The Grand Balance: A Working Grandmas Podcast

How can grandparents help their adult children without overstepping? In this episode, Angela and Sharon share practical ways grandparents can support busy adult children and grandchildren beyond babysitting—from meal prep, errands and household tasks to research, appointments and emotional support. They also discuss healthy grandparent boundaries, the difference between helping versus rescuing or enabling, and ways grandparents with limited mobility can still make a meaningful difference. Plus, a few fabulous finds for busy working grandmas. Sharon's Fabulous Find - HyperChiller High Protein Iced Coffee

In this casual catch-up episode, Sharon and Angela share what's been happening in their lives before diving into conversations every parent and grandparent should hear. From enjoying precious one-on-one time with adult children to navigating the ever-changing world of raising young families, the discussion is full of relatable stories, practical advice, and a few laughs along the way. One of the episode's most important conversations focuses on product safety, including diaper concerns and why it's so important to report potential product issues rather than assuming someone else already has. The hosts explain how reporting concerns helps regulators identify patterns that could ultimately protect other families, and they share the valuable resources for anyone who suspects a product may be unsafe.   Episode Notes:  Sharon's Fabulous Find: Stride Rite Munchkin Shoes

Water safety is about much more than swim lessons. In this episode, Angela and Sharon are joined by aquatic supervisor and water safety expert Carolyn Lechner-Uribe to share practical tips every parent and grandparent should know before spending time around pools, lakes, and beaches. They discuss the best age to start swim lessons, why a designated "Water Watcher" can save lives, the truth about floaties versus Coast Guard-approved life jackets, and the essential layers of protection every backyard pool should have. Carolyn also shares expert advice on teaching children to respect water without fearing it, common mistakes families make at pool parties, safety strategies for teens, and how grandparents can help keep grandchildren safe all summer long. Whether you have a backyard pool or simply enjoy family vacations near the water, this episode is packed with life-saving advice every family should hear.

In this edition of Ask the Grandmas, Angela and Sharon dive into a variety of real-life grandparenting topics submitted by listeners. They discuss affordable summer activities for grandchildren, navigating family dynamics with other grandparents, approaching sensitive safety concerns, balancing spouse time with grandchildren time, and finding the right role as a grandparent when it comes to discipline. As always, the conversation is filled with personal stories, practical insights, and honest discussion about the joys and challenges of being a modern working grandparent. Plus, they share another Fabulous Find that's perfect for grandparents with little ones on the go.   BOGG Bag BOGG Bag Tabletop Accessory

In this episode of The Grand Balance, Angela and Sharon take a closer look at the often-complicated relationship between grandparents and teenagers. Inspired by the book Feeding the Mouth That Bites You by Dr. Kenneth Wilgus, they explore the concept of Planned Emancipation—a parenting approach that encourages gradually giving teens more independence as they prepare for adulthood. Along the way, Angela and Sharon share their own experiences raising teenagers, including the challenges of letting go, allowing natural consequences, resisting the urge to rescue, and navigating the inevitable power struggles that come with the teen years. They also discuss what grandparents can do to stay connected as grandchildren become more independent, including becoming trusted listeners, supporting parents, avoiding “secret keeping,” and creating meaningful one-on-one relationships. Filled with practical insights, personal stories, and a few laughs about lessons learned the hard way, this episode offers encouragement for parents and grandparents who want to build strong, healthy relationships with the teens in their lives while helping them grow into confident, capable adults.

Can grandparents truly shape a child's future? In this episode, Angela and Sharon explore research on the powerful impact grandparents have on their grandchildren's emotional development, language skills, confidence, and decision-making. They discuss the unique role grandparents play in providing unconditional love, creating a sense of security, and strengthening family connections across generations. The conversation also examines the surprising benefits grandparents receive in return, including improved mental health, increased physical activity, stronger family bonds, and a greater sense of purpose. Plus, they discuss why research suggests that "moderate involvement" may be the sweet spot—and how full-time caregiving can sometimes lead to burnout. Whether you're a grandparent, parent, or simply interested in the value of intergenerational relationships, this episode offers practical insights into why these connections matter so much for both young and old.  

In this episode of The Grand Balance, working grandmas Angela and Sharon discuss toddler tantrums, emotional regulation, attention-seeking behavior, and expert-backed strategies for handling meltdowns calmly. Plus, real-life stories about balancing family, caregiving, travel, health, and the chaos of modern grandparenting. Episode Notes:  Sharon's Fabulous Find: Roe Powder Sunscreen Impulse: Brain Training App  

Caring for aging parents can feel overwhelming—especially for those in the sandwich generation balancing careers, kids/grandkids, and elder care. In this episode, Angela and Sharon talk with Kim Brant-Lucich, one of the authors of Survival Guide to Caring for Aging Parents, about how to navigate elder care planning, including assisted living options, in-home care, financial realities, legal documents (power of attorney), and Medicare/Medicaid basics. Whether you're just starting to notice changes or already deep in caregiving, this conversation offers practical tips to help you prepare, avoid common mistakes, and support your parents while still being mindful of your own time, finances, and well-being. Episode Notes: Kim Brant-Lucich's Book - Survival Guide to Caring for Aging Parents (Amazon) Kim Brant-Lucich's Book - Survival Guide to Caring for Aging Parents (Barnes & Noble) Caring4AgingParents Website Caring4AgingParents Blog - Substack #1 New York Times bestselling award-winning graphic memoir by New Yorker cartoonist Roz Chast about her parents' final years.    

In this episode, Angela and Sharon cover the realities of family travel with young grandchildren—from navigating flights and vacation logistics to finding ways for everyone (including parents and grandparents) to actually enjoy the trip. They kick things off with an honest conversation about grandparent boundaries after a new baby arrives and how family dynamics can shape those expectations. Along the way, they share a few practical travel lessons, funny vacation moments from Maui, and why making family memories is often worth the chaos. Fabulous Find - The Brick