Trauma & Healing Episodes

Play Therapy for Kids Do you find yourself unexpectedly stepping into the role of a grandparent raising your grandchildren, overwhelmed by the emotional and practical challenges that come with it? Are you searching for effective ways to help your grandchildren heal from trauma and build a brighter future? Struggling to juggle your love for your grandkids while managing behavioral issues and emotional literacy? Look no further. I'm Laura Brazan, and just like you, I was suddenly thrust into the ...

Eastern Philosophy and Western Psychology for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Are you a grandparent unexpectedly thrust into the role of raising your grandchildren, grappling with complex emotions and new responsibilities? Do you find yourself balancing the nuances of childrearing with the legal, financial, and emotional challenges unique to this journey? Are you seeking insights on mindfulness, self-care, and holistic approaches to well-being? I’m Laura Brazan, and in Episode 25 of 'Grandpa...

Struggling with the rollercoaster of teen social struggles in today's digital age? Is navigating the maze of middle school friendships, social media, and digital drama leaving you and your grandchild feeling lost? Yearning for solutions in an increasingly connected world? I'm Laura Brazan, and on this week’s episode of 'Grandparents Raising Grandchildren,' we dive deep into "9 Truths About Navigating Social Struggles for Teens and Pre-Teens." Joining me is Jessica Speers, social sciences expert...

In this heartfelt episode of Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, host Laura Brazan sits down with Philip Blackett, an accomplished author, consultant, and entrepreneur, to explore the profound impact of fatherlessness and faith in navigating the challenges of raising grandchildren. Drawing from his own experiences growing up on the autism spectrum and raising twin daughters with autism, Philip shares the invaluable lessons he learned from his grandmother's unwavering love and support. Through t...

This episode focuses on kinship caregiving faith. In this moving episode of 'Grandparents Raising Grandchildren,' host Laura Brazan and guest Stacy Sanchez delve into the complexities and triumphs of kinship caregiving. Stacy, a pastor, author, business owner, and grandmother raising her grandson, shares her poignant story of taking in her grandchild after her daughter's struggles. From navigating the legal and educational systems to addressing the child's trauma, Stacy and her husband faced num...

This episode focuses on raising neurodivergent grandchildren. Are you a grandparent raising a neurodivergent grandchild, grappling with the unique challenges and joys that come with it? Do terms like ADHD, autism, and OCD feel daunting as you strive to help your grandchild thrive in a world that might not fully understand them? Navigating through the complexities of neurodivergence can feel like an overwhelming journey, but you are not alone. I’m Laura Brazan, your host, and in this episode of '...

Welcome to raising pre-teens part 2! Are you a grandparent navigating the complex maze of raising preteens, eager to unlock their full potential but overwhelmed by the challenges? Do you find it difficult to communicate effectively with them, feeling as though a generational gap creates constant confusion and frustration? Are you concerned about their mental well-being and the influence of their peers but unsure of how to address these issues constructively? I’m Laura Brazan, and in our lates...

Welcome to raising pre-teens part 1! Welcome to “Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through Adversity.” In this compelling two-part series, we tackle one of the most daunting challenges faced by grandparents raising pre-teens – the turbulent teen years. Our guest, Marcus Higgs, a seasoned educator and mentor with experience in over 20 countries, brings a wealth of knowledge and a fresh perspective on how to proactively unlock your pre-teen’s potential. In this episode, Marcus intr...

This episode is about a survivor of childhood abuse. Are you navigating the complexities of raising your grandchildren, burdened by their past traumas and your own emotional trials? Do you yearn for guidance and connection, understanding that the responsibility you've taken on is both an unexpected blessing and a significant challenge? Whether you're dealing with past abuse, seeking strategies for support, or simply needing a community, the journey of raising grandchildren can feel isolating and...

Death of a child Welcome to "Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through Adversity." I'm your host, Laura Brazan. In today's heart-wrenching yet inspiring episode titled "What No One Tells You After the Death of a Child," we dive deep into the trials and triumphs of grandparents who step in to raise their grandchildren following the death of their own children. Joining us is Nicole Strack, a mother of six who faced the turbulent battle of raising a ten-year-old granddaughter after the...

grandparents raising grandchildren mental health Are you struggling with using traditional discipline methods that always seem to escalate issues with your grandchildren rather than resolve them? As grandparents raising grandchildren who have experienced trauma, the parenting approaches that worked with your own children may no longer be effective. In this episode, we'll explore why connecting with empathy and understanding before attempting to correct behavior is crucial when parenting childr...

Send us a Text Message. When was the last time you were confused by your grandchild's reaction to a seemingly minor situation? When children have experienced trauma, their brains and behaviors are impacted in profound ways, and they often react with tantrums or hyperactivity that can leave you feeling confused and frustrated. In this episode, we'll provide a compassionate, step-by-step guide for working with your traumatized grandkid. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN: How to und...

grandmothers raising grandchildren true stories Are you feeling alone and misunderstood as a grandparent raising grandchildren against all odds? From legal obstacles to emotional hardships, it’s a lot to navigate, and you may not know anyone personally walking this journey, but other grandparents like you are out there. In this heartfelt episode, connect with resilient grandmother Betty Wilkes as she shares her powerful story of unexpected personal growth while navigating the immense challenge...

Combatting Childhood Trauma What has your grandchild been through that you simply can’t understand? From poverty and community violence to family mental health issues, adverse experiences in a child's early years can have lasting effects on their development. Yet, too often, these challenges go unrecognized or misunderstood. In this powerful episode, pediatric physical therapist Els O'Rourke joins us to shed light on how trauma manifests in children and provide effective, holistic strategies f...

Brian McLaren- Life After Doom How has raising your grandchildren affected you not just emotionally but mentally, physically, and financially? You may not often consider the profound impact this role has on you because you spend so much time navigating the trauma your grandkids are experiencing. But you’re not alone, and there is hope. In this inspiring episode, public theologian and author Brian McLaren shares compassionate wisdom for grandparents dealing with the complexities of this journey...