Are you a grandparent or kinship caregiver, shouldering the immense responsibility of raising children scarred by trauma? Do you often feel overwhelmed, running on empty to shield your grandchildren from the cracks in a broken system? Are you chasing after the elusive standard of being the “perfect” caregiver, all while quietly questioning if you’re doing enough—or if your exhaustion and frustration make you a bad guardian?
I’m Laura Brazan, and on 'Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through Adversity,' we recognize the silent sacrifices and unspoken truths weighing on your heart. Like you, I’ve stood at the kitchen table, questioning if sheer willpower could heal wounds left by loss, trauma, and broken policies. In my journey of adopting grandchildren with complex PTSD, I discovered that pushing harder isn’t always the answer—but honoring our true capacity and acknowledging what we can achieve today is.
In this episode, we’re joined by Felicia Brown, a licensed professional counselor and emotion regulation expert (https://feliciabrown.org/) , who bridges the gap between clinical science and the raw reality of caregiving. Together, we’ll challenge the myth that your exhaustion signals personal failure. You’ll learn how to set small, attainable goals and celebrate successes—whether it’s making an important phone call or simply ensuring everyone is safe by day’s end. We’ll discuss the shame-filled, hushed truths, like loving the child but not always liking the behavior, and why voicing these struggles builds community and political power for change.
You don’t have to empty yourself to fill the void left by the system. This is your community, where your story matters and your wellbeing is the foundation for nurturing those in your care. Join us—let’s rewrite the narrative for your family, and for the 2.7 million grandfamilies walking this path alongside you.
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New! Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Online Support Circle (https://www.grandparents-raising-grandchildren.org/online-support-circle/) ! Starting Wednesday, October 7th, we meet every other Wednesday from 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM Eastern.
A peer-first, confidential space—free from cross-talk, judgment, or unsolicited advice. Guided by certified therapists, specialized family coaches, and counselors who truly understand kinship care.
When we look at the child welfare system today, it’s clear that the framework we've inherited is completely outdated. We keep trying to "fix" programs, but what if the problem isn't just funding or execution? What if the problem is how we frame the issues in the first place?
Ali Caliendo, founder of the Kinship Policy Lab, reminded us that the questions we ask determine the policies we write, the data we collect, and the outcomes we pursue.
I want to know how you’re doing. Is the podcast giving you what you need? What support are you missing most right now? Send me a Direct Message on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/GrandparentsRaisingGrandchilden) or Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/grandparentspodcast/) or email me directly at laurabrazan@grandparents-raising-grandchildren.org. I read and reply to every message because this community is built on supporting each other!
Thank you for tuning into today's episode. It's been a journey of shared stories, insights, and invaluable advice from the heart of a community that knows the beauty and challenges of raising grandchildren. Your presence and engagement mean the world to us and to grandparents everywhere stepping up in ways they never imagined.
Remember, you're not alone on this journey. For more resources, support, and stories, visit our website and follow us on our social media channels. If today's episode moved you, consider sharing it with someone who might find comfort and connection in our shared experiences.
We look forward to bringing more stories and expert advice your way next week. Until then, take care of yourselves and each other.
Want to be a guest on Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through Adversity? Send Laura Brazan a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/grg
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