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

Are you a grandparent thrust into the role of primary caregiver, managing the relentless stress, marriage challenges, and behavioral transitions that come with raising your grandchildren? Do you wonder how to move from surviving daily crises to building a sanctuary in your home—one where healing and hope are possible for both you and your grandchildren? Has your retirement story taken an unexpected detour, leaving you to mourn lost dreams while navigating the high-stakes world of kinship caregiving?I’m Laura Brazan, and welcome to "Grandparents Raising Grandchildren–Nurturing Through Adversity." In this episode, we sit down with resilience expert Steven Wagstaff, a retired pastor and C5 quadriplegic, whose life-altering journey offers tools for managing caregiver burnout, strengthening your marriage, and understanding the messy realities of raising kids affected by trauma. Together, we’ll discuss how to normalize feelings of isolation, use humor and hard-earned wisdom as powerful tools, and make space for grief without letting it become your ceiling. For more information on Stephen, his ministry and his podcast, please visit "Swagability".Each week, we bring you authentic conversations and expert advice on trauma-informed childrearing, emotional wellness, marriage, legal and financial support, and building real community. You’ll discover strategies for leading with intention, connecting with your partner, and embracing your own story of unexpected resilience.Join our supportive community.Send us Fan 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