Episodes

Send us a text Are you a grandparent raising young children and seeking guidance on fostering language development amid the unique challenges you face? Are you searching for effective strategies to support your grandchildren's communication skills while navigating their speech obstacles? Do you wish there were more accessible tools and techniques designed specifically for caregivers like you? I’m Laura Brazan, a dedicated grandmother with firsthand experience in addressing speech challenges wit...

Send us a text Do you find yourself unexpectedly stepping into the role of a grandparent raising your grandchildren, overwhelmed by the emotional and practical challenges that come with it? Are you searching for effective ways to help your grandchildren heal from trauma and build a brighter future? Struggling to juggle your love for your grandkids while managing behavioral issues and emotional literacy? Look no further. I'm Laura Brazan, and just like you, I was suddenly thrust into the world o...

Send us a text Are you a grandparent unexpectedly stepping into the role of full-time parent for your grandchildren? Navigating school runs, tantrums, and isolation in an upturned social life? Do you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, searching for a community that understands your unique challenges? You're not alone in this journey of kinship care and the complexities it brings. I’m Laura Brazan, and like you, I found myself in the profound role of raising my grandchildren, a journey filled wi...

Send us a text Are you a grandparent unexpectedly thrust into the role of raising your grandchildren, grappling with complex emotions and new responsibilities? Do you find yourself balancing the nuances of childrearing with the legal, financial, and emotional challenges unique to this journey? Are you seeking insights on mindfulness, self-care, and holistic approaches to well-being? I’m Laura Brazan, and in Episode 25 of 'Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Integrating Eastern Philosophy and We...

Send us a text Struggling with the rollercoaster of preteen and teenage social struggles in today's digital age? Is navigating the maze of middle school friendships, social media, and digital drama leaving you and your grandchild feeling lost? Yearning for solutions in an increasingly connected world? I'm Laura Brazan, and on this week’s episode of 'Grandparents Raising Grandchildren,' we dive deep into "9 Truths About Navigating Social Struggles for Teens and Pre-Teens." Joining me is Jessica ...

Send us a Text Message. In this heartfelt episode of Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, host Laura Brazan sits down with Philip Blackett, an accomplished author, consultant, and entrepreneur, to explore the profound impact of fatherhood and the power of faith in navigating the challenges of raising grandchildren. Drawing from his own experiences growing up on the autism spectrum and raising twin daughters with autism, Philip shares the invaluable lessons he learned from his grandmother's unwave...

Send us a Text Message. Are you a grandparent unexpectedly thrust into the role of primary caregiver for your grandchildren? Do you feel overwhelmed by the challenges of parenting again while navigating the complexities of legal, financial, and emotional support? In the "Grandparents Raising Grandchildren" podcast, renowned parenting expert Nicholeen Peck shares powerful strategies to simplify your parenting experience and bring harmony to your household. Discover how the innovative "Teaching S...

Send us a Text Message. Attention grandparents thrust into the unexpected role of raising your grandchildren: Are you seeking the secret to nurturing future leaders amidst adversity? Join host Laura Brazan as she welcomes renowned educator and author Barbara Ann Mojica to share her insights on fostering critical thinking skills in children. Discover the key signs of leadership potential and learn practical strategies for instilling essential values and life skills that will empower your grandch...

Send us a Text Message. In this moving episode of 'Grandparents Raising Grandchildren,' host Laura Brazan and guest Stacy Sanchez delve into the complexities and triumphs of kinship caregiving. Stacy, a pastor, author, business owner, and grandmother raising her grandson, shares her poignant story of taking in her grandchild after her daughter's struggles. From navigating the legal and educational systems to addressing the child's trauma, Stacy and her husband faced numerous challenges while str...

Send us a Text Message. Are you a grandparent raising a neurodivergent grandchild, grappling with the unique challenges and joys that come with it? Do terms like ADHD, autism, and OCD feel daunting as you strive to help your grandchild thrive in a world that might not fully understand them? Navigating through the complexities of neurodivergence can feel like an overwhelming journey, but you are not alone. I’m Laura Brazan, your host, and in this episode of 'Grandparents Raising Grandchildren,' ...

Send us a Text Message. Feeling overwhelmed while raising your grandchildren? Do you encounter daily challenges and behavioral issues that leave you yearning for control and peace in the household? Are you searching for effective strategies to communicate better and foster a calm environment? Discover hope and transformation with expert guidance. I’m Laura Brazan, host of 'Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through Adversity.' In our latest episode, we dive into the world of self-gov...

Send us a Text Message. Welcome back to "Grandparents Raising Grandchildren." In today's episode, we're diving into "3 Fun Self-Care Tips for Caregivers." I'm your host, Laura Brazan, and joining me is self-care coach extraordinaire, Jeanette Yates. Jeanette Yates is a lifelong caregiver, Certified Life Coach, Yoga Instructor, Modern Mindfulness/Meditation teacher, and holds a Reiki Level 1 certification. As a founder of The Self-Caregiver, she has dedicated her life to helping caregivers prior...

Send us a Text Message. Are you a grandparent navigating the complex maze of raising preteens, eager to unlock their full potential but overwhelmed by the challenges? Do you find it difficult to communicate effectively with them, feeling as though a generational gap creates constant confusion and frustration? Are you concerned about their mental well-being and the influence of their peers but unsure of how to address these issues constructively? I’m Laura Brazan, and in our latest episode of 'G...

Send us a Text Message. Welcome to “Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through Adversity.” In this compelling two-part series, we tackle one of the most daunting challenges faced by grandparents raising pre-teens – the turbulent teen years. Our guest, Marcus Higgs, a seasoned educator and mentor with experience in over 20 countries, brings a wealth of knowledge and a fresh perspective on how to proactively unlock your pre-teen’s potential. In this episode, Marcus introduces the "Show...

Send us a Text Message. Are you navigating the complexities of raising your grandchildren, burdened by their past traumas and your own emotional trials? Do you yearn for guidance and connection, understanding that the responsibility you've taken on is both an unexpected blessing and a significant challenge? Whether you're dealing with past abuse, seeking strategies for support, or simply needing a community, the journey of raising grandchildren can feel isolating and overwhelming. I'm Laura Bra...

Send us a Text Message. Welcome to another heartfelt and insightful episode of *Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through Adversity.* I'm your host, Laura Brazan, and today we delve into the world of grandparents stepping up as primary caregivers, navigating the unique challenges and joys that come with nurturing traumatized grandchildren. In this episode, we are joined by Nicholeen Peck, a worldwide parenting expert and leader in teaching self-government. Her proven system based up...

Send us a Text Message. Welcome to "Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through Adversity." I'm your host, Laura Brazan. In today's heart-wrenching yet inspiring episode titled "What No One Tells You After the Death of a Child," we dive deep into the trials and triumphs of grandparents who step in to raise their grandchildren following the death of their own children. Joining us is Nicole Strack, a mother of six who faced the turbulent battle of raising a ten-year-old granddaughter af...

Send us a Text Message. As you work hard to care for your grandchildren, how are you also prioritizing caring for yourself? It's easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of meeting their needs, but neglecting your own self-care can leave you depleted and unable to be the extraordinary caregiver your grandkids need right now. In this episode, we'll explore the many roles you’re navigating and why prioritizing your health, peace, and support system is crucial to not just surviving but thriving in ...

Send us a Text Message. Are you struggling with using traditional discipline methods that always seem to escalate issues with your grandchildren rather than resolve them? As grandparents raising grandchildren who have experienced trauma, the parenting approaches that worked with your own children may no longer be effective. In this episode, we'll explore why connecting with empathy and understanding before attempting to correct behavior is crucial when parenting children with traumatic backgro...

Send us a Text Message. Did you know there are financial resources and support programs available that could make a huge difference for you as a grandparent raising your grandchildren? From scholarships to legal assistance, there are hidden gems waiting to be uncovered, but all too often, pride or lack of awareness prevents us from tapping into this vital aid. In this episode, Peyton Vining from the Montana Kinship Navigator Program joins us to reveal little-known resources that can provide cr...

Send us a Text Message. When was the last time you were confused by your grandchild's reaction to a seemingly minor situation? When children have experienced trauma, their brains and behaviors are impacted in profound ways, and they often react with tantrums or hyperactivity that can leave you feeling confused and frustrated. In this episode, we'll provide a compassionate, step-by-step guide for working with your traumatized grandkid. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN: How to und...

Send us a Text Message. How is your transition to the role of raising your grandchildren going? You may feel overwhelmed by all the new challenges you’re facing or frustrated that this season of life looks different than you had planned for, but what if this difficult transition could also open doors? In this inspiring episode, I am interviewed by transition coaches John and Sylvie Weaver as they share their expertise on confronting major life shifts with resilience and hope. BY THE TIME YOU ...

Send us a Text Message. Are you feeling alone and misunderstood as a grandparent raising grandchildren against all odds? From legal obstacles to emotional hardships, it’s a lot to navigate, and you may not know anyone personally walking this journey, but other grandparents like you are out there. In this heartfelt episode, connect with resilient grandmother Betty Wilkes as she shares her powerful story of unexpected personal growth while navigating the immense challenges of raising her grandda...

Send us a Text Message. What has your grandchild been through that you simply can’t understand? From poverty and community violence to family mental health issues, adverse experiences in a child's early years can have lasting effects on their development. Yet, too often, these challenges go unrecognized or misunderstood. In this powerful episode, pediatric physical therapist Els O'Rourke joins us to shed light on how trauma manifests in children and provide effective, holistic strategies for g...