Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through Adversity

Laura Brazan I Kinship Caregiver Expert

The Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Podcast Are 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.

  1. Grandparents Raising Grandchildren- Beating Burnout, Supporting Marriage, and Thriving Through Change

    6d ago

    Grandparents Raising Grandchildren- Beating Burnout, Supporting Marriage, and Thriving Through Change

    Are you a grandparent thrust into the role of primary caregiver, managing the relentless stress, marriage challenges, and behavioral transitions that come with raising your grandchildren? Do you wonder how to move from surviving daily crises to building a sanctuary in your home—one where healing and hope are possible for both you and your grandchildren? Has your retirement story taken an unexpected detour, leaving you to mourn lost dreams while navigating the high-stakes world of kinship caregiving? I’m Laura Brazan, and welcome to "Grandparents Raising Grandchildren–Nurturing Through Adversity." In this episode, we sit down with resilience expert Steven Wagstaff, a retired pastor and C5 quadriplegic, whose life-altering journey offers tools for managing caregiver burnout, strengthening your marriage, and understanding the messy realities of raising kids affected by trauma. Together, we’ll discuss how to normalize feelings of isolation, use humor and hard-earned wisdom as powerful tools, and make space for grief without letting it become your ceiling. For more information on Stephen, his ministry and his podcast, please visit "Swagability". Each week, we bring you authentic conversations and expert advice on trauma-informed childrearing, emotional wellness, marriage, legal and financial support, and building real community. You’ll discover strategies for leading with intention, connecting with your partner, and embracing your own story of unexpected resilience. Join our supportive community. Send us Fan Mail I recently started listening to your podcast on Amazon Music. I'm addicted! You have validated so many of my feelings associated with raising young kiddos at an older age. No one in our life really gets it. Our girls are not blood related as their mom was a friend of our daughter and we wanted to get them out of a shelter. 6 years later...thank you!  Jill Bryant has spent years researching the deep complexities of counseling and the lived reality of kinship care as a professor and a grandparent raising a grandchild. Her work, focusing on the complete subjective well-being of kinship caregivers. Taking this 10-minute survey gives our advocates the timely, real-world data they need to fight for the funding and structural support your family deserves right now.  Kinship care—stepping up to raise your grandchildren—can often feel like an incredibly lonely journey. When custody happens unexpectedly, it’s easy to feel like you are the only one navigating the trauma, the system, and the sheer exhaustion. But you aren't alone. And that is exactly why your story matters. Your unique experience holds the power to change the system for the next family. Share your story with us at laurabrazan@grandparents-raising-grandchildren.org 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

    42 min
  2. Breaking Generational Trauma- How A Grandchild Raised By His Grandmother Found Healing

    May 26

    Breaking Generational Trauma- How A Grandchild Raised By His Grandmother Found Healing

    Are you a grandparent, caregiver, or child impacted by generational trauma? Do you wrestle with questions of connection, healing, and the hope to break repeating patterns? Are you searching for authentic guidance to rewrite your family’s future after abuse or neglect?  I’m Laura Brazan, and in this episode of 'Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through Adversity,' we confront the realities of trauma and healing. Our guest, therapist and author Johnzelle Anderson, shares his powerful story as a grandchild raised by his grandmother—the very person who both nurtured and wounded him. Together, we unpack how generational abuse cycles can be disrupted with love, boundaries, and self-awareness. Learn practical tools for auditing your family’s “trauma soundtracks,” building genuine connection, and fostering resilience in your grandchildren. Johnzelle is a licensed therapist by trade, and believes in the power of storytelling to heal, imagine, disrupt, and inspire. His writing focuses on mental health, race, relationships, and identity. In his book Mixtape: A Memoir, therapist and storyteller Johnzelle Anderson weaves a raw, lyrical portrait of resilience, identity, and healing.  Send us Fan Mail I recently started listening to your podcast on Amazon Music. I'm addicted! You have validated so many of my feelings associated with raising young kiddos at an older age. No one in our life really gets it. Our girls are not blood related as their mom was a friend of our daughter and we wanted to get them out of a shelter. 6 years later...thank you!  Jill Bryant has spent years researching the deep complexities of counseling and the lived reality of kinship care as a professor and a grandparent raising a grandchild. Her work, focusing on the complete subjective well-being of kinship caregivers. Taking this 10-minute survey gives our advocates the timely, real-world data they need to fight for the funding and structural support your family deserves right now.  Kinship care—stepping up to raise your grandchildren—can often feel like an incredibly lonely journey. When custody happens unexpectedly, it’s easy to feel like you are the only one navigating the trauma, the system, and the sheer exhaustion. But you aren't alone. And that is exactly why your story matters. Your unique experience holds the power to change the system for the next family. Share your story with us at laurabrazan@grandparents-raising-grandchildren.org 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

    52 min
  3. Acceptance vs. Resignation: How Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Can Thrive

    May 19

    Acceptance vs. Resignation: How Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Can Thrive

    Are you a grandparent who finds yourself stepping back into the exhausting world of parenting, unexpectedly raising your grandchildren in the wake of family upheaval? Do you ever mourn the peaceful retirement you imagined, longing for slow mornings and carefree days, only to wake up facing a mountain of responsibilities you didn't choose? Does the gap between the life you hoped for and the reality you’re living sometimes feel like a weight you carry in solitude? I’m Laura, and like you, I've wrestled with the emotional complexities of kinship caregiving. There was a time I imagined being the picture-perfect grandmother—apron neat, stories at bedtime, the house always warm and welcoming. But I’ve endured losses, illness, and heartbreak. I know the ache of wishing for rest and the fear for what would become of our grandchildren if we weren’t there for them. The transition from simply doing the right thing to wholeheartedly accepting the role has been my most powerful shift. Welcome to "Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through Adversity." Here, we peel back the layers of duty, grief, resilience, and acceptance. You’ll find expert guidance—including the wisdom of world-renowned psychologist Dr. Anthony Silard—real stories from the trenches, and a community that understands the unique challenges of raising children after trauma or family rupture. To order any of Dr. Silard's books and to find out more about his work, please visit his website.  We’ll talk about the difference between fighting our reality and embracing it—why acceptance is not passive surrender but a source of strength. You’ll hear how to let go of outdated ideals and anchor yourself in the life you have, nurturing your grandchildren and yourself at the same time. You are not alone in this. Together, we’ll explore the tools, resources, and mindsets to help you—and your grandchildren—grow, heal, and thrive. This is your boardroom, your community, and your story to author anew. Send us Fan Mail I recently started listening to your podcast on Amazon Music. I'm addicted! You have validated so many of my feelings associated with raising young kiddos at an older age. No one in our life really gets it. Our girls are not blood related as their mom was a friend of our daughter and we wanted to get them out of a shelter. 6 years later...thank you!  Jill Bryant has spent years researching the deep complexities of counseling and the lived reality of kinship care as a professor and a grandparent raising a grandchild. Her work, focusing on the complete subjective well-being of kinship caregivers. Taking this 10-minute survey gives our advocates the timely, real-world data they need to fight for the funding and structural support your family deserves right now.  Kinship care—stepping up to raise your grandchildren—can often feel like an incredibly lonely journey. When custody happens unexpectedly, it’s easy to feel like you are the only one navigating the trauma, the system, and the sheer exhaustion. But you aren't alone. And that is exactly why your story matters. Your unique experience holds the power to change the system for the next family. Share your story with us at laurabrazan@grandparents-raising-grandchildren.org 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

    38 min
  4. The High Cost of Kinship: Fentanyl, 401Ks- a Grandmother's Survival Story

    May 12

    The High Cost of Kinship: Fentanyl, 401Ks- a Grandmother's Survival Story

    Have you lost a child to the fentanyl crisis and now find yourself raising a grandchild while navigating profound grief, financial upheaval, and relentless societal judgment? Are you searching for understanding, practical support, and a community that truly sees the struggles and resilience of grandparents in kinship care? You're not alone. I'm Laura Brazan, host of 'Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through Adversity.' In this episode, we sit down with guest Laurel Exner, a grandmother who survived the unimaginable loss of not one, but two children to fentanyl overdoses. Laurel shares her raw, inspiring journey—how she and her husband built a sanctuary for their traumatized grandson, managed the crushing administrative and financial weight of kinship care, and learned to overcome the shame and isolation that so many of us feel. If you’re yearning for practical resources, emotional healing, or simply a sense of community and hope, this podcast brings together real stories from grandparents who are living it, expert insights on trauma and childhood grief, and strategies to help you protect both your home and your heart. Tune in and join a supportive movement 2.7 million strong. You don’t have to walk this path alone—together, we will nurture, survive, and thrive. Send us Fan Mail I recently started listening to your podcast on Amazon Music. I'm addicted! You have validated so many of my feelings associated with raising young kiddos at an older age. No one in our life really gets it. Our girls are not blood related as their mom was a friend of our daughter and we wanted to get them out of a shelter. 6 years later...thank you!  Jill Bryant has spent years researching the deep complexities of counseling and the lived reality of kinship care as a professor and a grandparent raising a grandchild. Her work, focusing on the complete subjective well-being of kinship caregivers. Taking this 10-minute survey gives our advocates the timely, real-world data they need to fight for the funding and structural support your family deserves right now.  Kinship care—stepping up to raise your grandchildren—can often feel like an incredibly lonely journey. When custody happens unexpectedly, it’s easy to feel like you are the only one navigating the trauma, the system, and the sheer exhaustion. But you aren't alone. And that is exactly why your story matters. Your unique experience holds the power to change the system for the next family. Share your story with us at laurabrazan@grandparents-raising-grandchildren.org 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

    44 min
  5. Tending the Fires: Slow Growth for Kinship Family Resilience

    May 5

    Tending the Fires: Slow Growth for Kinship Family Resilience

    Are you a grandparent overwhelmed by the high-paced chaos of raising grandchildren, trying to break cycles of crisis and create lasting stability? Do you find yourself burning out, reacting to emergencies instead of building a resilient, nurturing home for the children in your care? Are you searching for practical ways to slow down, reconnect, and find the “campfire moments” that bring warmth and peace to your family? I’m Laura Brazan, and after becoming the primary caregiver to my grandchildren, I discovered how demanding and isolating kinship care can be. Together with special guest Jake Knox, author of Oak Logs and Gasoline, we’ll explore how to move from the quick fixes of “gasoline” parenting to the steady, reliable warmth of “oak logs.” This episode dives into real stories, trauma-informed strategies, and grounded mentorship for grandparents navigating the unexpected landscape of kinship caregiving. You can read more about Jake and the message of Oak Logs & Gasoline which he brings to life through talks and workshops, on his website. You can also order his book on Amazon.  Welcome to “Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: A Guide to Raising Resilient Kinship Families.” Tune in for compassionate conversations, actionable advice on slowing life’s pace, and the support you need to nurture your family through adversity. Join our community—because in a world of flash fires, your steady heart is the greatest gift you can give. Send us Fan Mail I recently started listening to your podcast on Amazon Music. I'm addicted! You have validated so many of my feelings associated with raising young kiddos at an older age. No one in our life really gets it. Our girls are not blood related as their mom was a friend of our daughter and we wanted to get them out of a shelter. 6 years later...thank you!  Jill Bryant has spent years researching the deep complexities of counseling and the lived reality of kinship care as a professor and a grandparent raising a grandchild. Her work, focusing on the complete subjective well-being of kinship caregivers. Taking this 10-minute survey gives our advocates the timely, real-world data they need to fight for the funding and structural support your family deserves right now.  Kinship care—stepping up to raise your grandchildren—can often feel like an incredibly lonely journey. When custody happens unexpectedly, it’s easy to feel like you are the only one navigating the trauma, the system, and the sheer exhaustion. But you aren't alone. And that is exactly why your story matters. Your unique experience holds the power to change the system for the next family. Share your story with us at laurabrazan@grandparents-raising-grandchildren.org 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

    54 min
  6. Navigating IEP's, 504's and Medical Neglect- A Legal Framework For Kinship Care

    Apr 28

    Navigating IEP's, 504's and Medical Neglect- A Legal Framework For Kinship Care

    Are you a grandparent or kinship caregiver navigating the maze of IEPs, 504 plans, and medical decisions while advocating for a child impacted by trauma and neglect? Do you feel overwhelmed by failing systems, mislabeled as a troublemaker simply for demanding the support your grandchild needs to heal? You’re not alone. I’m Laura Brazan, host of 'Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through Adversity.' In this powerful episode, legal social worker Paula Yost joins us to break down the essential legal framework every kinship caregiver needs. Discover how to confidently advocate for your grandchild’s educational and medical rights, overcome the isolation and guilt of fighting the system, and turn “troublemaker” into a badge of honor. Hear real stories, actionable advice on IEP and 504 meeting survival, and learn why your advocacy is the most vital document in your grandchild’s life. For more information on Paula Yost please visit her website. Purchase a copy of Paula's new book "Tumbleweeds", which I believe everyone should have in their resource library! Also! For Paula Yost's- "Tools For Knowledge From A Seasoned Mother" visit our Resource Library. Join our supportive community—because you deserve more than just survival. You deserve to thrive while championing your grandchild’s right to heal. Send us Fan Mail I recently started listening to your podcast on Amazon Music. I'm addicted! You have validated so many of my feelings associated with raising young kiddos at an older age. No one in our life really gets it. Our girls are not blood related as their mom was a friend of our daughter and we wanted to get them out of a shelter. 6 years later...thank you!  Jill Bryant has spent years researching the deep complexities of counseling and the lived reality of kinship care as a professor and a grandparent raising a grandchild. Her work, focusing on the complete subjective well-being of kinship caregivers. Taking this 10-minute survey gives our advocates the timely, real-world data they need to fight for the funding and structural support your family deserves right now.  Kinship care—stepping up to raise your grandchildren—can often feel like an incredibly lonely journey. When custody happens unexpectedly, it’s easy to feel like you are the only one navigating the trauma, the system, and the sheer exhaustion. But you aren't alone. And that is exactly why your story matters. Your unique experience holds the power to change the system for the next family. Share your story with us at laurabrazan@grandparents-raising-grandchildren.org 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

    38 min
  7. Breaking Generational Labels: Identity Restoration for Kinship Youth

    Apr 21

    Breaking Generational Labels: Identity Restoration for Kinship Youth

    Welcome to this powerful episode featuring Brayden, an “identity restorer” and dream catalyst whose work with the rising generation will inspire and equip you. Together, we dive deep into his personal journey from self-doubt to empowerment, the transformative influence of storytelling, and actionable methods for nurturing true self-worth in young people who feel defined by circumstances they didn’t choose.  You’ll discover: How family trauma and shame impact children’s beliefs about themselves—and how you can disrupt that cycle, starting today.Strategies for separating a child’s innate identity from the wounds of their past.The role of vulnerability, example-setting, and authentic connection in helping youth move from victimhood to becoming the “executive” of their own feelings and decisions.Why stories—your own and others’—are one of the most powerful tools for healing and hope.Resources and social platforms where you can access Brayden’s coaching, self-help ideas, and inspiring content for both you and your grandchildren.How you can participate in, or spark, mentorship programs and peer communities that support youth through trauma toward greatness.Follow Brayden on Instagram, or LinkedIn and you can subscribe to his channel on YouTube. Download our Succession Strategy Worksheet here! Send us Fan Mail I recently started listening to your podcast on Amazon Music. I'm addicted! You have validated so many of my feelings associated with raising young kiddos at an older age. No one in our life really gets it. Our girls are not blood related as their mom was a friend of our daughter and we wanted to get them out of a shelter. 6 years later...thank you!  Jill Bryant has spent years researching the deep complexities of counseling and the lived reality of kinship care as a professor and a grandparent raising a grandchild. Her work, focusing on the complete subjective well-being of kinship caregivers. Taking this 10-minute survey gives our advocates the timely, real-world data they need to fight for the funding and structural support your family deserves right now.  Kinship care—stepping up to raise your grandchildren—can often feel like an incredibly lonely journey. When custody happens unexpectedly, it’s easy to feel like you are the only one navigating the trauma, the system, and the sheer exhaustion. But you aren't alone. And that is exactly why your story matters. Your unique experience holds the power to change the system for the next family. Share your story with us at laurabrazan@grandparents-raising-grandchildren.org 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

    37 min
  8. How to Handle Behavioral Problems in Kinship Care | The 5 C’s Framework

    Apr 14

    How to Handle Behavioral Problems in Kinship Care | The 5 C’s Framework

    Are you a grandparent raising grandchildren while trying to balance compassion with structure in your home? Do you find yourself reverting to “because I said so” parenting, only to meet resistance, trauma triggers, or confusion from the children in your care? Are you yearning for practical guidance, emotional support, and a framework to help you navigate this unexpectedly challenging season of life? I’m Laura Brazan, and like you, I was thrust overnight into the world of kinship caregiving for my grandchildren, suddenly responsible for guiding young hearts through adversity.  In this episode, join me as I welcome Dr. Lindsay Emerson, a leading expert in trauma-informed parenting, to unveil the 5C’s Framework—an evidence-based approach blending warmth, boundaries, and repair that works for both traditional and modern families. Together, we dissect how to communicate, remain consistent, offer choices, set consequences, and check in with yourself—all essential skills for “amazing parenting." To find out more about, please visit Dr. Emmerson's website and follow this link to download the 5 C's chart and enter the word "amazing"!  If you’re searching for strategies to calm the daily storm, foster secure attachments, and break the cycle of generational trauma, this is your supportive boardroom. Let’s rewrite your family’s future, together. Send us Fan Mail I recently started listening to your podcast on Amazon Music. I'm addicted! You have validated so many of my feelings associated with raising young kiddos at an older age. No one in our life really gets it. Our girls are not blood related as their mom was a friend of our daughter and we wanted to get them out of a shelter. 6 years later...thank you!  Jill Bryant has spent years researching the deep complexities of counseling and the lived reality of kinship care as a professor and a grandparent raising a grandchild. Her work, focusing on the complete subjective well-being of kinship caregivers. Taking this 10-minute survey gives our advocates the timely, real-world data they need to fight for the funding and structural support your family deserves right now.  Kinship care—stepping up to raise your grandchildren—can often feel like an incredibly lonely journey. When custody happens unexpectedly, it’s easy to feel like you are the only one navigating the trauma, the system, and the sheer exhaustion. But you aren't alone. And that is exactly why your story matters. Your unique experience holds the power to change the system for the next family. Share your story with us at laurabrazan@grandparents-raising-grandchildren.org 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

    53 min

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About

The Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Podcast Are 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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