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Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through Adversity

Laura Brazan I Kinship Caregiver Expert
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through Adversity
Latest episode

106 episodes

  • Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through Adversity

    Mastering Co-Regulation for the Neurodiverse Child

    24/03/2026 | 40 mins.
    Are parenting strategies from decades past falling short with your neurodiverse grandchild? Do meltdowns and anxiety leave you feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or questioning your instincts as a caregiver? Are you searching for actionable solutions to soothe trauma-driven behaviors, foster emotional health, and rebuild the bonds in your family?
    I’m Laura Brazan, and as both a seasoned mother and a grandparent unexpectedly raising my granddaughter Athena, I know firsthand the struggle of navigating sensory processing challenges and emotionally charged mornings. In "Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through Adversity," we go beyond old-fashioned advice—this episode offers neuroscience-backed tools for mastering co-regulation with children who are strong-willed, deeply feeling, or navigating neurodiversity.
    Join us for authentic stories, expert guidance from Board Certified Behavior Analyst Melissa Schulz, and practical steps for addressing big behaviors while honoring your own emotional journey. You’ll gain insights on mindfulness, polyvagal theory, and a trauma-friendly approach that helps you ditch the compliance battle and build
    Send us Fan Mail
    The 750% gap is real, but it doesnt have to be your family's destiny. We are gamifying the 'motherboard' to bring our partners and grandchildren back into the center of the mission!
    Join us in The Grand Challenge!

    What's your #1 survival tool? Listener Tina Patrick Pastorelli commented that after 6 years of raising her children that are not even biologically hers, "Just be the family they never had". It's a simple reminder that we don't need a perfect biological connection to create a perfect sense of belonging for these kids we're raising #kinshipcare #kinshipcaregivers #grandparentsraisinggrandchildren
    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

    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
  • Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through Adversity

    How to Engage Men in Kinship Care

    17/03/2026 | 50 mins.
    Have you noticed the unequal load—both seen and unseen—that grandmothers often carry, while searching for ways to bring grandfathers more fully to the caregiving table? You’re not alone. The gender gap in kinship care is real and significant, often leaving women overwhelmed and resentful, while men struggle to find their place and purpose in the caregiving journey.
    I’m Laura Brazan, and on "Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through Adversity," we get real about the deeply rooted neurobiology, social norms, and emotional dynamics that shape our family roles—especially in times of crisis. In this powerful episode, Dr. Anthony Silard, renowned researcher and author, helps us unpack the 750% disparity in household labor, the science behind why men and women approach caregiving differently, and—most importantly—how we can rewrite these scripts with compassion and creativity.
    Together, we’ll explore actionable strategies to foster greater empathy, assertiveness, and active involvement from grandfathers, from creating men’s caregiving groups to launching fun, family-based competitions that root every member in connection and legacy. You’l
    Send us Fan Mail
    The 750% gap is real, but it doesnt have to be your family's destiny. We are gamifying the 'motherboard' to bring our partners and grandchildren back into the center of the mission!
    Join us in The Grand Challenge!

    What's your #1 survival tool? Listener Tina Patrick Pastorelli commented that after 6 years of raising her children that are not even biologically hers, "Just be the family they never had". It's a simple reminder that we don't need a perfect biological connection to create a perfect sense of belonging for these kids we're raising #kinshipcare #kinshipcaregivers #grandparentsraisinggrandchildren
    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

    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
  • Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through Adversity

    Kinship Parenting: Overcoming Overwhelm Through Emotional Hygiene

    10/03/2026 | 53 mins.
    Are you a grandparent, foster, or adoptive parent feeling overwhelmed by the emotional rollercoaster of kinship caregiving? Do you find yourself longing for peace and clarity as you juggle legal, financial, and family traumas—sometimes sinking under the weight of tough choices, chaotic homes, and the persistent sense that you "should" be able to handle it all? You’re not alone. The unseen labor of nurturing children through adversity can be isolating and exhausting, leaving you searching for hope, connection, and tools that actually work.
    In this episode of "Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through Adversity," master life coach Bonnie Butler joins us to share her hard-earned wisdom from raising four biological children, fostering 17, and adopting six siblings from traumatic backgrounds. Bonnie’s journey from self-doubt to emotional confidence proves that thought management—and emotional hygiene—are the invisible superpowers every caregiver needs. 
    For more information on Bonnie and her coaching work, Please visit her website.  Get Bonnie's free guide- 
    Send us Fan Mail
    The 750% gap is real, but it doesnt have to be your family's destiny. We are gamifying the 'motherboard' to bring our partners and grandchildren back into the center of the mission!
    Join us in The Grand Challenge!

    What's your #1 survival tool? Listener Tina Patrick Pastorelli commented that after 6 years of raising her children that are not even biologically hers, "Just be the family they never had". It's a simple reminder that we don't need a perfect biological connection to create a perfect sense of belonging for these kids we're raising #kinshipcare #kinshipcaregivers #grandparentsraisinggrandchildren
    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

    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
  • Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through Adversity

    Choosing Softness, Imagination, and Sanctuary to Heal Trauma

    03/03/2026 | 25 mins.
    In this heartfelt episode of *Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through Adversity*, host Laura Brazan, welcomes Ellie Moss, creator of the whimsical world of Lickity Pop, to explore the healing power of softness and sanctuary for families navigating trauma. Drawing on personal experience and creative resilience, Ellie Moss shares how she built Lickity Pop—not from a business plan, but as a survival strategy to soothe overwhelmed minds and restore nervous systems stretched thin.

    Together, Laura Brazan and Ellie discuss why quiet imagination is a strategic tool for caregivers, especially grandparents raising their grandchildren after traumatic events. They touch on sensory architecture in the home, the importance of gentle communication for neurodivergent children, and how magical story worlds like Lickity Pop offer restorative escapes for both kids and adults.

    You’ll learn practical tips for lowering sensory input, fostering predictable routines, and creating safe spaces—even cozy corners—for emotional decompression. The episode is a celebration of the everyday magic that helps families reconnect, heal, and avoid burnout. Whether you’re grappling with loud chaos or seeking new ways to build connection, this conversation invites you to choose softness over volume, and wonder over exhaustion. You can visit the enchanting world of Lickity Pop . Order Ellie's new book, Dibs the Dragon and the Marshmallow Rescue
    Send us Fan Mail
    The 750% gap is real, but it doesnt have to be your family's destiny. We are gamifying the 'motherboard' to bring our partners and grandchildren back into the center of the mission!
    Join us in The Grand Challenge!

    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

    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
  • Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through Adversity

    Leading Through Grief- How to Integrate Family Crisis and Leadership Vision

    24/02/2026 | 30 mins.
    What happens when a visionary leader is brought to their knees by a family crisis? In this heartfelt episode, Laura Brazan welcomes Brad Hoffman, pastor and grandparent raising his grandchildren after the loss of his daughter, to explore the transformational power of integrating personal adversity with leadership.

    Together, they discuss the unique challenges grandparents face as primary caregivers, reveal practical strategies for self-care, and unpack the shifting nature of identity after trauma. This episode dives into reframing success, the importance of presence over productivity, and the necessity of dreaming even in hard seasons. The conversation tackles why leaders must move past compartmentalization, develop a “theology of weakness,” and embrace vulnerability as a core leadership strength. For more information about Brad, please visit his website or listen to his podcast "REimagine" here.

    If you’re navigating a major life transition or searching for community and support while leading through pain, this episode offers honest insight, resources, an
    Send us Fan Mail
    The 750% gap is real, but it doesnt have to be your family's destiny. We are gamifying the 'motherboard' to bring our partners and grandchildren back into the center of the mission!
    Join us in The Grand Challenge!

    What's your #1 survival tool? Listener Tina Patrick Pastorelli commented that after 6 years of raising her children that are not even biologically hers, "Just be the family they never had". It's a simple reminder that we don't need a perfect biological connection to create a perfect sense of belonging for these kids we're raising #kinshipcare #kinshipcaregivers #grandparentsraisinggrandchildren
    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

    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

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About Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through Adversity

The Grandparents Raising Grandchildren PodcastAre you a grandparent raising grandchildren, an aunt, uncle, or another relative stepping in to provide a stable home? You are a kinship caregiver—the "Invisible CEO" of your family. While the road is often steep, you are not walking it alone.Hosted by Laura Brazan, The 2.7 Million Project is the dedicated digital boardroom for the millions of families navigating the complexities of kinship care. Our mission is to move families from a state of crisis to a state of family resilience by providing the tools, expert insights, and community support you need to lead your home with a "Warrior’s Heart."In our boardroom, we tackle the topics that matter most:Emotional Literacy: Learning how to identify, understand, and respond to the complex feelings of both the caregiver and the child.Trauma-Informed Care: Practical strategies for raising children who have experienced loss, abandonment, or the impact of a parent’s addiction.Family Resilience: How to rebuild the family tree and maintain your own well-being while navigating second-time parenting.Kinship Caregiver Resources: Expert advice on legal guardianship, financial assistance, and the "Invisible CEO" framework for sanity.With 100+ episodes featuring experts in child psychology, systems management, and family dynamics, we provide a trauma-informed lens on the everyday challenges of grandparents raising grandchildren. Whether you are looking for ways to foster emotional literacy in your home or simply need to know there is a village behind you, you have found your home.🕊️ Join the Village: Subscribe to the channel to join our community of 2.7 million warrior hearts. 🔗 Resources & Support: Visit https://www.grandparents-raising-grandchildren.org/ for the "Invisible CEO" toolkit and kinship support.
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