Episodes

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...

Setting Boundaries for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren 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 throug...

For grandparents that adopt 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,...

Storytelling for Trauma 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...

Language Development in Young cChildren 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 address...

Play Therapy for Kids 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 ...

Support Groups for Grandparents with Nicholeen Peck 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 ...

Eastern Philosophy and Western Psychology for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren 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 'Grandpa...

Struggling with the rollercoaster of teen 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 Speers, social sciences expert...

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 fatherlessness and 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 unwavering love and support. Through t...

4 skills that correct behaviors. 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 "T...

This episode is about raising critical thinkers. 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 ...

This episode focuses on kinship caregiving faith. 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 num...

This episode focuses on raising neurodivergent grandchildren. 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 '...

This episode focuses on self-government parenting. 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...

3 great self-care tips for caregivers! 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 c...

Welcome to raising pre-teens part 2! 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 lates...

Welcome to raising pre-teens part 1! 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 intr...

This episode is about a survivor of childhood abuse. 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...

Grandparents as Primary Caregivers 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 sy...

Death of a child 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 after the...

grandparents raising grandchildren mental health 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 s...