Episode Details
Back to EpisodesLoving Your Addicted Adult Child And Raising Your Grandkids: Parenting In Crisis
Description
Today, I sit down with Karen Dittman to talk about parenting when life takes unexpected and painful turns. We discuss what it means to remain a parent for life—especially when adult children struggle with addiction, abusive relationships, and instability. This episode centers on unconditional love, boundaries, and the emotional weight parents carry when they are forced into roles they never anticipated, including becoming primary caregivers to their grandchildren.
Ms. Dittman shares her family’s journey through the COVID era, watching her daughter spiral into addiction following domestic abuse and fentanyl exposure, and the heartbreaking reality of stepping in to raise her granddaughter while her daughter disappeared into active addiction. We talk openly about fear, uncertainty, guardianship, relapse cycles, and the internal battle parents face when hope rises and falls repeatedly. This conversation highlights the tension between helping and enabling, loving without control, and learning when to release outcomes to God.
We also explore faith, healing, and long-term restoration. Ms. Dittman explains how her relationship with God deepened during these years, how surrender replaced self-blame, and why identity cannot be rooted in a child’s choices. We close with discussion of her book Thriving in Grace, her wellness work, speaking ministry, and a powerful reminder that parents are responsible for love and guidance—not for the decisions their children ultimately make.
https://karenadittman.com/
Website: https://coupleonukes.com
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*Couple O' Nukes LLC and Mr. Whiskey are not licensed medical entities, nor do they take responsibility for any advice or information put forth by guests. Take all advice at your own risk.