Episodes

3 great self-care tips for caregivers! Welcome back to "Grandparents Raising Grandchildren." In today's episode, we're diving into "3 Fun Self-Care Tips for Caregivers." I'm your host, Laura Brazan, and joining me is self-care coach extraordinaire, Jeanette Yates. Jeanette Yates is a lifelong caregiver, Certified Life Coach, Yoga Instructor, Modern Mindfulness/Meditation teacher, and holds a Reiki Level 1 certification. As a founder of The Self-Caregiver, she has dedicated her life to helping c...

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...

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...

Grandparents as Primary Caregivers Welcome to another heartfelt and insightful episode of *Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through Adversity.* I'm your host, Laura Brazan, and today we delve into the world of grandparents stepping up as primary caregivers, navigating the unique challenges and joys that come with nurturing traumatized grandchildren. In this episode, we are joined by Nicholeen Peck, a worldwide parenting expert and leader in teaching self-government. Her proven sy...

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 As you work hard to care for your grandchildren, how are you also prioritizing caring for yourself? It's easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of meeting their needs, but neglecting your own self-care can leave you depleted and unable to be the extraordinary caregiver your grandkids need right now. In this episode, we'll explore the many roles you’re navigating and why prioritizing your health, peace, and support system is crucial to not just s...

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...

Financial Resources for Grandparents- Did you know there are financial resources and support programs available that could make a huge difference for you as a grandparent raising your grandchildren? From scholarships to legal assistance, there are hidden gems waiting to be uncovered, but all too often, pride or lack of awareness prevents us from tapping into this vital aid. In this episode, Peyton Vining from the Montana Kinship Navigator Program joins us to reveal little-known resources that ...

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...

A,grandmothers story raising grandchildren. How is your transition to the role of raising your grandchildren going? You may feel overwhelmed by all the new challenges you’re facing or frustrated that this season of life looks different than you had planned for, but what if this difficult transition could also open doors? In this inspiring episode, I am interviewed by transition coaches John and Sylvie Weaver as they share their expertise on confronting major life shifts with resilience and hop...

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...

Kinship Care Challenges- Has the judgment, lack of understanding, or strained relationships from loved ones left you feeling isolated as a grandparent raising grandkids? You’re not alone! In this profoundly moving episode, one grandmother courageously opens up about the emotional sacrifices and harsh realities she faced when taking in her grandchildren due to their parents' substance abuse struggles. Ultimately, her love, resilience, and determination prevented her grandkids from entering th...

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...

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through Adversity Welcome to "Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through Adversity." I’m your host, Laura Brazan, a parent and grandparent raising two grandchildren. In this podcast, we dive deep into the lives of grandparents who find themselves parenting once again, facing challenges such as dwindling retirement savings, loneliness, and handling the trauma that their grandchildren may carry. We'll hear heartfelt stories from grandparents...

This video is about kinship care support. Today we will talk about the heartache and unexpected challenges that come with taking on the role of primary caregivers for your grandkids, so you can rediscover the joy and purpose in this new chapter of life. That’s all coming up next, right here on Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through Adversity. Stay Tuned. This is Episode 2, and today we're talking about the rollercoaster of emotions and hurdles you face when your retirement plan...