When They Walk Away: Healing from Estrangement with Your Adult Child

Welcome to this week’s episode of Warfare Parenting: Faith-driven strategies for struggling parents of teens and adult children, hosted by Laine Lawson Craft. In this heartfelt episode, “When They Walk Away: Healing from Estrangement with Your Adult Child. Discover why more adult children are cutting ties, the hidden grief parents carry, and how to rebuild connection without compromising truth. Real talk, faith-filled hope, and practical tools for every hurting parent”

Laine welcomes special guest Kathy Cunningham—a Christian coach with 30+ years in ministry and private practice. Together, they explore the painful and seldom-discussed topic of estrangement between parents and their adult children, offering faith-based strategies, hope, and healing.

Resources & Links Mentioned:

  • Kathy Cunningham’s Instagram: @kathycunningham717
  • Uncovered Grace Course & Grace Restored Membership: Link in Kathy’s Instagram bio
  • Laine Lawson Craft’s Website: lainelawsoncraft.com (Free 10-day devotional & resources)
  • Laine’s website and free resources: lainelawsoncraft.com (First 10 days of her book Warfare Parenting free)
  • Sign up for Laine’s Inspirational Weekly emails at her site LaineLawsonCraft.com
  • Please email any prayer requests or needs to lainecraft@lainecraft.net

About Kathy Cunningham:
Kathy Cunningham is a seasoned Christian coach with over 30 years of experience in ministry and private practice. She’s a mother and grandmother passionate about family relationships, specializing in helping parents of adult children navigate challenging seasons with grace. Kathy empowers families through personalized coaching, workshops, her Uncovered Grace course, and her Grace Restored membership community. She focuses on emotional resilience, spiritual growth, and practical tools for reconciliation and healthy boundaries, fostering hope and restoration for hurting families.

Key Talking Points:

  • Why estrangement between parents and adult children is increasing
  • Common reasons for estrangement: value clashes, trauma, unmet emotional needs
  • The influence of social media and modern therapy language (e.g., “gaslighting,” “narcissistic parent”)
  • Cultural and generational shifts fueling family breakdowns
  • Emotional impact on parents (shame, grief) and adult children (initial relief, later grief)
  • The role of self-work, empathy, and healthy boundaries in preventing/reconciling estrangement
  • Prevention strategies and the importance of emotional maturity
  • When reconciliation is possible—and when loving from afar is healthiest
  • The necessity of community and spiritual support for parents

Time Stamps:

  • 00:00 — Introduction to estrangement and emotional toll
  • 02:20 — Most common reasons for adult child estrangement
  • 04:06 — Is estrangement on the rise or just more visible?
  • 05:53 — Emotional impact on parents and adult children
  • 07:02 — Mental health, trauma, and past hurts
  • 09:33 — Societal norms, therapy trends, and social media’s effect
  • 10:46 — Differences by culture, race, and family structures
  • 11:41 — Prevention, reconciliation, and repair steps
  • 13:34 — Navigating mismatched perceptions and memories
  • 15:24 — When reconciliation is not possible or desirable
  • 16:24 — Top reasons for estrangement and how parents can prepare
  • 18:25 — Kathy’s resources and importance of community
  • 19:47 — Closing encouragement and hope for parents

Conclusion:
Estrangement from an adult child is a profound wound, but it doesn’t have to be the end of your family’s story. Laine and Kathy offer hope, practical tools, and reminders of God’s love and grace. Whether you’re grieving, seeking healing, or working toward reconciliation, remember: you’re not alone, you can grow, and new beginnings are possible—sometimes even after long silence.

Tags:
parent estrangement, adult children, christian parenting, healing, reconciliation, faith, mental health, family dynamics, value clashes, trauma, Laine Lawson Craft, Kathy Cunningham, Warfare Parenting podcast, family restoration, biblical strategies, social media influence, emotional resilience, community support