Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through Adversity

Laura Brazan I Kinship Caregiver Expert
  • 5.0 (41)
  • Education
  • Updated Weekly

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. How to Forgive the Unforgivable- A Step-by-Step Guide for Kinship Caregivers

    4d ago

    How to Forgive the Unforgivable- A Step-by-Step Guide for Kinship Caregivers

    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! CONNECT WITH US: Website | Facebook

    1h 1m
  2. Managing Emotional Exhaustion and Caregiver Burnout

    Jun 30

    Managing Emotional Exhaustion and Caregiver Burnout

    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

    1h 3m
  3. Sleep Training for Trauma-Impacted Children

    Jun 23

    Sleep Training for Trauma-Impacted Children

    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

    41 min
  4. Parenting Teens in Kinship Care: Building Trust and Reducing Conflict

    Jun 16

    Parenting Teens in Kinship Care: Building Trust and Reducing Conflict

    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

    47 min
  5. Adopting Your Grandchild: Navigating Court Hurdles and Winning

    Jun 9

    Adopting Your Grandchild: Navigating Court Hurdles and Winning

    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

    59 min
  6. Grandparents Raising Grandchildren- Beating Burnout, Supporting Marriage, and Thriving Through Change

    Jun 2

    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 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

    42 min
  7. 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 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

    52 min
  8. 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 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

    38 min
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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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