Product details
- ISBN 9781433843631
- Dimensions: 140 x 216mm
- Publication Date: 20 May 2025
- Publisher: American Psychological Association
- Publication City/Country: US
- Product Form: Paperback
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For parents who feel overwhelmed, worried, or unsure how to help a young adult in psychological distress, this book offers compassionate, practical guidance.
Emerging adulthood (ages 18–29) is a vulnerable period often marked by anxiety, depression, substance misuse, internet misuse, and risky behaviors. As children enter adulthood, the parenting role must shift. Instead of being a full-time "caretaker," parents must learn to "pivot" into roles such as "coach," "wise counsel," or "compeer"—and sometimes return to the "caretaker" role when distress intensifies.
The Parent Pivot provides clear guidance, support, and realistic hope for navigating this stage. Written by psychologists with decades of experience supporting emerging adults and their families, the book offers tools and language parents can begin using right away. Even when young adults resist help, readers will find strategies for staying connected without overstepping or disengaging.
You'll learn how to:
• Distinguish between "normal" developmental stress and more serious mental health issues
• Communicate effectively, even during shutdown, conflict, or withdrawal
• Encourage professional help while respecting autonomy
• Determine when and how to seek treatment
• Set healthy boundaries and protect family well-being
• Manage your own stress, fear, and emotional exhaustion
Drawing on clinical research and real-world experience, The Parent Pivot addresses the complex emotional dynamics between parents and their young adults. It guides parents in practicing self-care, mourning lost expectations, and cultivating compassion—for themselves and their adult children.
Paula J. Gilroy, EdD, is a licensed psychologist retired from 30 years of clinical practice at a university counseling center. She worked with young adults who sought treatment for mood and anxiety disorders, trauma, family issues, grief, and loss. As the Assistant Director for Training, Dr. Gilroy provided individual and group supervision for graduate-level students. She offered consultation services to parents concerned about their young adults. Dr. Gilroy co-authored a wide range of scholarly articles and presented her research at national conferences. She lives in Iowa with her husband and menagerie of three dogs, five cats, and one rabbit.
Mikal Crawford, EdD, is a licensed psychologist in Maine retired from 30 years of clinical work with young adults in a university counseling center in Maryland and as a graduate faculty member in counseling and psychology in both Maryland and Maine. She also worked with parents of young adults in psychological distress while they learned to pivot from the caretaker role as these adult children headed to college. Dr. Crawford has written and co-authored scholarly articles and presented at national and international conferences. She lives in Maine with her husband and makes monthly visits to senior living facilities with her therapy dog, Riley.
