now for today's guest intervi Richard Jones. I am an RN with over 34 years of Nursing Experience, much of that experience working with young adults in the corrections system.  Support the show Social Media Links https://www.youtube.com/@JamesMoffitt https://www.instagram.com/parentingadultchildren125/ https://www.tiktok.com/@chiefpropellerhead ABC's of Parenting Adult Children Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581576308055 r/parentingadultchildren Feel free to subscribe to these channels and share the links with your social media portals.

    32 min
4.5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

ABC’s of Parenting Adult Children is a thoughtful, compassionate podcast hosted by James Moffitt for parents navigating the challenges of relationships with adult sons and daughters. Through honest conversations and real-life stories, the show explores communication, boundaries, identity, LGBTQ+ acceptance, grief, faith, reconciliation, and emotional healing. Whether your relationship is strong, strained, or broken, this podcast offers insight, hope, and practical wisdom for parenting adult children with empathy and understanding. Want to be a guest on ABCs of Parenting Adult Children?  Send James Moffitt a message on PodMatch https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/parentingadultchildren

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