It's A Grand Life

Secrets to Raising Emotionally Healthy Grandkids: Kenneth Barish on Listening, Kindness & Resilience

How can grandparents help children navigate anxiety, bullying, loneliness, social media pressures, and emotional challenges in today's world? In this episode of It's a Grand Life, Craig Nash sits down with renowned psychologist and author Dr. Kenneth Barish to discuss practical strategies for raising emotionally healthy children and grandchildren. Dr. Barish shares why listening may be the most important parenting skill, how kindness can reduce bullying, why play is essential for child development, and how grandparents can strengthen relationships through meaningful conversations and connection. They also explore collaborative problem-solving, supporting children through emotional struggles, helping grandchildren build resilience, and the unique role grandparents play in a child's life. Whether you're a grandparent raising grandchildren, a kinship caregiver, or simply looking to build stronger relationships with the children in your life, this conversation offers valuable insights and encouragement. This episode is based on a conversation featured on It's a Grand Life. #GrandparentsRaisingGrandchildren #Grandfamilies #KinshipCare #ParentingAdvice #Grandparenting #ChildDevelopment #MentalHealth #BullyingPrevention #EmotionalHealth #itsagrandlife  00:00 Introduction to It's a Grand Life 02:18 Meet Dr. Kenneth Barish 03:09 Why Listening Is the Most Important Parenting Skill 04:38 The Impact of Phones on Family Communication 05:48 Taking Interest in Your Grandchild's Passions 07:18 Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Today 08:30 The Importance of Community and Support 10:35 Teaching Kindness and Empathy 11:49 Helping Kids Deal with Bullying 15:28 Self-Harm, Anxiety, and Emotional Pain 19:16 Collaborative Problem Solving Explained 24:00 Why Kids Face More Pressure Today 27:14 Repairing Relationships After Conflict 28:45 Supporting Grandparents Emotionally 31:00 Building Community Through Service 32:00 The Importance of Play in Child Development 34:29 Five Minutes of Play Can Make a Difference 36:10 Final Thoughts and Book Information Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2099911/support]

Over 60? Get Your Strength Back FAST | Detroit Trainer Shows Simple Exercises That Work

In this episode of It’s a Grand Life, we sit down with Detroit fitness expert Demetrius Robinson, owner of Tighten Ups Gym, to talk about how grandparents and seniors can regain strength, mobility, and energy—no matter where they’re starting. With over 30 years of experience, Demetrius shares simple, practical exercises that can be done at home, at work, or anywhere—perfect for those who may feel intimidated by traditional gyms. 💪 Learn how to: Improve strength and mobility after 60 Reduce back pain and joint stiffness Build endurance in just 6 months Stay active while raising grandchildren Start exercising safely—even if you haven’t in years One of the most important takeaways? 👉 “Exercise is medicine.” If you're a grandparent, caregiver, or just looking to get your health back on track, this episode is a must-watch. 📍 Serving Metro Detroit 📞 Contact Tighten Ups Gym: 313-433-9777 👉 Learn more: https://www.facebook.com/p/Tighten-Ups-Gym-100066895482577/ 👍 Like, subscribe, and share to help more families stay strong and healthy. 0:00 Intro – Why Fitness Matters for Grandparents 0:45 Meet Detroit Trainer Demetrius Robinson 2:30 30 Years in Fitness – His Background 3:15 Mobile Training (Workout Anywhere) 4:00 Why People Avoid Gyms (Post-Pandemic Reality) 5:20 Simple Beginner Exercises Anyone Can Do 6:30 Why Sitting Is Hurting Your Health 6:55 Resistance Bands for Strength & Mobility 8:40 Rebounder (Mini Trampoline) Benefits 10:25 Office & At-Home Workouts Explained 11:45 How He Builds Personalized Fitness Plans 13:25 What Results Can You Expect in 6 Months 14:00 How Movement Heals Joint Pain 16:50 “Exercise Is Medicine” Explained 17:50 How Long Workouts Should Be (For Beginners) 19:00 Fixing Back Pain with Movement 20:50 Why Fitness Matters for Grandparents Raising Kids 22:20 How to Contact Demetrius 23:00 Final Advice – Just Start Moving #SeniorFitness #Over60Fitness #DetroitFitness #ExerciseIsMedicine #GrandparentsRaisingGrandchildren #MobilityExercises #HomeWorkoutForSeniors #HealthyAging #FitnessOver60 #DetroitPersonalTrainer #StayActive #StrengthAfter60 #TightenUpsGym Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2099911/support]

Need Help at Home? How This Nonprofit Fixes Homes for Seniors & Families FREE

In this episode of It’s a Grand Life, we highlight an incredible nonprofit making a real difference—St. Joseph’s Helpers. Executive Director Rayna Bennett shares how their volunteer-driven organization is helping seniors, veterans, and families stay safe in their homes through free home repairs, ramps, and essential services. From fixing doors and installing grab bars to building wheelchair ramps, this mission is all about neighbors helping neighbors. 💡 In this episode, you’ll learn: How seniors can get free home repairs How volunteers are transforming communities Why aging safely at home is more important than ever How churches and communities are stepping up to serve How YOU can volunteer or donate With 2.3 million grandparents raising grandchildren in the U.S., safe housing is more critical than ever. 👉 Learn more or get involved: https://www.sjhelpers.org 📍 Serving Michigan, Northern Kentucky & expanding nationwide 👍 Like, subscribe, and share to help more families get the support they need. #NonprofitImpact #SeniorHelp #FreeHomeRepairs #VolunteerOpportunity #Grandfamilies #AgingInPlace #CommunitySupport #MichiganNonprofit #FaithBasedService #HelpingSeniors #HomeRepairHelp #StJosephHelpers #ServeOthers #NeighborsHelpingNeighbors 0:00 Intro – Helping Grandfamilies & Caregivers 0:45 Meet St. Joseph’s Helpers 2:20 Rayna Bennett’s Background & Mission 3:45 What St. Joseph’s Helpers Does 4:40 How Volunteers Power the Organization 5:30 Who They Help (Seniors, Veterans & Families) 6:10 Biggest Need: Volunteers 7:20 How Anyone Can Get Involved 7:25 What Is Julie’s List? 8:40 Referrals & Free Community Resources 9:10 Real Impact & Growth Stories 10:00 Faith, Service & Community Impact 11:30 How to Donate & Support the Mission 12:00 How to Volunteer (Step-by-Step) 13:00 How They Coordinate Projects 14:10 Expanding Across the U.S. 15:50 Youth Programs & Volunteer Opportunities 17:30 Yard Cleanups & Community Projects 18:25 Wheelchair Ramp Program Explained 20:00 Cost of Ramps & Recycling Donations 21:15 Final Thoughts – How You Can Help Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2099911/support]

How Detroit Mentors Are Changing Young Men’s Lives (Men of Vision Mentoring Story)

In this powerful episode of It’s a Grand Life, we spotlight Men of Vision Mentoring, a life-changing mentoring program serving young men in Detroit and Redford, Michigan. Founded through a simple act of coaching basketball, this program has grown into a mission-driven nonprofit focused on mentorship, education, life skills, and faith-based guidance for young men—many of whom are being raised by single mothers and grandparents. With over 2.3 million grandparents raising grandchildren in the U.S., organizations like this are critical in providing support, structure, and hope for the next generation. 🔹 Learn how mentorship is transforming lives 🔹 Hear real stories from Detroit youth 🔹 Discover how you can volunteer, donate, or get involved 🔹 See how communities can come together to support grandfamilies 👉 Learn more or support the mission: It’s a Grand Life: https://www.itsagrandlife.com/ Men of Vision Mentoring: http://movmentoring.org/ 📍 Serving Detroit, Redford, and surrounding Metro Detroit communities If you care about mentorship, youth development, or supporting grandparents raising grandchildren, this is a must-watch. 👍 Like, subscribe, and share to help us reach families who need this support. 0:00 Intro – Supporting Grandfamilies & Youth in Detroit 0:45 Meet Men of Vision Mentoring 2:10 How the Program Started (From Basketball to Mentorship) 4:00 Why Mentorship Matters for Young Men Today 6:10 Real Impact: Growth & Confidence in Youth 7:05 How Young Men Find the Program 8:40 Breaking the Stigma Around Today’s Youth 10:40 Powerful Story: Overcoming Real-Life Challenges 12:30 Supporting Grandparents Raising Grandchildren 13:00 Program Details: When & Where They Meet 14:30 Skills, Education & Career Exposure for Youth 16:15 Why Consistency in Mentorship Matters 17:00 Real Growth: Reading, Confidence & Community Service Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2099911/support]

Stay Strong for Your Grandkids: Simple Daily Movement Tips to Prevent Falls

In this episode of It’s a Grand Life, host Craig Nash sits down with physical therapist Dr. Dawn Thomas to discuss how grandparents raising grandchildren can stay healthy, mobile, and independent.  They break down simple, realistic ways to incorporate movement into daily routines—without needing a gym or intense workouts. From improving balance to preventing falls, even just a few minutes of movement multiple times a day can make a meaningful difference.  This conversation is all about helping caregivers not just get by—but truly enjoy life with their grandkids. https://www.dawnthomaspt.com/ #ItsAGrandLife #Grandfamilies #KinshipCare #HealthyAging #FallPrevention #SeniorHealth #MobilityMatters #ActiveAging #GrandparentsRaisingGrandchildren #CaregiverSupport #WellnessTips #PhysicalTherapy #StayActive #AgingStrong Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2099911/support]