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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. 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.
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 to strengthen their communication styles and interpersonal behavior to rebuild a fracturing relationship. I pivoted from decades of work in medical education and communication 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.
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.
When Our Adult Children Walk Away
It’s Not Just About the Past: Why Adult Kids Stop Talking to Dad
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Are you a dad of an estranged adult child wondering, "How did things get this far?"—you’re not alone.
In this short but eye-opening episode, we unpack the real reasons many adult children choose to step away from their fathers. From unresolved childhood pain to emotional disconnect, this conversation sheds light on the deeper issues that often go unspoken.
We’ll also talk about how traditional views of fatherhood and masculinity can unintentionally block healing - and why some common fatherly reactions, like defensiveness or blame, often backfire.
Whether you’re trying to make sense of the silence or hoping to build a path toward reconnection, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and concrete steps forward.
Highlights:
- The most common (and often hidden) reasons adult children cut ties with their fathers
- Why saying “I did my best” may be heard as deflection, not care
- What real accountability looks like—and how it can open the door to healing
- How to respect your child’s boundaries while still showing up with hope and integrity
If this episode resonates, consider sharing it with another parent who might need it. And don’t forget to follow the show so you don’t miss future episodes on healing estrangement, rebuilding trust, and growing through the hard stuff.
#EstrangedDads #EstrangedParents #EmotionalIncest #EmotionalHealing #GriefSupport #MentalHealth
CONNECT
Connect directly to schedule coaching with Dr. Steinkamp by emailing Janet@jesteinkamp.com
For more information about services and resources, please visit: https://www.WhenOurAdultChildrenWalkAway.com
If this episode resonated with you, please follow or subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts. It helps more families find their way to these conversations.
DISCLAIMER
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.