Emotional & Mental Health Episodes

Have you ever felt like the system is writing the ending of your grandchild’s story before they’ve even found their voice? Are your grandchildren weighed down by labels—traumatized, behind, abnormal—while you’re expected to manage their pain and follow rigid rules? If you’ve ever felt powerless to change the narrative or wished you could help your grandchild reclaim their identity from the case files, this episode is for you. I’m Laura Brazan, and after my own family was reshaped by adversity, ...

Have you ever wondered whether your grandchild’s emotional outbursts, hyperactivity, or inability to focus are really the result of past trauma—or if something deeper might be at play in their bodies? Are you overwhelmed trying to balance household expenses, legal paperwork, and your own health, all while struggling to understand why traditional therapies just aren’t working? As a grandparent raising grandchildren in today’s world, it can feel like you’re carrying an invisible load, searching fo...

In this powerful episode, we dive into the deeply complex and often overlooked intersection of Eating Disorders and Kinship Caregiver Health. Grandparents raising grandchildren frequently navigate the profound impact of childhood trauma, which can manifest in children as severe disruptions to eating behaviors and emotional regulation. However, the toll isn't just felt by the youth; the immense stress of caregiving can drastically impact a grandparent's physical and mental well-being as well. Join us as we explore the underlying trauma responses driving eating disorders in kinship families, discuss practical strategies for creating a healing home environment, and offer vital advice on how relative caregivers can protect their own health while doing this vital heart-work.

Are you a grandparent raising grandchildren, carrying the silent weight of anger, resentment, or shame from a family crisis? Have you been told to “just forgive” but found that advice hollow, leaving you alone with pain that keeps resurfacing? Does your anger feel like a protective shield—yet you secretly yearn for true relief, clearer connection, and more energy to nurture those in your care? In this space, we explore the deep, messy, and necessary journey of forgiveness for kinship caregivers—...

Are you a grandparent thrust unexpectedly into raising your grandchildren, feeling the relentless drizzle of exhaustion and caregiver burnout, even as you keep your family afloat? Do you sometimes find yourself trapped in a loop of irritation or resentment, questioning if joy is even possible on this journey? You are not alone. What if I told you that you don't have to raise your grandchildren? What if I told you that every dish in your sink and every mile you drive to school is a choice, not...

Does bedtime feel less like a cozy ritual and more like crossing a battlefield filled with tears, anxiety, and wakeful shadows? Are you a grandparent tirelessly nurturing grandchildren scarred by trauma, craving not just peace at the end of the day, but real tools to foster resilience? Perhaps you recognize yourself in those moments—the digital quick fixes, the fear of changing routines, the exhaustion weighing down your resolve—wondering if traditional sleep training for trauma is the answer, o...

Do you ever wonder how to truly connect with a teen who’s pushing you away, when every word feels like it could spark a door-slam or an icy silence? Are you a grandparent navigating the dizzying maze of parenting teens in kinship care—grappling with the fear that trauma might repeat itself, and unsure how to bridge the gap as your grandchild grows into adolescence? When “I love you” turns to eye rolls and “goodnight” is answered by a closed door, it’s easy to feel like an outsider in your own ho...

This episode is about emotional hygiene for caregivers". Are you a grandparent, foster, or adoptive parent feeling overwhelmed by the emotional rollercoaster of kinship caregiving? Do you find yourself longing for peace and clarity as you juggle legal, financial, and family traumas—sometimes sinking under the weight of tough choices, chaotic homes, and the persistent sense that you "should" be able to handle it all? You’re not alone. The unseen labor of nurturing children through adversity can b...

Are you a grandparent whose dreams of quiet dinners and sunset walks have been replaced overnight by diapers, carpool lines, and trauma therapy? Are you struggling to balance your own aspirations, marriage, and wellbeing while raising young children in your golden years? You're not alone. There are 2.7 million of us navigating the messy middle of kinship care, facing daunting legal, financial, and emotional challenges that are often overlooked. I’m Laura Brazan, and in this episode of "Grandpar...

Are you a grandparent raising your grandchildren, struggling with feelings of resentment, loss, and the overwhelming challenges of kinship care? Do you find yourself triggered by family trauma or haunted by the fear of repeating old patterns? You’re not alone. I’m Laura Brazan, and in this episode of "Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through Adversity," we dive deep into the heart of emotional healing with special guest Dr. Anthony Silard, author of "Love and Suffering." Together...

Are you raising a grandson who struggles to express his emotions, acts out in anger, or suffers from aches and pains you can’t explain? Do you worry about protecting the emotional future of the boys in your care, yet feel unsure how to break generational cycles of silence? You’re not alone—and it’s not too late to create lasting change and build emotional intelligence in boys. I’m Laura Brazan, and welcome to 'Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through Adversity.' In this episode, ...

Are you a grandparent who’s become the unexpected parent, suddenly responsible for raising your grandchildren? Are you navigating complex emotions, challenging family dynamics, and difficult decisions you never anticipated? Do you feel the loss of retirement freedom, longing to simply be the “fun grandparent,” while finding yourself as the primary source of stability, discipline, and guidance? I’m Laura Brazan, host of 'Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through Adversity.' In this e...

Are you struggling with old emotional patterns as you care for your grandchildren, wishing you could break cycles from your own childhood—but finding yourself repeating the past? Do you feel the weight of shame, regret, and unresolved family wounds, wondering how to heal while navigating the challenges of raising traumatized grandchildren? The emotional legacy we pass on can feel like an endless loop, but change is possible—even now. I’m Laura Brazan, host of 'Grandparents Raising Grandchildren...

Are endless sleepless nights leaving you and your grandchildren exhausted, frustrated, and overwhelmed? Are you as a grandparent struggling to juggle caregiving, homework, and household responsibilities—all while running on empty? You’re not alone. Sleep deprivation can impact everyone in the household, from your grandkids’ behavior and learning to your own health and emotional resilience. I’m Laura Brazan, and in this week’s episode of “Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through Adv...

Do you feel overwhelmed by stress as a grandparent raising grandchildren in today’s fast-paced, social-media-saturated world? Are you searching for ways to nurture resilience in both yourself and your grandkids, while struggling to move past perfectionism and the fear of failure? The unique challenges that come with kinship care can leave you feeling isolated and exhausted, as you navigate trauma, financial strains, and emotional upheaval within your family. I’m Laura Brazan, and I found myself...

Are you a grandparent, parent, or caregiver urgently seeking ethical solutions for a struggling teen? Unsure where to turn for help? Have persuasive brochures or voices pressured you with promises of breakthrough behavioral health or addiction treatment? You're right to worry about exposing a vulnerable child to an industry that claims to heal but may instead cause deeper harm. I’m Laura Brazan, and on this episode of “Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through Adversity,” we dive in...

This episode addresses childhood trauma for grandparents raising grandchildren. Are you a grandparent raising grandchildren? Struggling to break cycles of silence and create an emotionally healthy home? Do you worry about how your own childhood wounds impact your family’s well-being? Are you searching for real-world strategies to help your grandchildren heal in a world that feels very different from the one you grew up in? I’m Laura Brazan, host of 'Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturi...

Are you a grandparent who has stepped up to raise your grandchildren following profound family loss, feeling the weight of multi-layered grief while striving to create a nurturing, stable home? Do you find yourself struggling to support children’s emotional needs while managing your own sorrow and uncertainty? For many grandfamilies, the journey through grief is complex and often misunderstood, leaving caregivers searching for effective, faith-based tools to bring healing and hope. I’m Laura Br...

Do you feel like you're reparenting grandchildren? Are you a grandparent raising your grandchildren, struggling to break free from deep-rooted family patterns and old wounds? Do you find yourself repeating responses you wish you could change, or wonder how to create a better emotional legacy for your loved ones? Are you searching for real tools to heal your own past while empowering your grandchildren to thrive? I’m Laura Brazan, host of 'Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through ...

Do you want to build your kids confidence? Has your grandchild’s spark been dimmed by life’s challenges? Do you wish you could unlock unshakable confidence in them, helping them to shine and express their authentic self? If you’re a grandparent raising grandchildren and searching for ways to nurture true self-esteem, social-emotional skills, and resilience, this episode is for you. I’m Laura Brazan, host of ‘Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through Adversity.’ In this episode, I ...

Are you a grandparent raising emotionally whole boys boys in a world that sometimes discourages men from expressing their true feelings? Do you wonder how to break generational cycles that keep boys trapped in an “emotional desert,” unable to connect with their vulnerabilities and strengths? Are you seeking guidance on nurturing grandsons and granddaughters alike, empowering them to access their full emotional selves? I’m Laura Brazan, host of ‘Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Th...

Are you a grandparent raising your grandchild, navigating the maze of childhood anxiety and seeking out support? Do you feel alone in identifying the subtle signs of anxiety, unsure when it's time to seek further help? Are you recognizing childhood anxiety while addressing the impact of trauma? I'm Laura Brazan, your host on 'Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through Adversity.' In this episode, "Decoding Childhood Anxiety: Recognizing the Signs," we explore the rising concerns of...

In this episode we dive into the intricate world of ADHD with celebrated singer-songwriter and ADHD expert, Nella Dwyer. Nella, unravels common misconceptions, highlighting strategies to support grandchildren diagnosed with this disorder. ADHD: https://www.adhdlifemastery.org ADHD Clarity Code Mini-Course : https://www.adhdlifemastery.org/adhd-clarity-code Apply to Work with Nella as your Coach: https://www.adhdlifemastery.org/apply Free ADHD Webinar: Got AD Send us a text We recognize ...

Are you battling the weight of mental health challenges while raising your grandchildren? Do you feel the complexity of navigating a bipolar disorder diagnosis and its impact on your family, especially when relief seems out of reach? Are you searching for proven strategies to manage emotional turmoil and reclaim a sense of normalcy for your loved ones? Understanding and healing with bipolar disorder can feel like a never-ending rollercoaster, filled with peaks of mania and valleys of depression....