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. Christal Baldor, 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Join our community as we uproot outdated stigmas, spotlight rural wisdom, and gather practical, evidence-based tools to nurture your family through adversity.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.

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New! Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Online Support Circle! Starting Wednesday, October 7th, we meet every other Wednesday from 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM Eastern.

A peer-first, confidential space—free from cross-talk, judgment, or unsolicited advice. Guided by certified therapists, specialized family coaches, and counselors who truly understand kinship care.

When we look at the child welfare system today, it’s clear that the framework we've inherited is completely outdated.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.

I 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!

Thank you for tuning into today's episode. It's been a journey of shared stories, insights, and invaluable advice from the heart of a community that knows the beauty and challenges of raising grandchildren. Your presence and engagement mean the world to us and to grandparents everywhere stepping up in ways they never imagined.

Remember, you're not alone on this journey. For more resources, support, and stories, visit our website and follow us on our social media channels. If today's episode moved you, consider sharing it with someone who might find comfort and connection in our shared experiences.

We look forward to bringing more stories and expert advice your way next week. Until then, take care of yourselves and each other.

Want to be a guest on Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through Adversity? Send Laura Brazan a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/grg

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