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 Licensed Professional Counselor and survivor of childhood trauma- Stacy Schaffer.

🎙️ Episode Spotlight: Healing the Past to Nurture the Future with Stacy Schaffer

The Unseen Legacy: Stopping the Cycle of Trauma

Every grandparent who takes on the role of raising their grandchildren makes a fierce promise: I will do things differently. Yet, so many of us find ourselves repeating patterns—unwanted reactions, old anxieties, and emotional triggers—rooted in our own childhood history.

This week, we sit down for a deeply moving and practical conversation with Stacy Schaffer, a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and survivor of childhood trauma. Stacy brings a unique and essential voice, combining the wisdom of a clinician with the lived experience of healing deep wounds.

A Counselor’s Courage: From Survivor to Healer

Stacy’s journey is a powerful testament to the idea that our past does not have to define our future. She will guide us through understanding how unhealed childhood trauma manifests in our adult parenting and grand-parenting, often silently dictating how we respond to stress, conflict, and our grandchildren's emotional needs.

We discuss:

• Recognizing the Triggers: How to identify the moments when your grand-parenting responses are being driven by a five-year-old version of yourself, rather than your present, loving self.
• The Power of Self-Compassion: Why healing isn't about blaming your own parents, but about giving yourself the grace and validation you didn't receive as a child.
• Building Emotional Safety: Practical steps to create an environment where your grandchildren feel safe to express their emotions, helping to ensure the cycle of trauma ends with you.

This is a conversation about hope, honesty, and the incredible strength required to consciously change your family's emotional legacy.

What You Will Take Away:

• Validation: Understand that your struggles are normal and are tied to your personal history, not a lack of love.
• Red Flags: Learn the subtle signs that a childhood wound is resurfacing in your interactions with your family.
• Practical Tools: Get actionable advice from an LPC on setting boundaries and nurturing your own emotional needs first.

Don't miss this essential episode. The greatest gift you can give your grandchild is a healed, regulated, and present grandparent.Tune in to Episode 81: Straight Talk with Love: Addressing Childhood Trauma​​
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Insights & Inspirations A calendar of this month's episodes.

• Tuesday, October 7- Episode 81- Straight Talk with Love: Addressing Childhood Trauma​​
• Tuesday, October 14- Episode 82- A Grandmother and Grandfather That Are Fighting For Grandparent's Rights
• Tuesday, September 21- Episode 83 - Turning Pain into Policy: How a Grandparent's Loss is Fixing a Broken System with Rep. Jamie Thompson​
• Tuesday, September 28- Episode 84- Exposing the Behavioral Health and Addiction Treatment Industry for Troubled-Teens

❤️ Joyful Updates: The Heart of the Warrior

I am continually inspired by the incredible people that I meet through this community and the passion they bring to advocacy.

This last month's interviews reinforced the idea that fighting for what we believe in is deeply woven into our nature. Meeting Michigan State Representative Jamie Thompson (with co-host Craig Nash) was truly humbling. Her journey—from Licensed Practical Nurse and Certified Doula to a lawmaker raising her three grandchildren—shows true resilience.

Knowing advocates like grandparents "Cheri and Ken" (upcoming on Episode 82), Michigan Representative Jamie Thompson (upcoming Episode 83) remind me that when our "warrior DNA" is fueled by heart-led faith and passion, we accomplish greater outcomes.

I think you'll truly enjoy the Fall line-up of that we have in store for you!

Best,

Laura Brazan

CEO/Founder

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