The Grand Balance: A Working Grandmas Podcast

Hosted by Angela & Sharon
  • 5.0 (20)
  • Relationships
  • Updated Weekly

Tune into ”The Grand Balance,” a podcast about modern grandparentting, where two working grandmas share their heartfelt journeys of merging career ambitions with deep family commitments as active working grandparents. In each episode, we dive into hot topics and valuable lessons learned, related to helping parents raise successful, happy, responsible children from a grandparenting perspective, while focusing on work-life integration, healthy aging, self-care & mindfulness, managing stress and prioritizing mental health, fitness, family relationships, and staying tech-savvy in today's multigenerational world. We occasionally are joined by inspirational guests who enrich our understanding of balancing demanding careers with modern grandparenting.  This podcast celebrates the triumphs and trials of modern, active, working grandmothers, providing encouragement and insights that uplift and connect our grandparenting community.

  1. 3d ago

    Episode 57: Keeping Grandkids Safe Around Water: Water Safety and Drowning Prevention Tips for Babies, Toddlers and Teens From an Expert

    Water safety is about much more than swim lessons. In this episode, Angela and Sharon are joined by aquatic supervisor and water safety expert Carolyn Lechner-Uribe to share practical tips every parent and grandparent should know before spending time around pools, lakes, and beaches. They discuss the best age to start swim lessons, why a designated "Water Watcher" can save lives, the truth about floaties versus Coast Guard-approved life jackets, and the essential layers of protection every backyard pool should have. Carolyn also shares expert advice on teaching children to respect water without fearing it, common mistakes families make at pool parties, safety strategies for teens, and how grandparents can help keep grandchildren safe all summer long. Whether you have a backyard pool or simply enjoy family vacations near the water, this episode is packed with life-saving advice every family should hear.

  2. Jul 8

    Episode 56: Answering Grandmas Inbox Pt. 3

    In this edition of Ask the Grandmas, Angela and Sharon dive into a variety of real-life grandparenting topics submitted by listeners. They discuss affordable summer activities for grandchildren, navigating family dynamics with other grandparents, approaching sensitive safety concerns, balancing spouse time with grandchildren time, and finding the right role as a grandparent when it comes to discipline. As always, the conversation is filled with personal stories, practical insights, and honest discussion about the joys and challenges of being a modern working grandparent. Plus, they share another Fabulous Find that's perfect for grandparents with little ones on the go.   BOGG Bag BOGG Bag Tabletop Accessory

  3. Jun 24

    Episode 55: Grandma‘s and Parent’s Guide to Building Strong Connections with Teen Grandchildren

    In this episode of The Grand Balance, Angela and Sharon take a closer look at the often-complicated relationship between grandparents and teenagers. Inspired by the book Feeding the Mouth That Bites You by Dr. Kenneth Wilgus, they explore the concept of Planned Emancipation—a parenting approach that encourages gradually giving teens more independence as they prepare for adulthood. Along the way, Angela and Sharon share their own experiences raising teenagers, including the challenges of letting go, allowing natural consequences, resisting the urge to rescue, and navigating the inevitable power struggles that come with the teen years. They also discuss what grandparents can do to stay connected as grandchildren become more independent, including becoming trusted listeners, supporting parents, avoiding “secret keeping,” and creating meaningful one-on-one relationships. Filled with practical insights, personal stories, and a few laughs about lessons learned the hard way, this episode offers encouragement for parents and grandparents who want to build strong, healthy relationships with the teens in their lives while helping them grow into confident, capable adults.

  4. Jun 10

    Episode 54: The Grandparent Advantage: How Active Grandparents Help Grandchildren Thrive and Strengthen the Family

    Can grandparents truly shape a child's future? In this episode, Angela and Sharon explore research on the powerful impact grandparents have on their grandchildren's emotional development, language skills, confidence, and decision-making. They discuss the unique role grandparents play in providing unconditional love, creating a sense of security, and strengthening family connections across generations. The conversation also examines the surprising benefits grandparents receive in return, including improved mental health, increased physical activity, stronger family bonds, and a greater sense of purpose. Plus, they discuss why research suggests that "moderate involvement" may be the sweet spot—and how full-time caregiving can sometimes lead to burnout. Whether you're a grandparent, parent, or simply interested in the value of intergenerational relationships, this episode offers practical insights into why these connections matter so much for both young and old.

  5. May 27

    Episode 53: Grandma's Toddler Tantrum Toolkit: Tips for Meltdowns and Handling Big Feelings

    In this episode of The Grand Balance, working grandmas Angela and Sharon discuss toddler tantrums, emotional regulation, attention-seeking behavior, and expert-backed strategies for handling meltdowns calmly. Plus, real-life stories about balancing family, caregiving, travel, health, and the chaos of modern grandparenting. Episode Notes:  Sharon's Fabulous Find: Roe Powder Sunscreen Impulse: Brain Training App

  6. May 13

    Episode 52: When Roles Shift: Grandmas Caring for Aging Parents (guest episode with author Kim Brant-Lucich)

    Caring for aging parents can feel overwhelming—especially for those in the sandwich generation balancing careers, kids/grandkids, and elder care. In this episode, Angela and Sharon talk with Kim Brant-Lucich, one of the authors of Survival Guide to Caring for Aging Parents, about how to navigate elder care planning, including assisted living options, in-home care, financial realities, legal documents (power of attorney), and Medicare/Medicaid basics. Whether you're just starting to notice changes or already deep in caregiving, this conversation offers practical tips to help you prepare, avoid common mistakes, and support your parents while still being mindful of your own time, finances, and well-being. Episode Notes: Kim Brant-Lucich's Book - Survival Guide to Caring for Aging Parents (Amazon) Kim Brant-Lucich's Book - Survival Guide to Caring for Aging Parents (Barnes & Noble) Caring4AgingParents Website Caring4AgingParents Blog - Substack #1 New York Times bestselling award-winning graphic memoir by New Yorker cartoonist Roz Chast about her parents' final years.

  7. Apr 29

    Episode 51: Family Travel: Making Memories with Grandma

    In this episode, Angela and Sharon cover the realities of family travel with young grandchildren—from navigating flights and vacation logistics to finding ways for everyone (including parents and grandparents) to actually enjoy the trip. They kick things off with an honest conversation about grandparent boundaries after a new baby arrives and how family dynamics can shape those expectations. Along the way, they share a few practical travel lessons, funny vacation moments from Maui, and why making family memories is often worth the chaos. Fabulous Find - The Brick

  8. Apr 15

    Episode 50: Celebrating 50 Episodes of the Beautiful Balance of Work, Family and Life as a Grandma

    In this milestone 50th episode, Angela and Sharon reflect on their journey as working grandmas—sharing heartfelt stories, lessons learned, and a few laughs along the way.  They look back on standout guest interviews and the impact of topics like screen-free childhoods, skincare, and long-distance grandparenting. The conversation turns more personal as they explore what’s been most rewarding—and most challenging—about this phase of life, including identity, balance, and staying intentional beyond work and family. The episode wraps with gratitude for their growing global audience and a reminder of their core belief: when you support parents, you strengthen the entire family.   Episode Notes: Sharon's Fabulous Find for Easter Personalized Easter Egg Basket

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5
out of 5
20 Ratings

About

Tune into ”The Grand Balance,” a podcast about modern grandparentting, where two working grandmas share their heartfelt journeys of merging career ambitions with deep family commitments as active working grandparents. In each episode, we dive into hot topics and valuable lessons learned, related to helping parents raise successful, happy, responsible children from a grandparenting perspective, while focusing on work-life integration, healthy aging, self-care & mindfulness, managing stress and prioritizing mental health, fitness, family relationships, and staying tech-savvy in today's multigenerational world. We occasionally are joined by inspirational guests who enrich our understanding of balancing demanding careers with modern grandparenting.  This podcast celebrates the triumphs and trials of modern, active, working grandmothers, providing encouragement and insights that uplift and connect our grandparenting community.

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