Are you a grandparent who finds yourself thrust into parenting once more, often on short notice and without a clear roadmap? Do you wake up exhausted, tending to children who have walked through trauma, while your own dreams and routines fade into the background? Are you longing for steadiness amid the emotional storms—conflicts, diagnoses, behavioral challenges—that seem to erupt daily in your household? The strain of kinship caregiving, coupled with personal loss or change, can feel endless and isolating, especially when old wounds and perfectionism rise to the surface.
I’m Laura, and like many of you, I never expected to be leading a second family in this season of life. Navigating complicated family histories, the heartbreak of loss, and the friction of daily caregiving, I’ve discovered that my patterns of stress and autopilot weren’t created by parenting—they were simply exposed. The journey of raising my husband’s grandchildren has pushed me to confront deep-seated beliefs about control, resilience, and what it means to lead with grace.
Welcome to ‘Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through Adversity.’ On this podcast, we explore the unique journey of kinship caregivers. You’ll hear honest conversations with those who know this path, as well as practical tools from trauma experts like Lati Ganem (https://www.livinginprogress.com/) to help you identify and regulate your triggers, hold boundaries with empathy, and model healthy leadership at home. We don’t promise perfection—just a supportive community where your struggles, victories, and hopes are understood and valued.
Join us as we rewrite the future for our families—one grounded, courageous step at a time—and discover that, together, we are not just a safety net, but the solution.
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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When we look at the child welfare system today, it’s clear that the framework we've inherited is completely outdated.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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