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, I discovered that healing doesn’t come from fixing every problem—it comes from helping children find their voice. When today’s guest, Kate Markland (https://www.katemarkland.com/) , was granted just one hour a week on FaceTime with her son by the courts, she chose not to fill it with grief, but with a question: “Do you want to be the hero of your own story?” What followed was more than a bestselling book (https://www.theadventuresofgabriel.com/) ; it was a masterclass in how grandparents and kinship caregivers can become the scribes of their grandchildren’s triumphs.

On ‘Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through Adversity,’ we delve deep into the realities of kinship care—navigating the legal, financial, and emotional challenges, but also recognizing the hidden power you have as a caregiver. This episode unpacks therapeutic storytelling, a simple but profound way to move children from trauma to creativity. Through asking questions like “tell me more,” you can help your grandchild move from fear to self-expression, turning moments of heartbreak at the kitchen table into stories of courage and hope.

Join us as we explore how to listen, clarify, and capture your grandchild’s words—without correction, without judgment—and help them take back the pen. Together, we’ll nurture resilience and rewrite futures, one story at a time.

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Sharing our real messy stories keeps us grounded. It keeps us reaching out for help and reminds us that there is always someone else out there who needs to hear what we're going through. So if you're feeling overwhelmed right now, go check out the resources page on our website. Print out the 5C's sheet (https://www.grandparents-raising-grandchildren.org/resources/) from Dr. Lindsay Emmerson that we discussed in episode 108. 

Rethink the child welfare system—what if the real issue isn’t funding, but the questions we ask? If you’re passionate about social justice, child welfare, or systemic reform—this episode will challenge your perspective and inspire new ways to advocate for change. Join us in shifting the focus from crisis management to family-centered solutions. Reshape the future of child welfare—listen now.

 

In this special pre-roll segment, I’m sharing a moving letter from a member of our community, Laurel. Her story of loss, resilience, and raising her grandson after the unthinkable is a raw reminder that none of us are walking this path alone.

We want to hear from you. If Laurel’s story resonates with you, or if you have a journey of your own to share, join our private community. Your story might be the exact lifeline someone else needs to hear today. 

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.

Want to be a guest on Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through Adversity? Send Laura Brazan a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/grg

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