Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through Adversity

Are you a grandparent unexpectedly navigating the complexities of raising your grandchildren? Are you overwhelmed by childhood trauma, legal challenges, and the grief of lost family dreams? Do you struggle to balance the physical demands of caregiving with the wisdom and love only you can offer?
I’m Laura Brazan, and after more than three decades as a mother, I was called to step in as the unexpected CEO of my family when my grandchildren needed me most. In “Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through Adversity,” we offer a lifeline for kinship caregivers like you—bringing real stories, expert advice, and the compassionate voice of Dr. Dale Atkins, a renowned psychologist specializing in family trauma and healing. Discover practical strategies for emotional regulation, fostering resilience, and building safe, nurturing environments for children who’ve experienced disruption.
To find out more about Dr. Dale Atkins and her lastest book, "The Turquoise Butterfly", please visit her website.
Join a community that honors your journey, validates your struggles, and helps you rewrite the future for your grandchildren. Together, let’s uncover moments of hope, healing, and connection—because you are the anchor, the memory maker, and the keeper of your family’s legacy.
Send us a text
If you had an extra hour of 'found time' tomorrow morning—time that belonged only to you—what is the one thing you’d do that you haven’t done in months?
Seriously—hit pause, or wait until you're parked, and email me at [email protected]. I’m collecting these stories to make sure this book solves the real-world burnout we’re all feeling.
Hello! Thank you for creating this podcast. It is a blessing to my life in this season🙏🏽

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 considering adoption after fostering, or wrestling with what’s truly best for the children in your care? Are you navigating the complex emotional, legal, and financial realities of kinship guardianship, while managing the challenges of parenting later in life? If you’ve ever wondered how to create a loving, secure future for your grandchildren against all odds, you’re not alone.
I’m Laura Brazan, and on this episode of 'Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through Adversity,' we dive deep into the foster-to-adopt journey—sharing honest stories of heartbreak, resilience, and creativity in the face of a system often stretched to breaking. Special guest Rachel Fulginiti spent more than a decade navigating infertility, fostering, and adoption, ultimately building her family through unwavering determination and hope. Together, we’ll discuss the hard truths of adopting when you’re an older caregiver, building a supportive “tribal village,” facing trauma, and learning to let go of expectations to embrace what’s truly possible.
Whether you’re grappling with permanency, searching for resources, or simply seeking community, this podcast is your guide. Tune in for practical strategies, healing conversations, and inspiration from grandparents who are rewriting their family stories—one courageous step at a time. Join us and discover you’re part of a community 2.7 million strong, still nurturing, still here, and still shaping the future.
Send us a text
If you had an extra hour of 'found time' tomorrow morning—time that belonged only to you—what is the one thing you’d do that you haven’t done in months?
Seriously—hit pause, or wait until you're parked, and email me at [email protected]. I’m collecting these stories to make sure this book solves the real-world burnout we’re all feeling.
Hello! Thank you for creating this podcast. It is a blessing to my life in this season🙏🏽

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

There are 2.7 million grandparents in the U.S. raising their grandchildren. We are a silent army, often grieving our "Retirement Version" of life while navigating school runs and midnight fevers. In this powerhouse Series 2 premiere, Laura Brazan unveils The 2.7 Million Project Manifesto—a call to action for the "unpaid safety net" of America to move from survival mode to intentional leadership.
In this episode, Laura shares a raw, never-before-told look at the midnight phone call that changed her life, the honest "shaky-voice" conversation with her husband, Tom, and the heartbreaking reality of what it means to walk into a "house of fire" to rescue the next generation.
Are you suddenly navigating the complex realities of kinship care?
Do you find yourself longing for acknowledgment as you trade leisure for late-night diaper changes? The invisible labor and secondary grief of caregiving can leave even the strongest among us feeling unseen. Whether you feel capable or completely overwhelmed, this episode is your reminder that you are the Invisible CEO of your family’s rescue mission.
In this episode, we explore:
The "Ghost Life": How to honor your secondary grief and mourn your retirement dreams without guilt.
The 2.7 Million Project: Why your presence is the most sacred thing these children have.
The Spiritual Anchor: Finding the "Universal Christ" in the unpolished moments of trauma and tantrum.
Tactical Resilience: Practical insights on managing the weight of the "Second Cradle."
Welcome to a new era of Grandparents Raising Grandchildren. Through personal stories and the wisdom of experts like Dr. Dale Atkins and Dr. Kate Lund, we provide the toolkit you need for the legal, financial, and emotional hurdles ahead.
You are not alone. Your story is honored here. We are 2.7 million strong—still nurturing, and still here.
Send us a text
If you had an extra hour of 'found time' tomorrow morning—time that belonged only to you—what is the one thing you’d do that you haven’t done in months?
Seriously—hit pause, or wait until you're parked, and email me at [email protected]. I’m collecting these stories to make sure this book solves the real-world burnout we’re all feeling.

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

A 60-second introduction to the new mission for grandparents and kinship caregivers moving from survival to significance.
Send us a text
If you had an extra hour of 'found time' tomorrow morning—time that belonged only to you—what is the one thing you’d do that you haven’t done in months?
Seriously—hit pause, or wait until you're parked, and email me at [email protected]. I’m collecting these stories to make sure this book solves the real-world burnout we’re all feeling.

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 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 Self Government" approach can free families from emotional bondage and inspire grandparents to create a nurturing environment based on calmness and self-governed relationships. Nicholeen reveals the four essential skills that can correct 99% of behavioral issues, empowering you to foster a home where your grandchildren can heal, grow, and thrive.

For more information about Nicholeen Peck and the "Teaching Self-Government" principles, please visit her website.
Join host Laura Brazan and special guest Nicholeen Peck as they explore practical routines and time-tested principles to help you master your parenting journey. If you're a grandparent raising grandchildren, this episode is your key to unlocking a more peaceful, purposeful, and rewarding family life. Tune in now to learn how you can transform chaos into connection and rediscover the joys of grandparenting.
Send us a text
If you had an extra hour of 'found time' tomorrow morning—time that belonged only to you—what is the one thing you’d do that you haven’t done in months?
Seriously—hit pause, or wait until you're parked, and email me at [email protected]. I’m collecting these stories to make sure this book solves the real-world burnout we’re all feeling.
Hello! Thank you for creating this podcast. It is a blessing to my life in this season🙏🏽

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