Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through Adversity

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?
I’m Laura Brazan, and like you, I’ve wrestled with the burdens of kinship caregiving, often mistaking fury for healthy boundaries—until it clouded even the brightest moments with my grandchildren. Through raw honesty and real-world practice, I discovered that forgiveness isn’t about excusing harm, but reclaiming personal peace and power.
Welcome to 'Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through Adversity.' In this episode, forgiveness expert Katherine Giovanni reveals a groundbreaking, practical path for kinship caregivers. Together, we’ll dismantle the myth that you have to rush forgiveness, and instead, gently learn to process hurt through a proven step-by-step system. You’ll hear how releasing anger—starting with the “easy” daily irritations—can lift the fog not only from your mind but from generations to come.
For more information about Katharine and her work, I encourage you to visit her website. Download her free foregiveness audit worksheet here!
Through expert guidance and lived experience, we’ll explore authentic strategies for healing emotional wounds, teaching forgiveness to grandchildren, and ending the cycle of intergenerational trauma. If you’re ready to stop passing down the burden and begin leading your family with renewed clarity, compassion, and resilience, you belong here.
Join our supportive community and take the next step toward a brighter legacy—for yourself and those you love.
Send us Fan Mail
As a grandmother raising two grandchildren, one of my favorite things is watching them connect with the world around them. That's why I'm so in love with Dr. Dale Atkins new children's book "Dear Deer". Purchase directly through her website, Amazon or Barnes and Noble. Help our kids log off the screeens and tune back into the world!
Parenting Is Too Short to Spend It Stressed.
Learn how to turn everyday moments into joyful connection — with zero guilt and zero gimmicks. Visit Parenting Harmony.

Dr. Jennifer Brunton holds a Ph.D. in sociology from Columbia University and has a career spanning from college professor to high-level editor and writer for brands like Forbes and Random House. But it is her identity as a proudly Autistic parent of an Autistic son and grandmother/primary caregiver to two neurodivergent granddaughters, 2- and 3-years-old, that fuels her deepest mission. I recently interviewed her for an episode that will be live the end of August 2026. 

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

Liked this episode? Share it and tag us on Facebook @GrandparentsRaisingGrandchilden 
Love the show? Leave a review and let us know!
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Are you a grandparent thrust unexpectedly into raising your grandchildren, feeling the relentless drizzle of exhaustion and emotional 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 a life sentence? Today, we are talking to Matt O’Neill, author of Good Mood Revolution. We’re dismantling the 'Martyr’s Mask' and learning why the story of sacrifice is actually a lie that leads to resentment. It’s time to move from being a prisoner of your circumstances to being the powerful CEO of your joy.
I’m Laura Brazan, and my own path changed overnight when our grandchildren needed a new home. Suddenly, retirement dreams gave way to school drop-offs, full sinks, slammed doors, and a weather system inside my mind that sometimes threatened to cloud every day.
Welcome to 'Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through Adversity.' Here, we go beyond survival mode. In each episode, we talk openly about the hidden storms behind closed doors—everything from managing resentment and exhaustion to rekindling joy amidst relentless responsibility. You’ll hear wisdom from guests like Matt O'Neill, who share practical, research-backed tools for resetting your emotional weather and breaking cycles of shame, guilt, or perfectionism.
We dive deep into topics like trauma-informed care, emotional literacy for kinship families, cultivating self-compassion, and navigating tough conversations—always grounded in real-life experiences, not empty platitudes. You’ll gain tactical advice for reclaiming moments of connection and play, even in the midst of hardship.
This is a safe space where your exhaustion is respected, your story is honored, and your hope is rekindled—one genuine conversation at a time. Join us, and let’s build a future where you and your grandchildren can lead from intention, not chaos, and where your emotional resilience becomes the legacy you pass down.
Send us Fan Mail
As a grandmother raising two grandchildren, one of my favorite things is watching them connect with the world around them. That's why I'm so in love with Dr. Dale Atkins new children's book "Dear Deer". Purchase directly through her website, Amazon or Barnes and Noble. Help our kids log off the screeens and tune back into the world!
Parenting Is Too Short to Spend It Stressed.
Learn how to turn everyday moments into joyful connection — with zero guilt and zero gimmicks. Visit Parenting Harmony.

Dr. Jennifer Brunton holds a Ph.D. in sociology from Columbia University and has a career spanning from college professor to high-level editor and writer for brands like Forbes and Random House. But it is her identity as a proudly Autistic parent of an Autistic son and grandmother/primary caregiver to two neurodivergent granddaughters, 2- and 3-years-old, that fuels her deepest mission. I recently interviewed her for an episode that will be live the end of August 2026. 

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

Liked this episode? Share it and tag us on Facebook @GrandparentsRaisingGrandchilden 
Love the show? Leave a review and let us know!
CONNECT WITH US: Website | Facebook

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 a solid night’s rest is too much to ask.
I’m Laura Brazan, a grandmother who’s wrestled with these very struggles: YouTube lullabies that created more chaos than calm, the nightly tug-of-war between compassion and consistency, and the lonely search for the right solution. In wrestling with my grandchildren’s insomnia and night terrors, I’ve discovered that fostering healing sleep isn’t about magic techniques or avoiding tantrums—it’s about gently, consistently re-teaching their brains what safety feels like in the dark.
On 'Grandparents Raising Grandchildren,' we bring you genuine stories and expert guidance from voices like sleep coach Allison Egidi, who understand the tangled intersection of trauma, anxiety, screens, and the elusive promise of rest. We uncover why routines matter for kids who have seen disruption, how “boring” rituals lead to stability, and why a child’s resistance after sunset may be a nervous system crying out—not a battle of wills.
For more information in this episode, sleep coaching and Allison, please visit her website.
You’ll find actionable insights paired with the empathy every kinship caregiver deserves. From decoding triggers in children’s dreams to setting limits on screens and redefining what self-care means, we’re here to honor your journey—and to remind you that leadership looks like love, patience, and sometimes hitting “reset” on family habits.
You’re not alone. Together, we can transform nighttime from a battleground into a place of comfort, one bedtime at a time.
Send us Fan Mail
As a grandmother raising two grandchildren, one of my favorite things is watching them connect with the world around them. That's why I'm so in love with Dr. Dale Atkins new children's book "Dear Deer". Purchase directly through her website, Amazon or Barnes and Noble. Help our kids log off the screeens and tune back into the world!
Parenting Is Too Short to Spend It Stressed.
Learn how to turn everyday moments into joyful connection — with zero guilt and zero gimmicks. Visit Parenting Harmony.

Dr. Jennifer Brunton holds a Ph.D. in sociology from Columbia University and has a career spanning from college professor to high-level editor and writer for brands like Forbes and Random House. But it is her identity as a proudly Autistic parent of an Autistic son and grandmother/primary caregiver to two neurodivergent granddaughters, 2- and 3-years-old, that fuels her deepest mission. I recently interviewed her for an episode that will be live the end of August 2026. 

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

Liked this episode? Share it and tag us on Facebook @GrandparentsRaisingGrandchilden 
Love the show? Leave a review and let us know!
CONNECT WITH US: Website | Facebook

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 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 home.
I’m Laura Brazan, host of 'Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through Adversity.' Through my own journey and conversations with experts like Jeanine Mushawar, I’ve discovered that parenting teens today means trading control for connection and leading not with fear, but with presence. It’s not about micromanaging, but about becoming the CEO of your family—a leader who listens for the story behind the struggle.
Visit Jeanine's website to get her free 5 Questions That Get Teens Talking!
Send us Fan Mail
As a grandmother raising two grandchildren, one of my favorite things is watching them connect with the world around them. That's why I'm so in love with Dr. Dale Atkins new children's book "Dear Deer". Purchase directly through her website, Amazon or Barnes and Noble. Help our kids log off the screeens and tune back into the world!
Parenting Is Too Short to Spend It Stressed.
Learn how to turn everyday moments into joyful connection — with zero guilt and zero gimmicks. Visit Parenting Harmony.

Dr. Jennifer Brunton holds a Ph.D. in sociology from Columbia University and has a career spanning from college professor to high-level editor and writer for brands like Forbes and Random House. But it is her identity as a proudly Autistic parent of an Autistic son and grandmother/primary caregiver to two neurodivergent granddaughters, 2- and 3-years-old, that fuels her deepest mission. I recently interviewed her for an episode that will be live the end of August 2026. 

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

Liked this episode? Share it and tag us on Facebook @GrandparentsRaisingGrandchilden 
Love the show? Leave a review and let us know!
CONNECT WITH US: Website | Facebook

Are you a grandparent fighting to legally adopt your grandchild, drowning in red tape and wondering if the finish line will ever come? Have you sat through courtrooms hoping to be heard, worried for your grandchild’s safety, and navigating a system that seems to mistake your love for inconvenience? Do you long for the day you can finally just parent—no more last-minute visits or home inspections, no more lingering uncertainty?
I’m Laura Brazan, and I know how heavy the “club sandwich” of multigenerational caretaking can feel. With four generations stacked under one roof and the weight of system delays on your shoulders, it’s easy to forget you’re not just a stand-in—you’re a permanent, life-changing presence.
In this episode of 'Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through Adversity,' I welcome back Mary Hels-Jager, who takes us step-by-step through her hard-won journey from tense protective custody battles to the joyful moment of finalizing her granddaughter’s adoption. We’ll talk about speaking up when the system won’t listen, surviving silly clerical errors that threaten everything, and the relief—and odd numbness—that finally arrives when the monitoring ends and family life resumes.
You’ll hear how trauma, attachment, and healing show up in real homes, why kin need to know their rights from day one, and what it means to truly secure a legacy for the next generation. Grandparenting this way is never simple, never sitcom-perfect—but closing those gaps with love and steadfastness is possible.
Join us as we share resources, advice, and affirmation for every grandparent navigating the maze. You are not an inconvenience. You are the solution. Together, we nurture through adversity and claim victories for the future—one hard-fought step at a time.
Send us Fan Mail
As a grandmother raising two grandchildren, one of my favorite things is watching them connect with the world around them. That's why I'm so in love with Dr. Dale Atkins new children's book "Dear Deer". Purchase directly through her website, Amazon or Barnes and Noble. Help our kids log off the screeens and tune back into the world!
Parenting Is Too Short to Spend It Stressed.
Learn how to turn everyday moments into joyful connection — with zero guilt and zero gimmicks. Visit Parenting Harmony.

Dr. Jennifer Brunton holds a Ph.D. in sociology from Columbia University and has a career spanning from college professor to high-level editor and writer for brands like Forbes and Random House. But it is her identity as a proudly Autistic parent of an Autistic son and grandmother/primary caregiver to two neurodivergent granddaughters, 2- and 3-years-old, that fuels her deepest mission. I recently interviewed her for an episode that will be live the end of August 2026. 

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

Liked this episode? Share it and tag us on Facebook @GrandparentsRaisingGrandchilden 
Love the show? Leave a review and let us know!
CONNECT WITH US: Website | Facebook