Are you a grandparent who suddenly became the anchor for your grandchildren’s future, feeling as if your living room has transformed overnight into a command center? Are you buried under legal forms, switching between crisis management and nurturing, and wondering if anyone sees the full scope of what you’re carrying? The reality of kinship care can feel like running a multi-department enterprise in the dark, all while holding together the threads of family.
Eleven years ago, Dr. Kristy Smith and her husband went from celebrating their empty nest to welcoming two grandsons into their home, changing their retirement plans in a matter of days. With three business degrees and decades leading in HR and project management, nothing prepared her for the emotional and logistical challenge of navigating foster systems in three different states, making quick decisions with stakes higher than any boardroom. For more information on Dr Smith, to puchase her books, please visit her website (https://kristystandardsmith.com/) .
Welcome to "Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through Adversity." This podcast is your community—a place where your lived experience is honored, your struggles seen, and your triumphs celebrated. Here, you’ll find authentic conversation and expert insights on legal, financial, and emotional issues. We’ll talk with those who understand the complexities of raising children who have experienced trauma, and we’ll share strategies to create stability and love, even in uncertain times.
You are not alone in this journey. Together, let’s rewrite our families’ futures by sharing stories, best practices, and hope—so you can lead your home with the heart and resilience of a true executive, surrounded by a network that understands.
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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When we look at the child welfare system today, it’s clear that the framework we've inherited is completely outdated.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.
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