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 Founder of Celebrate Calm and host of the Calm Parenting podcast- Kirk Martin.

Do strong-willed children seem to know exactly which buttons to push? Do you feel the heat rising inside when they respond in ways you never would have dared with your own parents? You're not alone. We've all been there—anger takes over, patience runs thin, and before you know it, you've lost it, despite wishing for a better way.

This week, we're shining a light on Kirk Martin, the founder of "Celebrate Calm" and the voice behind "The Calm Parenting Podcast." Kirk has been a guiding light for countless parents navigating the challenges of raising strong-willed children. His podcast offers transformative insights and practical strategies that help you stay cool, calm, and collected—even in the most challenging parenting moments. Discover how to turn frustration into empowerment and create the peaceful home environment you've always envisioned.

Kirk Martin has an impressive track record, having worked with thousands of children with ADHD, OCD, ODD, anxiety, and other spectrum symptoms. He has taught in over a thousand school districts, churches, and foster care agencies, and his homeschooling background gives him a unique perspective on education and parenting.

Martin is renowned for his practical strategies and scripts, delivered with humor and compassion. He has helped families, teachers, and counselors bring calm into kids' lives, address issues while de-escalating conflict, and break generational patterns to create a new family tree. His training has reached parents and teachers in 19 countries, helping them stop yelling, defiance, and power struggles with strong-willed children.

Tune in to this week’s episode, Episode 48- “4 Effective Tools for Handling Strong-Willed Children”, to learn how to connect deeply with your strong-willed child and find the calm amidst the chaos. Don't miss this chance to transform your parenting approach and build a stronger bond with your child!

Insights & Inspirations! A calendar of this month’s episodes.

Tuesday, February 4- Episode 46: "Healing Your Inner Eater"​

We delve into Jessica Setnick's groundbreaking insights on the "whys" behind our eating habits. Discover the profound influence of those who raised us and uncover the hidden stories that shape our relationship with food. This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about the deeper connections between our lives and what we eat.

Tuesday, February 11- Episode 47: "Surviving Caregiving- 60 Second Burnout Recovery Methods"​

Join us for an inspiring episode with Carrie Severson, as she shares her powerful journey through her husband's cancer diagnosis and treatment. Her story offers hope and encouragement to both patients and the caregivers who support them. Tune in to feel uplifted and inspired by her resilience and strength.

Tuesday, February 18- Episode 48: "4 Effective Tools for Handling Strong-Willed Children"​

So fortunate to have Kirk Martin, the founder of "Celebrate Calm" and "The Calm Parenting Podcast" for this episode. Kirk has been a game-changer for me and countless other parents navigating the complexities of raising strong-willed children. In this episode, he shares transformative insights and practical strategies to help you stay cool, calm, and collected—even in the most challenging parenting moments. Tune in to discover how to transform frustration into empowerment and create the peaceful home environment you've always envisioned. Don't miss this opportunity to redefine your parenting journey!

Tuesday, February 25- Episode 49: "A Revolutionary New Tool for Social Workers"

Delve into the future of social work, where we discuss a groundbreaking technology aimed at stress management and community support. Imagine a world where holistic well-being is more than just an idea—it's a reality. Join us as we chat with John Gesumaria, a licensed social worker who transformed his personal struggles into passionate advocacy for mental health.

John founded "Differently," an innovative online social support platform that's reshaping how social workers and communities approach well-being. Whether you're a social worker feeling the weight of stress or someone seeking a supportive community, this episode is brimming with insights and inspiration.

Joyful Updates Heartwarming stories and inspiring achievements.

I was recently contacted and can’t wait to share the inspiring journey of Betty Lorraine, whose story exemplifies the impact grandparents raising grandchildren can have on their communities. Betty, who graduated with a degree in Business Administration in 1976 and received the Distinguished Alumni Award in 2013, is a beacon of hope and resilience for kinship families across Canada.

As the founder and President of CANGRANDS National Kinship Support, Betty has dedicated her life to supporting the 62,500 kinship children being raised by grandparents and other family members in Canada. Her organization is a national grassroots movement that provides vital information, encouragement, and emotional support to kinship families. Betty's personal experiences, including being denied access to one grandchild and rescuing another from an abusive situation, fuel her advocacy for kin-children and kin-headed households.

Betty's relentless pursuit of knowledge in areas such as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, Radical Attachment Disorders, and behavior modification underscores her commitment to making a difference. Since 1997, she has persistently championed the rights of grandparents in Ontario, playing a key role in the passage of Bill 210, commonly known as the kinship bill.

Her influence extends beyond Canada, having spoken at the First International Kinship Conference in New York, the AARP in Washington DC, and the United Nations Youth round table in Ottawa. Betty's advocacy also includes speaking on issues affecting victims of violence, a cause close to her heart following the tragic murder of her mother in 1980.

In addition to her advocacy work, Betty serves part-time as a Mental Health Support worker and has fostered 32 children over the past 30 years. Her dedication was recognized in 2011 when she was nominated for an Everyday Heroes award by Chatelaine magazine.

We're excited to announce that Betty will be featured in one of our upcoming episodes. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of community support. If you or someone you know is raising their grandchildren, we encourage you to reach out and share your story with us. Our stories matter, and together, we can inspire and uplift one another.

We celebrate inspirational women like Betty who embody the belief that Every Woman Is Worth It. If you or someone you know is the primary caregiver for their grandchildren, encourage them to share their story with us. Every story matters. Let's continue to elevate and celebrate their challenges as well as their success!

Best,

Laura Brazan

CEO/Founder

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