Podcasts about Kinship care

Do you ever feel lost in the maze of court dates, school meetings, and sleepless nights, forced into a role you never expected? Are you a grandparent who has become the last line of defense for your family, while the system treats your love and sacrifice as just another case number? Maybe you find yourself grieving not just the loss of a peaceful retirement, but the heartbreak of watching your own child struggle, all while building a new life for your grandchildren.I'm Laura, and like you, my life was rewritten the day my grandson was removed from his mother with no warning, a reality no grandparent imagines. Navigating a system that hides its decisions behind a “black box,” my husband and I fought for months to keep our family together, relying on sheer determination and the kindness of a good attorney.Welcome to 'Grandparents Raising Grandchildren.' Here, our focus is on real stories that cut through the silence—stories shaped not only by resilience, but by the cold, hard data that reveals how deeply flawed the system is. You'll hear conversations with experts like this week's episode with Dr. Jill Bryant, a counseling professor and grandmother, who is building the research—and the case—for a future where the well-being of kinship families is not ignored. Complete Dr. Bryant's survey here to help us get the data we need! We'll discuss what it truly means to parent a second time, the grief that goes unspoken, and the shame that lingers in our quiet moments. We'll dig into the nuanced challenges of trauma, the gaps in support, and the power of speaking up—because your experience deserves recognition and your story can drive real change.Join me and a community of 2.7 million strong. Together, we will gather the voices and the data needed to transform the laws and support networks for grandparents raising grandchildren—proving that we are more than a safety net; we are the force for change our families desperately need.Send us Fan MailI want to know how you're doing. Is the podcast giving you what you need? What support are you missing most right now? Send me a Direct Message on Facebook or Instagram or email me directly at laurabrazan@grandparents-raising-grandchildren.org. I read and reply to every message because this community is built on supporting each other! States save billions by leaving children with relatives while giving us zero financial aid, zero legal aid, and zero respite. Leave a comment and let us know your name, state and what support you've been denied? We need to let our lawmakers know what we really need! A listener wrote in after reading this week's newsletter. She commented on how I shared about my husbands grief over the estrangement of his own son. Sign up to receive our weekly newsletters to read the latest stories and share with someone who needs to hear!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/grgLiked 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 navigating the chaos of raising neurodivergent grandchildren, feeling like you're exceeding your emotional limits every single day? Do you find yourself craving just one uninterrupted breath, struggling to reconcile the clinical language of “disorder” and “correction” with the vibrant, complex reality of your family? Are your own sensory needs clashing with those of the children in your care, leaving you feeling both isolated and unseen?Jennifer Brunton, is an autistic mother and grandmother, and primary caregiver to two brilliant, intense, neurodivergent toddlers. Her projects encompass books, talks (including Keynotes), thought leadership and other articles, and consulting. She is coauthor of The #ActuallyAutistic Guide to Advocacy. She's worked as a writer and editor at Forbes, Random House, Mirabella, and Bristol-Myers Squibb, as well as for a range of individual, corporate, and academic clients.Welcome to “Grandparents Raising Grandchildren,” where we break down old, pathologizing walls and build a house rooted in acceptance, honesty, and shared challenge. Here, you'll find solidarity from other grandparents who understand what it is to stretch past capacity, expert insight on neuroaffirming advocacy, and real tools for adapting your household—headphones, comfort chickens, and micro-adjustments included. Together, we reframe compliance as compassion, and disorder as difference.Join me on this journey as we create new blueprints for our families, root out stigma, and uplift each other. In community, we honor the survival—and the leadership—of kinship caregivers like you, dismantling isolation with every honest story shared.Send us Fan MailI want to know how you're doing. Is the podcast giving you what you need? What support are you missing most right now? Send me a Direct Message on Facebook or Instagram or email me directly at laurabrazan@grandparents-raising-grandchildren.org. I read and reply to every message because this community is built on supporting each other! Every single one of us raising our grandchildren has a story worth telling. And your story truly matters. What is one thing you wish our community did more of that we aren't doing yet? You can connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and through the fan mail link. They're all right here in the show notes and on our website.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/grgLiked 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 

Today, one woman’s powerful account of how her own daughter became a victim - and then a perpetrator - of shocking violence. Of how bureaucrats terrified of creating another stolen generation left three indigenous children to be murdered. But Dorothy Papertalk, an articulate and dignified Yamatji-Wajarri lady, wants you - and all of us - to listen. Read more about this story at theaustralian.com.au and see the video by subscribing to our YouTube channel. I just wanted to keep my grandies safe Kumanjayi Little Baby remembered as a ‘peacemaker’ When love and kinship collide This episode of The Front is presented by Claire Harvey, produced by Kristen Amiet and edited by Tiffany Dimmack. Our team includes Lia Tsamoglou, Joshua Burton and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Drop us some Fan Mail. Thanks!Parenting kids exposed to trauma is hard. Sometimes, it is very hard, but these families can thrive. In an interview with Creating a Family, Dr. Ross Greene, a Harvard Psychology professor, stressed that it was crucial for parents of children exposed to trauma to realize that kids want to do well, and if they are struggling, it is likely because they are lacking a specific skill needed to succeed.Resources:Helping Children Heal from TraumaPractical Guide to Parenting a Child Exposed to TraumaThe Explosive Child by Ross GreeneSupport the showPlease leave us a rating or review.  This podcast is produced by www.CreatingaFamily.org. We are a national non-profit with the mission to strengthen and inspire adoptive, foster & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content:Weekly podcastsWeekly articles/blog postsResource pages on all aspects of family building

Are you a grandparent stepping into the role of raising grandchildren, questioning how to build a sanctuary out of chaos—especially when trauma lingers in your family's story? Do legal barriers, relentless exhaustion, or the stigma of addiction leave you feeling stranded, yearning for guidance grounded in real science rather than just willpower? If you've ever wished you could pause the world for a moment of rest or clarity, you are not alone.I'm your host, and for decades, I've worked alongside families like yours—those who've faced down disaster, addiction, and loss while showing up, day after day, for their grandchildren. I know firsthand how shame and blame can seep into the fabric of kinship care, convincing us that struggling means failing. But what if true recovery starts by honoring our limits and building supportive connections, not just for the children in our care but for ourselves?Welcome to "Grandparents Raising Grandchildren." Here, you'll meet experts like Dr. Cristal Bador, a trauma researcher and clinician who translates clinical breakthroughs into kitchen-table strategies for rural caregivers. You'll hear candid conversations about turning exhaustion into resilience, shifting from a narrative of moral failure to systemic recovery, and confronting hard realities like substance use disorder—with dignity and hope.Join our community as we uproot outdated stigmas, spotlight rural wisdom, and gather practical, evidence-based tools to nurture your family through adversity. Together, we'll turn pain into power, redefining what's possible for you and your grandchildren—one informed, compassionate step at a time.Send us Fan MailRethink the child welfare system—what if the real issue isn't funding, but the questions we ask? If you're passionate about social justice, child welfare, or systemic reform—this episode will challenge your perspective and inspire new ways to advocate for change. Join us in shifting the focus from crisis management to family-centered solutions. Reshape the future of child welfare—listen now.  In this special pre-roll segment, I'm sharing a moving letter from a member of our community, Laurel. Her story of loss, resilience, and raising her grandson after the unthinkable is a raw reminder that none of us are walking this path alone.We want to hear from you. If Laurel's story resonates with you, or if you have a journey of your own to share, join our private community. Your story might be the exact lifeline someone else needs to hear today. Thank you for tuning into today's episode. It's been a journey of shared stories, insights, and invaluable advice from the heart of a community that knows the beauty and challenges of raising grandchildren. Your presence and engagement mean the world to us and to grandparents everywhere stepping up in ways they never imagined.Remember, you're not alone on this journey. For more resources, support, and stories, visit our website and follow us on our social media channels. If today's episode moved you, consider sharing it with someone who might find comfort and connection in our shared experiences.We look forward to bringing more stories and expert advice your way next week. Until then, take care of yourselves and each other.Want to be a guest on Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through Adversity? Send Laura Brazan a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/grgLiked 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 

Drop us some Fan Mail. Thanks!Bedtime can be especially challenging for children who have experienced trauma, loss, or disrupted attachment—and even harder when parents disagree about how to respond. In this episode of Weekend Wisdom from Creating a Family, we share practical ways to approach bedtime as a team, divide the parenting load more fairly, support your child's need for connection and regulation, and protect your relationship from exhaustion and resentment.Resources:When Parenting Feels Uneven: Helping Your Partner Step InSleep Issues in Adopted, Foster, and Kinship ChildrenFocus on Father Involvement and Co-parenting: Why It MattersSupport the showPlease leave us a rating or review.  This podcast is produced by www.CreatingaFamily.org. We are a national non-profit with the mission to strengthen and inspire adoptive, foster & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content:Weekly podcastsWeekly articles/blog postsResource pages on all aspects of family building

Drop us some Fan Mail. Thanks!How can play help children heal, regulate big emotions, and strengthen attachment? We talk with Georgie Wisen-Vincent about ways that adoptive, foster, and kinship caregivers can use playfulness to build connection, support emotional growth, and help children impacted by trauma thrive. She is a nationally recognized play therapy expert, co-author of the new book , The Way of Play, and the Founder/Director of The PlayStrong Institute.In this episode, we explore why play is essential to children's emotional development, how trauma, loss, neglect, and disrupted attachment can affect a child's ability to play, and what caregivers can learn from the stories and behaviors that show up during play. Georgie also shares practical ways to use playful connection to build trust, respond to big feelings, and strengthen attachment—even when a child resists play or a caregiver doesn't naturally consider themselves playful.Resources:The PlayStrong InstituteThe Way of Play: Using Little Moments of Big Connection to Raise Calm and Confident Kids How Do I Handle All These Big Feelings & Big Behaviors?The IDEAL Response: How to Maintain Connection When Correcting Your ChildSupport the showPlease leave us a rating or review.  This podcast is produced by www.CreatingaFamily.org. We are a national non-profit with the mission to strengthen and inspire adoptive, foster & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content:Weekly podcastsWeekly articles/blog postsResource pages on all aspects of family building

Have you ever felt like the system is writing the ending of your grandchild's story before they've even found their voice? Are your grandchildren weighed down by labels—traumatized, behind, abnormal—while you're expected to manage their pain and follow rigid rules? If you've ever felt powerless to change the narrative or wished you could help your grandchild reclaim their identity from the case files, this episode is for you.I'm Laura Brazan, and after my own family was reshaped by adversity, I discovered that healing doesn't come from fixing every problem—it comes from helping children find their voice. When today's guest, Kate Markland, was granted just one hour a week on FaceTime with her son by the courts, she chose not to fill it with grief, but with a question: “Do you want to be the hero of your own story?” What followed was more than a bestselling book; it was a masterclass in how grandparents and kinship caregivers can become the scribes of their grandchildren's triumphs.On ‘Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through Adversity,' we delve deep into the realities of kinship care—navigating the legal, financial, and emotional challenges, but also recognizing the hidden power you have as a caregiver. This episode unpacks therapeutic storytelling, a simple but profound way to move children from trauma to creativity. Through asking questions like “tell me more,” you can help your grandchild move from fear to self-expression, turning moments of heartbreak at the kitchen table into stories of courage and hope.Join us as we explore how to listen, clarify, and capture your grandchild's words—without correction, without judgment—and help them take back the pen. Together, we'll nurture resilience and rewrite futures, one story at a time.Send us Fan MailWhen we look at the child welfare system today, it's clear that the framework we've inherited is completely outdated. We keep trying to "fix" programs, but what if the problem isn't just funding or execution? What if the problem is how we frame the issues in the first place?Ali Caliendo, founder of the Kinship Policy Lab, reminded us that the questions we ask determine the policies we write, the data we collect, and the outcomes we pursue. 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.  In this special pre-roll segment, I'm sharing a moving letter from a member of our community, Laurel. Her story of loss, resilience, and raising her grandson after the unthinkable is a raw reminder that none of us are walking this path alone.We want to hear from you. If Laurel's story resonates with you, or if you have a journey of your own to share, join our private community. Your story might be the exact lifeline someone else needs to hear today. Thank you for tuning into today's episode. It's been a journey of shared stories, insights, and invaluable advice from the heart of a community that knows the beauty and challenges of raising grandchildren. Your presence and engagement mean the world to us and to grandparents everywhere stepping up in ways they never imagined.Remember, you're not alone on this journey. For more resources, support, and stories, visit our website and follow us on our social media channels. If today's episode moved you, consider sharing it with someone who might find comfort and connection in our shared experiences.We look forward to bringing more stories and expert advice your way next week. Until then, take care of yourselves and each other.Want to be a guest on Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through Adversity? Send Laura Brazan a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/grgLiked 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 

Drop us some Fan Mail. Thanks!What are trauma-responsive practices, and how can they impact your child's behavior, emotional well-being, and success in school? In this episode, we speak with Dr. Brandy-Lea McCombs, founder of STL234 Outreaches and a frequent speaker on reviving resilience in children, drawing from her professional research and her personal journey as an adoptive parent.Learn practical trauma-responsive practices for building connection during calm moments, responding to meltdowns, balancing empathy with healthy boundaries, and partnering with your child's school. This conversation offers encouragement and actionable strategies for adoptive, foster, and kinship parents who want to strengthen resilience and help their children feel safe, supported, and ready to thrive.RESOURCES: Moving Beyond Adverse Childhood Experiences: ACES and PACESWholehearted.orgPACEs ConnectionFostering Resilience in a World of AdversitySupport the showPlease leave us a rating or review.  This podcast is produced by www.CreatingaFamily.org. We are a national non-profit with the mission to strengthen and inspire adoptive, foster & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content:Weekly podcastsWeekly articles/blog postsResource pages on all aspects of family building

Are you a grandparent or relative in DuPage County or the AgeGuide region of Illinois suddenly responsible for raising a child? Are mounting legal bills, light bills, or school fees starting to feel heavier than your emotional reserves? Does the simple act of parenting feel impossible when every day brings a new administrative challenge?You are not alone—and you shouldn't have to shoulder the weight of kinship care by yourself. I'm Laura Brazan, and in this episode of Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, we're pulling back the curtain on the resources you may not even know exist: rental assistance, school supplies, legal aid, and more—tangible supports that can turn despair into hope for kinship caregivers.Joined by Kristen Roskoff from DuPage County's Kinship Family Program, we shine a light on real help for grandparents and relatives who suddenly find themselves raising children. You'll learn how straightforward it can be to reach the dedicated staff—just an email or direct phone call connects you to someone who will walk you through grant applications and help you fill the gaps, from utility bills, rent, and counseling to legal fees, athletic programs, and much-needed respite care.For those who fear reaching out, Kristen Roskoff reassures: this is a safety net, not a threat—it's about keeping families together, not tearing them apart. There are ways to contact the program anonymously or with the help of school social workers. For more information please email senioroutreach@dupagecounty.govYou have the strength to nurture your grandchildren and the right to know about every resource available. Join us as we help rewrite your family's story, replacing silent struggle with community, guidance, and hope.Send us Fan MailSharing our real messy stories keeps us grounded. It keeps us reaching out for help and reminds us that there is always someone else out there who needs to hear what we're going through. So if you're feeling overwhelmed right now, go check out the resources page on our website. Print out the 5C's sheet from Dr. Lindsay Emmerson that we discussed in episode 108.  In this special pre-roll segment, I'm sharing a moving letter from a member of our community, Laurel. Her story of loss, resilience, and raising her grandson after the unthinkable is a raw reminder that none of us are walking this path alone.We want to hear from you. If Laurel's story resonates with you, or if you have a journey of your own to share, join our private community. Your story might be the exact lifeline someone else needs to hear today. Thank you for tuning into today's episode. It's been a journey of shared stories, insights, and invaluable advice from the heart of a community that knows the beauty and challenges of raising grandchildren. Your presence and engagement mean the world to us and to grandparents everywhere stepping up in ways they never imagined.Remember, you're not alone on this journey. For more resources, support, and stories, visit our website and follow us on our social media channels. If today's episode moved you, consider sharing it with someone who might find comfort and connection in our shared experiences.We look forward to bringing more stories and expert advice your way next week. Until then, take care of yourselves and each other.Want to be a guest on Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through Adversity? Send Laura Brazan a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/grgLiked 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 

Drop us some Fan Mail. Thanks!Question: Our adopted son is almost 4 months old and perfectly healthy. He eats well, sleeps well, and seems to be hitting his milestones just fine. We know that he was exposed to cocaine during pregnancy, but he was born only three weeks early, which is still full-term. He had a healthy birth weight, he was not suffering from withdrawal in the hospital, and he has checked out as perfectly healthy at all of his pediatrician visits so far. My question is, does the lack of negative effects of cocaine in these early months of his life give us any indication of whether or not he will have learning difficulties or development issues due to the cocaine when he reaches school age? I am curious whether there is any research showing that a lack of symptoms at a young age following prenatal exposure indicates fewer symptoms at an older age. Resources:FASD UnitedPregnancy and Breastfeeding ExposuresRaising a Child with Prenatal Substance ExposurePrenatal Substance Exposure Training for Foster, Adoptive, and Kinship ParentsSupport the showPlease leave us a rating or review.  This podcast is produced by www.CreatingaFamily.org. We are a national non-profit with the mission to strengthen and inspire adoptive, foster & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content:Weekly podcastsWeekly articles/blog postsResource pages on all aspects of family building

Drop us some Fan Mail. Thanks!Are you parenting teens, or will you be in a few years? Don't miss this conversation with psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour, author of the book, “The Emotional Lives of Teenagers: Raising Connected, Capable, and Compassionate Adolescents.“In this episode, we discuss:Our society has become afraid of being unhappy. What are the reasons for this?Studies seem to suggest that teens are unhappier now than in the past. Why?Three myths about adolescence.The adultification of black teens.Why do our teens find us so annoying?The goal is not always to avoid conflict with our teens; rather, it should be to learn how to have constructive conflict.You say that spending time online can be both good and bad for teens.What should parents know about porn?How carefully should you supervise what your teens are seeing online?How can parents keep technology in place? What are some common-sense rules?The importance of small pleasures in modulating the mood of our teens.Resource:American Psychological Association: Health advisory on social media use in adolescence Support the showPlease leave us a rating or review.  This podcast is produced by www.CreatingaFamily.org. We are a national non-profit with the mission to strengthen and inspire adoptive, foster & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content:Weekly podcastsWeekly articles/blog postsResource pages on all aspects of family building

Have you ever wondered whether your grandchild's emotional outbursts, hyperactivity, or inability to focus are really the result of past trauma—or if something deeper might be at play in their bodies? Are you overwhelmed trying to balance household expenses, legal paperwork, and your own health, all while struggling to understand why traditional therapies just aren't working? As a grandparent raising grandchildren in today's world, it can feel like you're carrying an invisible load, searching for answers that go beyond the label of “bad behavior.”I'm Laura Brazan, and like you, I know what it means to buy canola oil, believing it's a healthy choice, or to live in an older home, simply trying to do my best for my grandkids on a fixed income. But what if the “normal” foods, cleaning products, or even the air they breathe are silently affecting their brains and bodies?Welcome to 'Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through Adversity.' In this episode, we dive beneath the surface with Dr. Jeffrey Knight, an expert in natural health and cellular healing. Together, we explore the critical question: Is it ADHD, autism, or invisible toxins that could be derailing your grandchild's ability to thrive? You'll learn the hidden impact of heavy metals, mold, and even everyday seed oils, and discover concrete steps you can take—without expensive organic groceries—to lighten the toxic load for your family. Check out our Biological Wellness Checklist Use this checklist to audit the physical environment and biological signals that may be driving the "behavioral software" glitches in your grandchild.This podcast is your community and resource. We'll lift the veil on the silent triggers in your environment and reveal ways you can “open the drainage funnel” and strengthen your grandchild's foundation for healing and focus. You are the CEO of your family's health, and your voice belongs here.Join us in this supportive space where your challenges are honored, your experiences are valued, and practical, hope-filled solutions await. Together, let's reclaim the future for our grandchildren—from the inside out.Send us Fan MailSharing our real messy stories keeps us grounded. It keeps us reaching out for help and reminds us that there is always someone else out there who needs to hear what we're going through. So if you're feeling overwhelmed right now, go check out the resources page on our website. Print out the 5C's sheet from Dr. Lindsay Emmerson that we discussed in episode 108.  Rethink the child welfare system—what if the real issue isn't funding, but the questions we ask? If you're passionate about social justice, child welfare, or systemic reform—this episode will challenge your perspective and inspire new ways to advocate for change. Join us in shifting the focus from crisis management to family-centered solutions. Reshape the future of child welfare—listen now.  In this special pre-roll segment, I'm sharing a moving letter from a member of our community, Laurel. Her story of loss, resilience, and raising her grandson after the unthinkable is a raw reminder that none of us are walking this path alone.We want to hear from you. If Laurel's story resonates with you, or if you have a journey of your own to share, join our private community. Your story might be the exact lifeline someone else needs to hear today. Thank you for tuning into today's episode. It's been a journey of shared stories, insights, and invaluable advice from the heart of a community that knows the beauty and challenges of raising grandchildren. Your presence and engagement mean the world to us and to grandparents everywhere stepping up in ways they never imagined.Remember, you're not alone on this journey. For more resources, support, and stories, visit our website and follow us on our social media channels. If today's episode moved you, consider sharing it with someone who might find comfort and connection in our shared experiences.We look forward to bringing more stories and expert advice your way next week. Until then, take care of yourselves and each other.Want to be a guest on Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through Adversity? Send Laura Brazan a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/grgLiked 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 

Drop us some Fan Mail. Thanks!Question:  I feel terrible even saying this, but I am counting down the days until school starts. My kids have trauma histories, ADHD, and prenatal exposure, and summer has been rough. The lack of routine seems to make everything harder—sleep, behavior, arguing, screen time, all of it. We started summer with big plans, but now everyone is cranky, including me. How do we make it through the rest of summer without completely falling apart?Resources: Embracing Summer: Supporting Children Through Seasonal TransitionsEmpowered to Connect: Summer Survival ResourcesSurviving Summer with Kids Impacted by Trauma5 Tips for Surviving Summer with Kids Impacted by TraumaKeeping Your Older Grandkids Busy During the SummerSupport the showPlease leave us a rating or review.  This podcast is produced by www.CreatingaFamily.org. We are a national non-profit with the mission to strengthen and inspire adoptive, foster & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content:Weekly podcastsWeekly articles/blog postsResource pages on all aspects of family building

Drop us some Fan Mail. Thanks!When we think about attachment in adoption and foster care, we usually focus on the child. But parents bring their own attachment histories and life experiences into the relationship as well. Dr. Chaitra Wirta-Leiker explores how a parent's past can shape their parenting, influence reactions to challenging behaviors, and impact family connection and healing. Dr. Wirta-Leiker is a licensed psychologist, transnational and transracial adoptee, adoptive parent, creator of the National Adoptee-Therapist Directory, and author of the Adoptees Like Me children's book series.In this episode, we discuss:When we talk about trauma and attachment in adoption and foster care, most of the focus tends to be on the child. Why is it equally important to explore the parents' history?What do parents sometimes miss about the role their own experiences play in parenting?Why can it feel uncomfortable or even threatening for parents to turn the lens inward rather than focusing exclusively on the child?Can you give us a working definition of what you mean by "attachment" so we are all on the same page?How does that relationship from our childhood influence our parenting style now? The 4 major adult attachment styles, and what do they look or feel like in our parent-child relationship:SecureAnxious/PreoccupiedAvoidant/DismissiveDisorganized/UnresolvedMany parents hear descriptions of attachment styles and immediately start self-diagnosing. Why is that unwise or unhelpful? And what do you want parents to understand about using these concepts as tools for growth rather than labels?How do unresolved childhood experiences or trauma shape our parenting responses?Our kids with their histories of trauma, attachment disruptions, grief, losses, and trauma often bring those into our relationships. When these histories intersect with our unresolved experiences, both parent and child can feel triggered.What are some common ways our history of trauma may get activated—or "triggered"—by our adopted or foster children?How can we talk to ourselves when we feel that activation happening? Scripts we can use or messaging we can rehearse?Are there certain child behaviors that tend to be especially activating for parents with unresolved attachment or trauma wounds? What is happening neurologically and emotionally when a parent feels disproportionately angry, hurt, rejected, or powerless in response to a child's behavior?Why do you think parenting in adoption and foster care is uniquely effective at exposing unresolved issues that a parent may not have known were there?How do our parental expectations—about bonding, gratitude, trust, or family life—sometimes become obstacles to connection?What are some signs we notice when we are responding from our own history rather than from what the child actually needs in the moment?What signs can we notice in our kids to help us see that we may be responding from our own histories?What does healthy self-awareness look like for adoptive and foster parents?When parents recognize their own triggers, what practical steps can they take in the moment?How can parents begin exploring their own attachment history safely and productively?Is it possible to move toward a more secure attachment style as an adult? If so, how does that happen?What's one question parents should ask themselves when they find themselves repeatedly stuck in conflict with their child?Where would you encourage parents to begin if today's conversation has raised some difficult but important self-reflection?Resources:Grow Beyond WordsUnderstanding Attachment Between Parent and ChildAdoptee and Foster Alum Voices resource pageTherapy Resources for Adoptive, Foster, and Kinship FamiliesSupport the showPlease leave us a rating or review.  This podcast is produced by www.CreatingaFamily.org. We are a national non-profit with the mission to strengthen and inspire adoptive, foster & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content:Weekly podcastsWeekly articles/blog postsResource pages on all aspects of family building

Have you ever been told that your golden years should be about rest, only to find yourself back in the world of school runs, sports practices, and sleepless nights? Are you a grandparent raising your grandchildren, wrestling with exhaustion and identity loss, while quietly wondering if you'll ever reclaim a piece of yourself? You may be feeling the heavy weight of duty, but beneath the surface, there's a quieter transformation happening—one that science now recognizes as generativity.I'm Laura, and on this episode of 'Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through Adversity,' we're flipping the script on aging. Joined by Dr. Deborah Heiser, a leading voice in developmental psychology, we discover why stepping up as a kinship caregiver might be the healthiest thing you can do for your brain. From the emotional boost of newfound purpose to the surprising cognitive benefits of mentoring a new generation, you're not just surviving—you're gaining a powerful new identity. Download her free Mental Mapping checklist here.https://mentalmapping.floot.app/You'll hear real stories of messiness and joy, practical advice for adapting to unexpected parenting, and scientific insights into the ways kinship care can stave off stagnation and loneliness. We'll talk openly about transitioning from struggle to meaning, and how embracing the joys (and the chaos) of your grandchildren revitalizes your mind, body, and legacy.Join us as we celebrate the mentors, athletes of the soul, who are nurturing through adversity and building a legacy stronger than ever before.Send us Fan MailAs 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! A grandmother raising grandchildren leaves a review and share her story and how every listener encourages her in her role as a kinship caregiver, one podcast at a time.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/grgLiked 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 

Drop us some Fan Mail. Thanks!Question: What advice do you have for fostering/adopting children with autism, particularly those with limited communication skills? How can we best support them in expressing big feelings and feeling safe to do so? What can we do to help them feel they have some control and feel heard when they can't always communicate what they want and have a harder time understanding what's going on?Resources:Setting Up Your Child with Autism for SuccessHelping Autistic Kids ShineWhat Is Pathological Demand Avoidance and How Do I Parent This Child?Helping Your Child with Autism ThriveParent Support Toolkit (Autism Foundation)Support the showPlease leave us a rating or review.  This podcast is produced by www.CreatingaFamily.org. We are a national non-profit with the mission to strengthen and inspire adoptive, foster & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content:Weekly podcastsWeekly articles/blog postsResource pages on all aspects of family building

Drop us some Fan Mail. Thanks!How can storytelling help kids heal? In this episode, we talk to Dr. Sharon Zaffarese-Dippold to explore how story helps children make sense of their experiences, build resilience, and move toward thriving, including simple, everyday ways to begin using it at home. She is a psychotherapist with 27 years of experience in counseling and author of the "Garbage Bag Life" series, which emphasizes her journey through foster care.In this episode, we discuss:Can you tell us a little about your own journey and why helping children make sense of their stories became such an important part of your life?What did you wish the adults around you had understood about what you were carrying as a child?Why are stories such powerful tools for helping children heal?What is it about a story that often feels safer than direct conversations, especially for children who have experienced trauma, loss, foster care, adoption, or family disruption?What happens when children don't have a coherent story about their lives?What are some of the questions they may silently wrestle with?Many parents and caregivers are afraid of saying the wrong thing around a child's story. What do you suggest?What does it mean when a child moves from "What's wrong with me?" to "What happened to me?"What are some simple ways parents and caregivers can build storytelling into everyday family life?Stories can be used for more than understanding a child's history in adoption, foster care, and relative care. They can also help children recognize their strengths, resilience, and a sense of belonging.How can parents and caregivers use storytelling to build family identity?Resources:How to Talk with Our Kids About the Difficult Parts of Their StoriesHow to Make and Use an Adoption LifebookBuilding the Framework for Adopted & Foster Children to Process the Hard Parts of Their StoriesThe Healing Power of StorytellingSuggested Books for Kids:  Adoption, Foster Care, and Kinship CareSupport the showPlease leave us a rating or review.  This podcast is produced by www.CreatingaFamily.org. We are a national non-profit with the mission to strengthen and inspire adoptive, foster & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content:Weekly podcastsWeekly articles/blog postsResource pages on all aspects of family building

Drop us some Fan Mail. Thanks!Question: My partner and I parent really differently, especially with our adopted child. I'm more focused on connection and understanding behavior, and my partner is much more strict and consequences-focused. We keep arguing about discipline and routines, and honestly, it's starting to hurt our relationship too. How do we stop fighting about parenting and work better together?Resources:Prioritizing Your Marriage in Adoption, Foster Care, or Kinship CareWhen Your Child's Trauma Impacts Your MarriageSelf-Care Isn't SelfishRelated Podcasts:Strategies for Maintaining a Healthy Marriage or Partnership While Raising Adopted, Foster, or Relative ChildrenWhen Parenting Feels Uneven: Helping Your Partner Step InSupport the showPlease leave us a rating or review.  This podcast is produced by www.CreatingaFamily.org. We are a national non-profit with the mission to strengthen and inspire adoptive, foster & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content:Weekly podcastsWeekly articles/blog postsResource pages on all aspects of family building

Idaho is creating a first-of-its-kind statewide kinship care plan to support the thousands of relatives and family friends raising children when parents can't. 

Drop us some Fan Mail. Thanks!Navigating special education can feel overwhelming—but you don't have to do it alone. In this episode, we're joined by Paula J. Yost, a licensed clinical mental health therapist, special education advocate, lawyer, educator, and author who breaks down IEPs, 504 plans, evaluations, and how to effectively advocate for your child.In this episode, we discuss:What led you to focus on helping families navigate the special education system?For parents and caregivers who may be feeling overwhelmed, confused, or even intimidated by this process, what would you want them to know right at the beginning?Is there a preferred or more respectful language we should be using—special education, exceptional children education, or something else?What are the key laws that govern special education in the United States?FAPEIDEAWhat are some of the most common acronyms parents & caregivers will encounter, and what do they mean?IEPs504 plansLRESDIOHIWhat are some early signs that a child might need additional support or an educational assessment?How does trauma impact a child's ability to learn and show up in the classroom?What are the first steps a parent or caregiver should take if they believe their child needs to be evaluated?What is involved in an educational assessment, and what should families expect from that process?Once a child is evaluated, how do families understand the results and translate them into meaningful support?Can you explain the difference between an IEP and a 504 plan in terms of the support and accommodations they include?What kinds of accommodations or supports should parents and caregivers be aware of that they can request in an IEP or 504 plan?What are some common mistakes or misconceptions parents have when entering this process?What rights do foster or kinship parents have when it comes to requesting evaluations and services?Are foster or kinship parents allowed to attend IEP or 504 meetings, and what role can they play in those discussions?How can foster or kinship parents support a child with learning differences or disabilities at home, to reinforce what is being done at school?What should parents do if they feel the school isn't providing adequate support or following through on a plan?For families just beginning this journey, what are a few practical first steps they can take this week to start advocating for their child?What message of encouragement or reassurance would you like to leave with parents and caregivers who are walking this path?Support the showPlease leave us a rating or review.  This podcast is produced by www.CreatingaFamily.org. We are a national non-profit with the mission to strengthen and inspire adoptive, foster & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content:Weekly podcastsWeekly articles/blog postsResource pages on all aspects of family building

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 MailAs 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! A grandmother raising grandchildren leaves a review and share her story and how every listener encourages her in her role as a kinship caregiver, one podcast at a time.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/grgLiked 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 

Drop us some Fan Mail. Thanks!Question: My child is in upper elementary school, and we've been together for a while, but they still keep me at arm's length. What are some concrete things I can do now to help build a more secure attachment?Resources:Establishing Secure Attachment with Your New Foster or Adopted Tween or TeenUnderstanding and Improving Parent-Child AttachmentThe Power of Curiosity: Helping Kids Feel Safe to GrowUnderstanding How Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) Help Kids ThriveSupport the showPlease leave us a rating or review.  This podcast is produced by www.CreatingaFamily.org. We are a national non-profit with the mission to strengthen and inspire adoptive, foster & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content:Weekly podcastsWeekly articles/blog postsResource pages on all aspects of family building

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 MailAs 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! A grandmother raising grandchildren leaves a review and share her story and how every listener encourages her in her role as a kinship caregiver, one podcast at a time.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/grgLiked 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 

Drop us some Fan Mail. Thanks!Parenting neurodiverse tweens and teens can feel overwhelming, especially when traditional parenting strategies don't seem to work. In this episode, we talk with Carl Young and Joel Sheagren, co-authors of Embracing Hope: Innovative Strategies to Empower Parents Raising Neurodiverse Teens, about practical, brain-based strategies to reduce conflict, support emotional regulation, strengthen connection, and navigate the hard seasons with more hope.In this episode, we discuss:What are parents of tweens and teens carrying right now that you know they want people to understand?Why do the tween and teen years often become especially hard for neurodiverse kids and their caregivers?One of the themes in your work is “understanding over stigma.” Can you tell us what that means?What are examples of behaviors parents are often blamed for, or blamed on the child, that may actually be rooted in neurodevelopmental differences?Many parents feel confused because traditional parenting advice doesn't seem to work for their child with neurodiversity. Can you explain executive functioning in a way that helps overwhelmed parents understand what their child is actually struggling with day to day? What are some real-life ways those struggles show up at home?What are some common expectations we place on tweens and teens that may not match their developmental abilities? How can parents shift toward more reasonable expectations without giving up on growth?What are some practical strategies to reduce conflict at home while still maintaining structure and boundaries?We understand that self-regulation is a learned skill that comes from years of our own regulation and then sharing it with our kids, called co-regulation.  What does co-regulation actually look like with a tween or teen who is escalating emotionally?How can parents respond differently to behaviors like impulsivity, shutdowns, avoidance, perseveration, or lying?Many caregivers say they feel like they're “walking on eggshells.” It's exhausting and creates so much stress in our homes.Where do you recommend families start when the home has fallen into a state of constant stress or chaos?How can parents introduce and maintain the “calm” in spite of the chaos that our kids' neurodivergence may bring with it?What helps parents hold onto a connection with their child during seasons when everyone feels frustrated or discouraged?Sometimes families need help redefining success. How do you encourage parents to rethink what thriving can look like for neurodiverse tweens and teens?Resources:Embracing NeurodiversityEmbracing Hope: Innovative Strategies to Empower Parents Raising Neurodiverse TeensRaising Kids with Neurodiversity (ADHD, Autism, & Learning Differences)Suggested books for Raising Kids with Learning YouSupport the showPlease leave us a rating or review.  This podcast is produced by www.CreatingaFamily.org. We are a national non-profit with the mission to strengthen and inspire adoptive, foster & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content:Weekly podcastsWeekly articles/blog postsResource pages on all aspects of family building

Drop us some Fan Mail. Thanks!Many parents raising adopted, foster, or kinship children feel like they're carrying most of the parenting load alone. Talking about it and changing it can be hard. In this episode, Josh Davis, PhD, shares practical, non-blaming strategies to improve communication, build confidence, and create a stronger parenting partnership when raising kids from hard places. As Father's Day approaches, Josh also offers some downloads for Dads!In this episode, we discuss:How common is it for one person in a partnership or marriage to feel as if the parenting load is uneven?How can we influence the relationship to invite our partners into a more balanced dynamic?What are the common reasons partners step back instead of stepping in? What are some signs that maybe criticism—even subtle—is affecting our partner's willingness to engage?What do you mean by “lowering the barrier to involvement?”How can we offer specific, doable examples to our partners without “telling them what to do?”What scripts can we use, or what language, to invite partnership?For parents/caregivers raising challenging kids who require a LOT of time, energy, emotional investment, etc., what are some helpful ways to stay emotionally connected and protect their marriage or partnership?If a listener wants to take what they've learned here and invite their partner in to share the parenting load, what are one or two first steps to try? Resources:Celebrating & Supporting Men in Foster & Kinship CareJosh Davis, PhD  - www.joshdavisphd.com/www.joshdavisphd.com and www.nlpfordads.com Why Mentors are Crucial When Raising Relative KidsSupport the showPlease leave us a rating or review.  This podcast is produced by www.CreatingaFamily.org. We are a national non-profit with the mission to strengthen and inspire adoptive, foster & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content:Weekly podcastsWeekly articles/blog postsResource pages on all aspects of family building

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 MailAs 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! 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.orgThank 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/grgLiked 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 

Drop us some Fan Mail. Thanks!We talk a lot about the child's experience in foster care, but what is this experience like for the child's birth parents? You may be surprised! Join our conversation with Dr. Darcey Merritt, a professor at the University of Chicago School of Social Work who researches this topic.In this episode, we discuss:What is a typical scenario, if there is such a thing, of how a parent finds themselves connecting with the child welfare system?What rights do birth parents have within the system?What are some of the challenges families face before the child is taken into custody?What are some of the challenges that they face once the child is in foster care?How can you become an ally to the child's parents?How does poverty factor in?Who most commonly reports birth parents to child welfare?How does race factor in?Research in the area of working memory on parental decision-making.Support the showPlease leave us a rating or review.  This podcast is produced by www.CreatingaFamily.org. We are a national non-profit with the mission to strengthen and inspire adoptive, foster & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content:Weekly podcastsWeekly articles/blog postsResource pages on all aspects of family building

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 MailI 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.orgThank 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/grgLiked 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 

Drop us some Fan Mail. Thanks!Question: We're new foster parents and have noticed that our child is hiding food in their backpack, closet, and even under the bed. We make sure there's always plenty to eat, so we're confused and a little concerned. Is this something we should be worried about? Why might they be doing this, and how should we respond in a way that helps them feel safe?Resources:Practical Solutions to Typical Food Issues with Adopted, Foster, & Kinship KidsPhysical and Emotional Health Issues Common with Foster KidsPanel of Parents Adopting Older Kids: Surviving That 1st YearSupport the showPlease leave us a rating or review.  This podcast is produced by www.CreatingaFamily.org. We are a national non-profit with the mission to strengthen and inspire adoptive, foster & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content:Weekly podcastsWeekly articles/blog postsResource pages on all aspects of family building

Drop us some Fan Mail. Thanks!Raising kids while caring for aging parents is more common than ever—and often overwhelming. We talk with Robyn Wind, the GRAND Voices Support Coordinator for the National Center on Grandfamilies at Generations United, about the realities of sandwich generation caregiving and practical ways foster, adoptive, and kinship families can find support. In this episode, we discuss:Can we start with a working definition of the term “sandwich generation”?How have you seen that definition evolve in recent years? From your work with the National Center on Grandfamilies and Generations United, what are you seeing right now that suggests this is becoming a bigger issue? What are the most common pressures you hear caregivers talk about?Where do you see caregivers feeling the most “pulled apart” between generations for whom they are caring? What are the moments when they feel like they can't meet everyone's needs at once?Are there differences in how this shows up for: Parents of young children vs. teens? Kinship caregivers or grandparents raising grandchildren? Many of our listeners are already parenting children with trauma or complex needs. How does that layer onto sandwich caregiving? Do you see unique challenges for kinship caregivers who may already be caring for grandchildren and are now also caring for aging spouses or siblings? What are some ways systems unintentionally fail these families? Where do they tend to fall through the cracks? What would better support look like if systems were truly designed for multigenerational families? What are the early signs that a caregiver is stretched too thin and at risk?What does realistic self-care actually look like in this season of life? How do you advise the caregivers you support to balance guilt or feelings of inadequacy, given that there is SO much need on both sides of their sandwich?What supports should caregivers try to put in place early? How can families share this sandwich-caring experience more effectively, instead of having one person carry it all? What resources or programs from Generations United should caregivers know about? What strengths do you see in sandwich generation families that we don't talk about enough? Resources:'Sandwich generation' caregivers caught between two generations in needCaring for Those Who Are Caring for Everyone: The Sandwich Generation Generations UnitedGrandfamilies.orgGKSNetwork.orgGrandfamilies & Kinship University - Generations UnitedSupport the showPlease leave us a rating or review.  This podcast is produced by www.CreatingaFamily.org. We are a national non-profit with the mission to strengthen and inspire adoptive, foster & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content:Weekly podcastsWeekly articles/blog postsResource pages on all aspects of family building

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 MailDr. 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.  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.orgThank 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/grgLiked 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 

Drop us some Fan Mail. Thanks!Are you considering residential treatment for your adopted child? We speak with Daniel Hochstetler of Fair Play Camp in South Carolina about preparing our families for residential treatment, navigating the programs, and how to set our families up for success after treatment. In this episode, we talk about:Pursuing residential treatment is one of the hardest decisions adoptive families can face. Based on your experience, how should we think about residential treatment within the broader picture of supporting our adopted kids? (i.e., exists on the spectrum of resources and interventions)Before we get into the details, what do you want adoptive families to hear right away if residential treatment is something they think they may need to consider?When we say residential treatment in this conversation, what does that mean?How is it different from other supports families may have already tried, like therapy, out-patient programs, or in-home services?What kinds of needs is residential treatment for adopted kids designed to meet?In your experience, how can residential care be helpful for kids and families who are really struggling?What are some misunderstandings that make this option feel more frightening or confusing than it needs to be?This is where many parents feel stuck. What are some signs that a family may need to start thinking about a higher level of care?Who should be part of making this decision? How can adoptive parents make sure they're not making it in isolation?When a family finds it necessary to move forward to placement in residential care, how can they talk with their child about residential treatment in a way that keeps the relationship intact?What reactions should parents expect, and how can they respond in ways that don't escalate their child's fear or shame?How can families stay connected while their child is in care?What helps parents partner well with the treatment team?Coming home is an important goal for parents and their kids to work toward. But it's not a reset button that magically clears the cache. It is, however, another transition. And transitions can be hard on everyone.What can you help our listeners understand about the transition home from the child's perspective?How should we be talking with our kids before leaving the residential program?What are realistic expectations for those first few weeks?What supports should already be in place before a child comes home? (work with caseworker from treatment, get recommendations, referrals, etc.)What are some simple ways to rebuild a connection without overwhelming the child?When old behaviors resurface—and they often do—how should parents respond?What does progress actually look like in real life during this phase?This experience affects everyone in the home. How can parents support siblings who may have been impacted by what's happened?Parents are often exhausted by this point. What does realistic, doable support look like for caregivers themselves?If a parent listening today feels like they're nearing this decision, what's one step they can take to feel more grounded and prepared for the experience?Resources:Parenting Children with Challenging Behavior (Resource Page)Accessing Residential Treatment Care for AdopteesExploring Medication for Adopted ChildrenDoes Your Child Need Residential TreatmentGet Residential Treatment for Your ChildSupport the showPlease leave us a rating or review.  This podcast is produced by www.CreatingaFamily.org. We are a national non-profit with the mission to strengthen and inspire adoptive, foster & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content:Weekly podcastsWeekly articles/blog postsResource pages on all aspects of family building

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 MailDr. 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.  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.orgThank 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/grgLiked 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 

Drop us some Fan Mail. Thanks!Question: The school thinks my foster son may have ADHD, but I know he's been through a lot of trauma. How do I know what's driving his behavior and how to advocate for the support he actually needs?Resources:The Grandparents' Guide to Back to SchoolHow Do Teachers Understand Adoption and What Can Parents Do About It?A Parent's Guide to Working with the Schools on BehaviorBack to School with Foster and Adopted KidsUnderstood.orgSupport the showPlease leave us a rating or review.  This podcast is produced by www.CreatingaFamily.org. We are a national non-profit with the mission to strengthen and inspire adoptive, foster & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content:Weekly podcastsWeekly articles/blog postsResource pages on all aspects of family building

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 MailDr. 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.  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.orgThank 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/grgLiked 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 

Drop us some Fan Mail. Thanks!Question: We are seriously considering becoming foster parents.  We have 2 children by birth, and I am really worried about how this will affect them and what I can do to prevent some of the negative effects.Resources:The Impact of Fostering and Adoption on Kids Already in the Family (Resource)Talking with your Resident Kids about Foster Care or Kinship Care (Resource)What You Should Know About Disrupting Birth Order in Adoption & Foster CareSupport the showPlease leave us a rating or review.  This podcast is produced by www.CreatingaFamily.org. We are a national non-profit with the mission to strengthen and inspire adoptive, foster & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content:Weekly podcastsWeekly articles/blog postsResource pages on all aspects of family building

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 MailJolene Thiessen has been with us since the beginning of our podcast. She wrote in to thank us for our 100th episode! She looked for help online and found us- the only podcast that came up when she searched for help. I live to help these children have better lives and to be sure that all our pain doesn't go to waste for you grandparents and kinship caregivers out there! I love hearing your stories and comments. Keep sharing! Your stories make a difference. In this special pre-roll segment, I'm sharing a moving letter from a member of our community, Laurel. Her story of loss, resilience, and raising her grandson after the unthinkable is a raw reminder that none of us are walking this path alone.We want to hear from you. If Laurel's story resonates with you, or if you have a journey of your own to share, join our private community. Your story might be the exact lifeline someone else needs to hear today. Thank you for tuning into today's episode. It's been a journey of shared stories, insights, and invaluable advice from the heart of a community that knows the beauty and challenges of raising grandchildren. Your presence and engagement mean the world to us and to grandparents everywhere stepping up in ways they never imagined.Remember, you're not alone on this journey. For more resources, support, and stories, visit our website and follow us on our social media channels. If today's episode moved you, consider sharing it with someone who might find comfort and connection in our shared experiences.We look forward to bringing more stories and expert advice your way next week. Until then, take care of yourselves and each other.Want to be a guest on Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through Adversity? Send Laura Brazan a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/grgLiked 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 

Drop us some Fan Mail. Thanks!Question: I'm new to raising my grandchild and still learning about trauma. People keep saying it changes a child's brain, but I don't really understand what that means. What does trauma actually do to the brain, and how does that show up in behavior at home or school?Resources:The Three Es: Understanding the Impacts of TraumaA Conversation with Dr. Bruce Perry About TraumaHow Trauma Impacts a Child's DevelopmentMeeting Children Where They Are: The Neurosequential Model of TherapeuticsSupport the showPlease leave us a rating or review.  This podcast is produced by www.CreatingaFamily.org. We are a national non-profit with the mission to strengthen and inspire adoptive, foster & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content:Weekly podcastsWeekly articles/blog postsResource pages on all aspects of family building

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 Send us Fan MailJolene Thiessen has been with us since the beginning of our podcast. She wrote in to thank us for our 100th episode! She looked for help online and found us- the only podcast that came up when she searched for help. I live to help these children have better lives and to be sure that all our pain doesn't go to waste for you grandparents and kinship caregivers out there! I love hearing your stories and comments. Keep sharing! Your stories make a difference. In this special pre-roll segment, I'm sharing a moving letter from a member of our community, Laurel. Her story of loss, resilience, and raising her grandson after the unthinkable is a raw reminder that none of us are walking this path alone.We want to hear from you. If Laurel's story resonates with you, or if you have a journey of your own to share, join our private community. Your story might be the exact lifeline someone else needs to hear today. Thank you for tuning into today's episode. It's been a journey of shared stories, insights, and invaluable advice from the heart of a community that knows the beauty and challenges of raising grandchildren. Your presence and engagement mean the world to us and to grandparents everywhere stepping up in ways they never imagined.Remember, you're not alone on this journey. For more resources, support, and stories, visit our website and follow us on our social media channels. If today's episode moved you, consider sharing it with someone who might find comfort and connection in our shared experiences.We look forward to bringing more stories and expert advice your way next week. Until then, take care of yourselves and each other.Want to be a guest on Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through Adversity? Send Laura Brazan a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/grgLiked 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 

Drop us some Fan Mail. Thanks!Question: How do I delicately share information about my child's birth parent with my child, when we know their biological parent has a long history of arrest? They are not a safe adult for my child to maintain a relationship with. Our family is struggling with how to balance the message that the adoption plan was made out of love for the child and not wanting to cast a negative message about the child's birth parent, even though we know there is a history of some very violent acts. We want this child to know and understand why the birth parent is not part of their life.Resources: Talking with Young Children about Adoption and Birth ParentsUsing Lifebooks to Explain Complex Issues in Adoption to KidsBuilding the Framework for Adopted & Foster Children to Process the Hard Parts of Their StoriesSupport the showPlease leave us a rating or review.  This podcast is produced by www.CreatingaFamily.org. We are a national non-profit with the mission to strengthen and inspire adoptive, foster & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content:Weekly podcastsWeekly articles/blog postsResource pages on all aspects of family building

Drop us some Fan Mail. Thanks!Join us for this interview with former NFL Running Back and Super Bowl Champion Ricky Watters. He is an adoptee, an adoptive dad, and author of a new children's book on adoption, A Gift Called Shane.In this episode, we discuss:How old were you when you learned you were adopted and how did you find out?When you discovered you were adopted, you mentioned in your NFL movie that it put a big chip on your shoulder. How has that chip served you well as an adoptive dad? How has it been a detriment?Why did you decide to adopt?Why did you decide to adopt internationally?Did your experience with finding out late that you were adopted affect the way you discussed adoption with your son?Do you see any signs of a similar “chip” in your son that you had when you found out you were adopted? How do you help him navigate it for his own success?How did you prepare your biological son for the adoption of his brother? How do you support your adopted son in his questions about identity, birth family, etc.?Are you in reunion with your biological family?How has your adoptive family handled your reunion with your birth family?How excited were you for fellow hometown boy Shady McCoy to get into the Eagles Hall of Fame?What was your experience with playing at Notre Dame? Support the showPlease leave us a rating or review.  This podcast is produced by www.CreatingaFamily.org. We are a national non-profit with the mission to strengthen and inspire adoptive, foster & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content:Weekly podcastsWeekly articles/blog postsResource pages on all aspects of family building

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 cSend us Fan MailJolene Thiessen has been with us since the beginning of our podcast. She wrote in to thank us for our 100th episode! She looked for help online and found us- the only podcast that came up when she searched for help. I live to help these children have better lives and to be sure that all our pain doesn't go to waste for you grandparents and kinship caregivers out there! I love hearing your stories and comments. Keep sharing! Your stories make a difference. In this special pre-roll segment, I'm sharing a moving letter from a member of our community, Laurel. Her story of loss, resilience, and raising her grandson after the unthinkable is a raw reminder that none of us are walking this path alone.We want to hear from you. If Laurel's story resonates with you, or if you have a journey of your own to share, join our private community. Your story might be the exact lifeline someone else needs to hear today. Thank you for tuning into today's episode. It's been a journey of shared stories, insights, and invaluable advice from the heart of a community that knows the beauty and challenges of raising grandchildren. Your presence and engagement mean the world to us and to grandparents everywhere stepping up in ways they never imagined.Remember, you're not alone on this journey. For more resources, support, and stories, visit our website and follow us on our social media channels. If today's episode moved you, consider sharing it with someone who might find comfort and connection in our shared experiences.We look forward to bringing more stories and expert advice your way next week. Until then, take care of yourselves and each other.Want to be a guest on Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through Adversity? Send Laura Brazan a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/grgLiked 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 

Drop us some Fan Mail. Thanks!Question: I'm an intern therapist working with kids involved in DHS and the foster system. Could you guys talk about what a kid in the system needs from therapy? Or like what helped them, what didn't, what they needed in that space that their therapist didn't provide?Resources:Trauma-Informed Therapy: Finding the Right Fit for Your FamilyTherapists: Parents Should Be With Their Kids for Adoptive or Foster Therapy SessionsFinding an Adoption Competent TherapistSupport the showPlease leave us a rating or review.  This podcast is produced by www.CreatingaFamily.org. We are a national non-profit with the mission to strengthen and inspire adoptive, foster & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content:Weekly podcastsWeekly articles/blog postsResource pages on all aspects of family building

Drop us some Fan Mail. Thanks!Could you use a few new strategies to help your child improve misbehavior? Listen to this conversation with Dr. Casey Call, the Associate Director of Education at the Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development at TCU and Associate Professor of Professional Practice in the TCU Department of Psychology. She will help us understand how to maintain connection while correcting challenging behaviors.In this episode, we discuss:Why and how should parents and caregivers work toward secure attachment with kids impacted by trauma? What does it mean when we say we are rewiring the child's brain for connection?What is the purpose of discipline? How can parents and caregivers set a firm foundation of secure attachment if they also need to correct misbehavior or inappropriate behavior?Why do traditional or punishment-based disciplinary approaches not work for children impacted by trauma? Why do kids impacted by trauma tend to respond better (meaning an improvement in behavior) to discipline that guides them to think about their choices and consequences?How can parents and caregivers maintain a safe, loving connection with firmness and kindness while still holding the goal of retraining a behavior?In this process, what does it mean to share our power?What is the “IDEAL” approach?What is a re-do? Why is it so powerful for re-training?What are a few practical ways that parents and caregivers can maintain attachment during these disciplinary or re-teaching processes?What are some of the common behaviors that drive parents crazy? How can parents and caregivers maintain the intensity and pace of disciplining a child who has been impacted by trauma, without burning out?Support the showPlease leave us a rating or review.  This podcast is produced by www.CreatingaFamily.org. We are a national non-profit with the mission to strengthen and inspire adoptive, foster & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content:Weekly podcastsWeekly articles/blog postsResource pages on all aspects of family building

Drop us some Fan Mail. Thanks!Question: My 2nd grader, adopted domestically, has some pretty big, hard behaviors, like tantrums, clingy whining, and difficulty cooperating or sharing. We know there was prenatal substance exposure. I feel stuck to help them with their big feelings and big behaviors — what do I do to help them day to day?Resources:5 Tips to Save Your Sanity While Raising Kids with Prenatal Substance ExposurePrenatal Exposure, Part 1: Parenting Babies Through Elementary AgesTantrums, Meltdowns, Whining, Oh My! How to Parent Challenging BehaviorsFree E-Guide: Navigating Challenging Behaviors - Practical Strategies for FamiliesSupport the showPlease leave us a rating or review.  This podcast is produced by www.CreatingaFamily.org. We are a national non-profit with the mission to strengthen and inspire adoptive, foster & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content:Weekly podcastsWeekly articles/blog postsResource pages on all aspects of family building

Drop us some Fan Mail. Thanks!Join us for a conversation about why men in foster and kinship care matter - to the family unit, to the system, and most importantly, to the kids. Our guest is Tony Craddock, a Prevention Social Worker in Wake County, NC, with more than 25 years of experience supporting families. For the past decade, he has engaged kinship families and fathers through his co‑facilitation of the Kinship In Action Support Group.In this episode, we talk about:What first drew you to working with families, and later to engaging fathers and kinship caregivers?Why is it so important that we intentionally engage and celebrate men — fathers, grandfathers, uncles, mentors — in foster and kinship care spaces?What positive differences have you seen in children's lives when men are actively supported and involved in caregiving?What unique strengths do men bring to families in foster and kinship roles?What are some ways that normalizing men as caregivers helps not just families, but the larger community?What are some of the reasons you hear men sharing about their hesitation to step into these caregiving roles or to seek support when they take on such a role?Do you see common themes of how they describe their experiences of being welcomed — or not — into support spaces?What strategies have you found most effective for inviting and retaining men in support groups and similar caregiving networks?What role do their peers who are already plugged into their roles as caregivers play in encouraging or retaining engagement with newer father figures in your groups?What have you noticed in children's emotional, behavioral, or developmental well-being when there's consistent male involvement?How does having a balanced caregiving network, one that includes a multi-generational approach and welcomes both men and women, strengthen a family's resilience?Who are the men — in your work or your life — who inspire you as caregivers and supporters?What advice would you give to a man who may already be a foster or kinship caregiver, but who also wants to step more intentionally into that role to make a difference for their child?If you could change one thing about how the system engages men in foster and kinship care, what would it be?Looking ahead, what gives you the most hope about supporting men in these spaces?What's one message you'd like every listener — caregiver, professional, or community member — to walk away with today?ResourcesFather Engagement StrategiesThe Vital Role of Men in Foster CareFinding Male Role Models for Kids of Single MomsSupport the showPlease leave us a rating or review.  This podcast is produced by www.CreatingaFamily.org. We are a national non-profit with the mission to strengthen and inspire adoptive, foster & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content:Weekly podcastsWeekly articles/blog postsResource pages on all aspects of family building

Drop us some Fan Mail. Thanks!Question: I love my child so much, but lately I feel emotionally worn down and shut down in my parenting. Someone mentioned they recently learned about blocked care, and now I'm wondering if that's what's happening. What is blocked care, and what can a parent do about it?Resources:Understanding and Overcoming Blocked CareWhat Is Blocked Care? How Do I Overcome It?Trauma-Informed TherapyBuilding Rhythms of Self-Care Into Our ParentingMaking Self-Care a Priority for the New YearSupport the showPlease leave us a rating or review.  This podcast is produced by www.CreatingaFamily.org. We are a national non-profit with the mission to strengthen and inspire adoptive, foster & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content:Weekly podcastsWeekly articles/blog postsResource pages on all aspects of family building

Drop us some Fan Mail. Thanks!Are you raising a child with known or suspected prenatal opioid exposure? Understanding the impacts and how to parent them will help you set your child up to thrive! We are joined by Lenette Serlo, an adoptive mom of four children impacted by prenatal substance exposure and the founder of Generation O, a nonprofit focused on creating understanding and support for children with prenatal opioid exposure and their families.In this episode, we talk about:What are opioids, and what does it mean when a child has been exposed to opioids before birth?What are some of the short-term and long-term ways prenatal opioid exposure can affect a child's brain, body, and development?What were some of the earliest things you noticed that helped you understand that your kids might experience the world differently?How can parents make the shift from asking “What's wrong with this child?” to “What does this child need?”When a child has prenatal opioid exposure, what practical ways can parents help support emotional regulation and nervous system balance for these kids?What are some everyday challenges families might see at home?  And what strategies can parents and caregivers try to support their kids with those challenges?What tools or routines can help kids succeed with things like organization, memory, and follow-through?How could a parent or caregiver partner with teachers or schools so that children impacted by prenatal opioid exposure can succeed academically and behaviorally?What have you learned about helping children build friendships and navigate social situations successfully?In the baby and preschool years, what supports or parenting approaches can make the biggest difference?What challenges tend to emerge during the elementary school years, and how can caregivers support learning, independence, and confidence during that stage?As children move into adolescence, what new challenges can appear, and how can parents continue supporting identity, independence, and life skills?What is one small change parents or caregivers can make tomorrow that could have a big impact?You founded Generation O to support families navigating prenatal opioid exposure. What gaps did you see that made you want to start this organization? What's giving you hope right now? What is one message would you most want our listeners to take with them about helping their kids with a history of opioid exposure thrive now and into their futures?Resources:Prenatal Substance Exposure Workshop for Foster, Adoptive & Kinship ParentsRaising a Child with Prenatal Substance ExposurePSupport the showPlease leave us a rating or review.  This podcast is produced by www.CreatingaFamily.org. We are a national non-profit with the mission to strengthen and inspire adoptive, foster & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content:Weekly podcastsWeekly articles/blog postsResource pages on all aspects of family building

Click here to send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom.Question: Should I tell my nephew that by the time he turns 18, he has to be in school and passing his classes, or have a job, to continue living with us? He will turn 18 at the end of this school year and will inherit a small amount of money that could get him started. He is currently in school, and he doesn't have a job or any interest in getting one. Anytime someone asks him about his goals or future plans, his answer is “I don't know” or “I don't care.” I know that he is depressed and apprehensive about growing up, so part of me worries about pushing him too hard, but on the other hand, without a push, I worry his situation will continue to deteriorate. Resources:Prenatal Exposure, Part 2: Parenting Tweens and TeensPractical Ways to Connect with Your Tween or TeenSupporting Kids with Prenatal Exposure in the Transition to Adolescence and BeyondRaising Resilient KidsRaising Kids for a Lifelong Parent/Child BondSupport the showPlease leave us a rating or review.  This podcast is produced by www.CreatingaFamily.org. We are a national non-profit with the mission to strengthen and inspire adoptive, foster & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content:Weekly podcastsWeekly articles/blog postsResource pages on all aspects of family building