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!
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Podcast Spotlight
Licensed psychologist and author - Dr. Gloria Vanderhorst.
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Have you ever watched a little boy take a spill and heard, “Shake it off! Be a man!”—while his sister might be scooped up and comforted instead? It’s something that tugs at my heart because we don’t always realize the lifelong scars those little words can leave. For so many of us, especially those raising grandsons, the pain is real: we see our boys struggling to express themselves, holding back tears, and learning that “being tough” means shutting down their softer side. And honestly? It can feel downright impossible to know how to help them open up in a world that keeps telling them to stay silent.
Which brings me to what we’re talking about today—how we as grandparents can raise emotionally whole boys and break the cycle of emotional silence.
Today we discuss the hidden ways our culture (and even well-meaning families) create what our guest, Gloria Vanderhorst, calls “an emotional desert” for boys—starting from toddlerhood, when boys’ natural exuberance is mislabeled as a problem, to the way we train boys to ignore or shut off their full range of feelings. We share the real consequences of this emotional repression, like stunted relationships and even bigger societal issues. We’ll delve deep into what hasn’t worked—acting like boys don’t need comfort or refusing to let them show emotion—and, most importantly, we talk about the tools you can use instead. From practical tips like putting lists of feeling words on your kitchen table, to embracing Gloria’s advice on how to create emotionally safe spaces where boys feel seen, heard, and accepted without conditions—this episode is packed with hope and healing for families like ours.
Thanks so much for joining us today for another episode of Grandparent's Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through Adversity.
Like the show? Share this episode with a friend. Love the show? If you’re listening on Apple or Spotify, leave a review. Email me at laurabrazan@granparents-raising-grandchildren.org. Check out our website at grandparents-raising-grandchildren.org and follow us on Facebook @Grandparents Raising Grandchildren - Nurturing Through Adversity.
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Insights & Inspirations
A calendar of this month's episodes.
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Joyful Updates
We’re going places! Our podcast has reached some milestones since we launched in June and more…
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Get Ready for Coach Yana!
Hello, wonderful listeners!
We're buzzing with excitement here at Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing through Adversity, and we can't wait to share what's coming next week! As the school bells prepare to ring, we know many of you are thinking about how to navigate the digital world with your grandchildren. How can we ensure they're connecting online in ways that are not only safe and fun, but truly engaging and beneficial?
Well, get ready for some fantastic insights! Next week, on August 19th, we're thrilled to bring you Episode 74 featuring the incredible Coach Yana, "The Laptop Life Coach."
I have to tell you, I personally struggle with the kids playing games online, but Coach Yana makes it safe and so much more fun. In fact, her Outschool programs are so engaging that I've even signed up my own granddaughter for one! Coach Yana is a Confidence Coach dedicated to building confidence in the next generation of leaders through fun and play. She's a true expert in helping kids thrive in the digital age. She'll be sharing her invaluable strategies on how to guide our young ones toward positive online socialization. We'll explore how to balance screen time with real-world connection, discover platforms that foster healthy interactions, and empower our kids to be confident and safe digital citizens.
This episode is packed with practical advice that will help your grandchildren feel more prepared and positive for their school year, and give you peace of mind.
Mark your calendars for August 19th! You won't want to miss this vital conversation with Coach Yana!
Stay joyful,
Laura Brazan
CEO/Founder
​https://www.grandparents-raising-grandchildren.org/​
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