Welcome to our newsletter, a vibrant companion to our podcast that aims to empower and inspire grandparents and parents alike. Each edition offers a comprehensive overview of our latest episode, new developments and milestones within our community, along with reflections on recent interviews, summarizing valuable insights to help nurture and support you and your family. Thanks for being part of our community!

Podcast Spotlight Author, speaker, activist, and public theologian- Brian McLaren.

This week, we're honored to feature Brian D. McLaren in Episode 72, "Brian McLaren's 'The Last Voyage': Charting a Course for Future Generations."

Brian is a renowned author, speaker, activist, and public theologian, recognized by TIME Magazine as one of the world's top 25 theologians. As a former college English teacher and pastor, he passionately advocates for "a new kind of Christianity"—one that is just, generous, and collaborates with people of all faiths for the common good. He also serves as Dean of Faculty for the Center for Action and Contemplation and is a co-host of the "Learning How to See" and "Southern Lights" podcasts.

Prepare to take off on a thought-provoking journey as we dive deep into Brian's latest literary work, "The Last Voyage." This isn't just a book; it's a profound guide to living a life that truly matters. Join us as we explore what it means to navigate life with intention and ensure our contributions echo for generations to come.

Tune in to Episode 72 now to discover the insights Brian McLaren shares on leaving a lasting legacy.

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Insights & Inspirations A calendar of this month's episodes.

• Tuesday, August 5- Episode 72- "Brian McLaren's "The Last Voyage": Charting a Course for Future Generations​"
• Tuesday, August 12- Episode 73- "A Grandparent's Guide to Opening Up the Feeling World for Boys"​
• Tuesday, August 19 - Episode 74- "Unlocking Kid Confidence with the Laptop Life Coach"​
• Tuesday, August 26- Episode 75- "The Key to Healing Trauma, Enhancing Relationships, and Cultivating Self-empowerment"

Joyful Updates We’re going places! Our podcast has reached some milestones since we launched in June and more…

Back to School: Safe & Engaging Online Socialization for Kids

As summer winds down and the back-to-school season ramps up, so does the inevitable increase in screen time for our kids. While we might associate school with in-person interactions, the reality is that a significant part of modern childhood socialization happens online. For parents and grandparents, this often brings a mix of excitement and apprehension. How can we ensure our kids are connecting in ways that are safe, fun, and genuinely engaging?

The internet offers incredible opportunities for kids to connect with peers who share niche interests, collaborate on projects, and even form friendships across geographical boundaries. However, it's crucial to guide them toward environments that prioritize their well-being and foster positive interactions.

Here are some ways to encourage safe and engaging online socialization:

1. Seek Out Moderated Platforms and Communities: Not all online spaces are created equal. Look for platforms, apps, or games that have active moderation teams dedicated to keeping interactions positive and free from inappropriate content or bullying. Many educational platforms or online clubs for kids (e.g., coding, art, gaming) offer built-in safety features.
2. Encourage Interest-Based Groups: Help your child find online communities centered around their hobbies and passions. This could be a virtual book club, a moderated forum for young artists, a safe gaming community for a specific game, or even online science clubs. When kids connect over shared interests, the interactions are often more meaningful and less prone to superficiality or negativity.
3. Facilitate Virtual Playdates or Study Groups: For friends who live further away or when in-person meetups aren't possible, supervised video calls can be a great way to maintain friendships. For older kids, virtual study groups can offer both academic support and social connection, especially if they're working on a joint project.
4. Teach Digital Citizenship and Critical Thinking: The best defense is a good offense. Equip your kids with the skills to be responsible digital citizens. Teach them about privacy settings, the importance of not sharing personal information, how to recognize and report inappropriate behavior, and the difference between online personas and real-life identities. Empower them to trust their instincts and know it's okay to disengage or ask for help.
5. Maintain Open Communication and Oversight: This isn't about spying, but about partnership. Have regular, open conversations with your kids about their online activities. Ask them what they're doing, who they're talking to, and what they enjoy. Consider having devices in common areas and periodically reviewing their online interactions. Being present and involved signals that you care about their online world as much as their offline one.

Navigating the digital landscape can feel overwhelming, but with thoughtful guidance, we can help our children harness the power of online connections in ways that enrich their lives and support their development.

Tune In for More Insights!

For a deeper dive into this topic, make sure to stay tuned! We have an upcoming episode airing on August 19th with Coach Yana, "The Laptop Life Coach." She'll be sharing even more valuable strategies and insights to help you and your kids thrive in the digital age. You won't want to miss it!

Best,

Laura Brazan

CEO/Founder

​https://www.grandparents-raising-grandchildren.org/​