The Grand Balance: A Working Grandmas Podcast

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]

Episode 50: Celebrating 50 Episodes of the Beautiful Balance of Work, Family and Life as a Grandma

In this milestone 50th episode, Angela and Sharon reflect on their journey as working grandmas—sharing heartfelt stories, lessons learned, and a few laughs along the way.  They look back on standout guest interviews and the impact of topics like screen-free childhoods, skincare, and long-distance grandparenting. The conversation turns more personal as they explore what’s been most rewarding—and most challenging—about this phase of life, including identity, balance, and staying intentional beyond work and family. The episode wraps with gratitude for their growing global audience and a reminder of their core belief: when you support parents, you strengthen the entire family.   Episode Notes: Sharon's Fabulous Find for Easter [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BR8TTQX6?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share] Personalized Easter Egg Basket [https://www.personalizationmall.com/Easter-Baskets-d2008.dept?fitemid=30428&g_network=g&g_productchannel=online&g_adid=695594371577&g_locinterest=&g_keyword=&g_campaign=account&g_adtype=pla&g_keywordid=aud-2399453778676:pla-1679331763185&g_ifcreative=&g_acctid=707-965-3200&g_locphysical=9190289&g_adgroupid=160183479549&g_productid=7974-P&g_source=%7Bsourceid%7D&g_merchantid=1261867&g_placement=&g_partition=1679331763185&g_campaignid=21158126635&g_ifproduct=product&&did=978098&wordID=695594371577&gcampaignID=21158126635&pmkid=aud-2399453778676:pla-1679331763185-160183479549&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21158126635&gbraid=0AAAAAD_wEUbCzVpbpPxWpKRkyL-oDmD_3]