Episodes

Are you a grandparent navigating the intricate path of raising your grandchildren and seeking a beacon of understanding and support? Do you battle the emotional turmoil of past grievances while striving to provide a nurturing environment for the younger generation in your care? Amid the overwhelming responsibility and grief, the quest for healing and peace can feel like an elusive dream. I’m Laura Brazan. In 2022, my life took an unexpected turn when my two grandchildren arrived at our doorstep...

Are you a grandparent unexpectedly raising your grandchildren, grappling with the emotional turmoil of stepping into the parental role once again? Do you struggle with the challenges that come from caring for children who’ve experienced trauma, often feeling alone and overwhelmed? Are you searching for practical strategies to transform your family dynamic and foster a healthier, more connected household? I’m Laura Brazan, and in 2022, life threw me an unexpected curveball when I became the prim...

Are you a grandparent raising a teenager and finding it challenging to navigate the shifting dynamics of modern parenting? Do you struggle with communication, feeling like your conversations often lead to conflict instead of connection? Are you seeking practical strategies to foster cooperation, responsibility, and independence in your teen? I’m Laura Brazan. In 2022, my peaceful retirement transformed unexpectedly when I became the primary caregiver for my two teenage grandchildren. The realit...

Are you a grandparent unexpectedly raising your grandchildren, while also managing modern-day tech challenges and social systems? Are you seeking innovative solutions to better support your family, amidst the complexities of kinship care? Navigating communication gaps between generations and finding accessible resources can feel like an uphill battle, isolating you in your journey. I’m Laura Brazan, and my life changed dramatically in 2022 when I became a grandparent raising grandchildren. The ...

Are you a grandparent unexpectedly raising a strong-willed grandchild, navigating the complexities of intergenerational parenting? Do you often find yourself battling emotions and seeking tools to manage confrontations effectively? Are you striving to establish a harmonious household while nurturing the unique spirit of your headstrong grandchild? I’m Laura Brazan, and on this episode of 'Grandparents Raising Grandchildren,' we dive into the world of strong-willed children with expert insights ...

Are you a grandparent unexpectedly raising your grandchildren, navigating the relentless stress and burnout that comes with caregiving? Do you feel as if your identity has vanished in the shuffle of medical appointments and emotional strain? Have you ever wondered if there’s a way to recover from burnout without demanding endless hours you don’t have? The pressures of caregiving can overwhelm even the strongest among us, turning daily life into an uphill battle. I’m Laura Brazan, and alongsid...

Are you a grandparent raising grandchildren and navigating the complex world of eating habits and food narratives? Do you struggle with understanding how to manage dietary needs while promoting a healthy relationship with food in your household? Do you find yourself overwhelmed with the desire to model positive eating behaviors without falling into the trap of food restriction? I’m Laura Brazan, your host for 'Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through Adversity.' Like many of you, I...

Are you a grandparent raising LGBTQ grandchildren and navigating the unique challenges and joys that come with it? Do you feel overwhelmed by the pressure to support your grandchildren’s diverse identities while also managing personal fears and anxieties? Are you searching for a community that understands your journey and provides the tools you need to foster an inclusive and loving environment? I’m Laura Brazan, a grandmother of LGBTQ grandchildren, on a quest to deepen my understanding and su...

In a world where midlife often brings unexpected twists and turns, are you finding yourself grappling with the realities of aging, embodying new family responsibilities, and adjusting your visions of happiness? Do you wonder how to navigate these transitions while retaining your sense of self and well-being? The journey of a grandparent raising grandchildren is filled with emotional and physical challenges that demand a compassionate, wise approach. I’m Laura Brazan, and in 2022, my life took...

Are you a grandparent raising your grandchildren, seeking guidance through the maze of emotional and practical challenges? Do you find yourself wrestling with the past and longing to create a nurturing environment amidst the chaos? Are you dedicated to breaking down emotional walls while fostering healthier relationships within your family? I'm Laura Brazan, and in 2022, I found myself raising my grandchildren, an unexpected turn in life that has transformed my view of family and resilience. Ha...

Are you a grandparent navigating the intricate challenges of raising your grandchildren? Have you considered mentorship as a means to connect with the community amidst the whirlwind of responsibilities? Welcome to 'Grandparents Raising Grandchildren,' where we delve into stories and strategies to empower you and your family. I'm Laura Brazan, and in this week's episode, "Rethinking Aging – Mentoring a New Generation," we sit down with Dr. Deborah Heiser, founder of The Mentor Project. Dr. Heise...

In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with grief expert Victoria Volk, a compassionate guide for those navigating the complex landscape of loss. With her unique background and extensive experience, Victoria sheds light on the often-overlooked challenges faced by grandparents who find themselves raising their grandchildren while grappling with the profound grief of losing a child. Join us as we unpack the universal experience of grief, exploring its impact on family dynamics and relationships. ...

In this enlightening episode of the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren podcast, we welcome Cassandra Crawley Mayo, a renowned author, speaker, and mentor with over 25 years of experience in leadership and diversity initiatives. Cassandra shares her inspirational journey as one of the first African American women in corporate leadership, discussing the challenges she faced and how she overcame self-neglect, imposter syndrome, and burnout. Join us as we dive deep into the importance of authentici...

In this insightful episode, we delve into the often overlooked complexities of youth sports parenting with Michael Huber. Many of us can relate to the pressures of being a young athlete—either feeling the weight of expectations from parents to excel in every game or facing the sting of being sidelined and overlooked. Michael shares his mission to equip young athletes and their families with essential tools to navigate today’s increasingly challenging and often toxic sports environment. We explo...

Are you a grandparent unexpectedly raising a transgender grandchild, facing unique challenges and navigating complex family dynamics? Do you struggle with ensuring a supportive environment for your grandchild amidst societal prejudice and emotional obstacles? Are you yearning to break down barriers and foster understanding, compassion, and acceptance while also maintaining your own mental and physical health? I’m Laura Brazan, and in this episode of 'Grandparents Raising Grandchildren,' we dive...

Are you a grandparent or caregiver, finding yourself raising a child with unique and complex needs? Does navigating the landscape of neurodiversity, special education plans, and finding a balance with technology seem overwhelming? Are you grappling with both the joys and challenges of raising a child who transforms your understanding of care and family dynamics? I’m Laura Brazan, and today, we delve into the world of raising complex children with special guest Michelle Choairy, a mom turned adv...

Are you a grandparent unexpectedly raising your teenage grandchildren, feeling overwhelmed by the challenges of mental health and addiction recovery? Do you worry about how to effectively guide them through their struggles, ensuring they develop the life skills needed to thrive? Are you seeking expert advice and real-life stories to better support your family during these trying times? I’m Laura Brazan, host of 'Grandparents Raising Grandchildren,' a dedicated podcast to support grandparents li...

Are you a grandparent unexpectedly faced with raising your grandchildren while dealing with the heartbreaking loss of your own child? Do you find yourself yearning for understanding and navigating through a maze of emotions, responsibilities, and societal expectations? Are you struggling to balance mental health, physical wellness, and spiritual growth while carrying the weight of grief? I’m Laura Brazan, and a decade after losing my son, I've become an advocate for grandparents like you, raisin...

Are you raising your grandchildren while navigating the complex terrain of trauma, healing, and resilience? Do you find yourself struggling to find a community that truly understands the unique challenges and triumphs that come with this unexpected journey? Are you yearning for insights on turning pain into power and building a life filled with purpose and hope? I’m Laura Brazan, and in 2022, my world shifted dramatically when I became a grandparent raising grandchildren. Despite decades of mot...

Are you a grandparent raising grandchildren and concerned about their health and diet? Struggling to navigate the complex relationship between food, emotional stress, and obesity in children? Do you wish you had a resource to guide you through fostering healthy eating habits amidst a turbulent past? I’m Laura Brazan, and on this episode of 'Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through Adversity,' we delve deep into the crucial topic, "What Everyone Ought to Know About Obesity." Join me ...

Are you a grandparent unexpectedly raising your grandchildren, wrestling with the complexities of upheaval and uncertainty? Do you find it challenging to embrace joy amidst the tumultuous rollercoaster of responsibility, stress, and emotional wounds? Are you searching for that elusive balance between duty and personal happiness, often feeling lost in the daily grind? I’m Laura Brazan, your host at 'Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through Adversity.' Like many of you, in 2022, my l...

Send us a text Welcome back to another insightful episode of "Grandparents Raising Grandchildren." I'm your host, Laura Brazan, and today we're diving into the critical topic of setting boundaries—a fundamental step towards creating a loving and secure environment for grandchildren. Our special guest, Catherine Cleveland, a licensed mental health counselor and author, joins us to share her expertise on boundary-setting. Catherine will walk us through the essence of her book, "The Four Essential...

Are you navigating the highs and lows of unexpectedly raising your foster grandchild, feeling overwhelmed by the complexities of the foster care system and mental health challenges? Do you struggle with the painful memories of past traumas and disruptions, unsure if your household can find balance again? Are you looking for guidance, understanding, and a supportive community to share your journey in kinship care? I’m Laura Brazan, and today we dive into an emotional, enlightening, and sometimes...

Feeling the weight of raising your grandchildren and navigating the complexities of unprocessed trauma? Do you struggle with a whirlwind of emotions, searching for resilience amidst adversity? Welcome to 'Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: The Healing Power of Storytelling and Overcoming Trauma.' I'm Laura Brazan, your host. In 2022, my journey took an unexpected turn when I found myself raising my grandchildren overnight. Through heartache and hope, I've discovered the transformative power of...