The Grand Balance: A Working Grandmas Podcast

Episode 55: Grandma‘s and Parent’s Guide to Building Strong Connections with Teen Grandchildren

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.

Episode 54: The Grandparent Advantage: How Active Grandparents Help Grandchildren Thrive and Strengthen the Family

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.

Episode 53: Grandma's Toddler Tantrum Toolkit: Tips for Meltdowns and Handling Big Feelings

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 [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CGT9W5WX?ref=cm_sw_r_cso_sms_apin_dp_ZPD79YRFN2GXPBCMNV4G&ref_=cm_sw_r_cso_sms_apin_dp_ZPD79YRFN2GXPBCMNV4G&social_share=cm_sw_r_cso_sms_apin_dp_ZPD79YRFN2GXPBCMNV4G&rsd=eYv8RKszKIOYJxNeluwG%2F6tKPRE0YwbT3BEoleE9JRNFKGo4Bwl7AhnFIN6nDvnn2Z6YcLENtFPO7jVn2Jd5csI1v6VjwPd434F5dKi1tACKERNuqNqqMg%3D%3D&edk=AQIDAHi1lw%2FM8UbbSMD9ScOOFEmBMHMthHeEhqDaQYPJUAX3jQETzZr4l6EpvNMkd8EfBmumAAAAfjB8BgkqhkiG9w0BBwagbzBtAgEAMGgGCSqGSIb3DQEHATAeBglghkgBZQMEAS4wEQQMPSIqLO3SEKFGFmz9AgEQgDu7I8ChmiPbT3Lb0jXQ8MP6QGVFB06zHGuOvysV384N65KgEPtf0gFshJnOLeFrEauRsyjif2PPXhWk8Q%3D%3D] Impulse: Brain Training App [https://impulsebrain.com/]

Episode 52: When Roles Shift: Grandmas Caring for Aging Parents (guest episode with author Kim Brant-Lucich)

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) [https://www.amazon.com/Survival-Guide-Caring-Aging-Parents/dp/1807027856/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1F9F65M0UWAFL&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.lJNZ4RaGqtpU0pcTPqxCWkOvwfR1YZA6UVeAh_iclJAHls58MupHuYIKR-oKceH4GN4eH28oXjPluvy_vH4pisj04MWWs0Psv8INhjJ6n1yzLHP5Ew3sdowH3MJy6qT9vG7WusLPp2fmCN8AC1MjXKops0sJLa9Tl123g8a5EnUwv7DgnsRTk_yz_1mXw3UYEN_d55ZQj1f1iQTGAOqgHNvZFLHL9TW0IbxGFRwbcDg.D-BqofRb7bw6Geize7REv4dIz3GhCjU9kp4xaw3QHzc&dib_tag=se&keywords=survival+guide+to+caring+for+aging+parents&qid=1777836409&sprefix=survival+guide+to+caring+for%2Caps%2C248&sr=8-1] Kim Brant-Lucich's Book - Survival Guide to Caring for Aging Parents (Barnes & Noble) [https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/survival-guide-to-caring-for-aging-parents-kim-brant-lucich/1149600622?ean=9781807027858] Caring4AgingParents Website [https://caring4agingparents.com/blogs/] Caring4AgingParents Blog - Substack [https://substack.com/home/post/p-194671769] #1 New York Times bestselling award-winning graphic memoir by New Yorker cartoonist Roz Chast about her parents' final years. [https://www.target.com/p/can-t-we-talk-about-something-more-pleasant-by-roz-chast-paperback/-/A-51370074]

Episode 51: Family Travel: Making Memories with Grandma

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 [https://getbrick.com/?nbt=nb%3Aadwords%3Ag%3A22554585833%3A178889132585%3A751962809734&nb_adtype=&nb_kwd=the+brick&nb_ti=kwd-10679623&nb_mi=&nb_pc=&nb_pi=&nb_ppi=&nb_placement=&nb_li_ms=&nb_lp_ms=&nb_fii=&nb_ap=&nb_mt=b&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22554585833&gbraid=0AAAAA-Z25K12drKAuEGQ0SoRBG1Arojlw&gclid=Cj0KCQjw77bPBhC_ARIsAGAjjV-FsUd2emUHaGze4Tm5AGHd3sMAzFvJ6sctc4D8i1Nzaz6FPj5-1ncaAlGwEALw_wcB]