The Grand Balance: A Working Grandmas Podcast

In this episode of The Grand Balance, hosts Angela and Sharon provide tips and experiences preparing for the holidays, including staying healthy during the festive season. They discuss the importance of flexibility and new traditions as family dynamics evolve, and explore creative, non-toy gift ideas that bring joy without the clutter.  In this episode you will also hear an inspiring grandma story and one of Sharon's Fabulous Finds.  

Join Angela and Sharon as they navigate the beautiful chaos of work, family, and the holiday season with wisdom and laughter.

Sharon's Fabulous Find: Beekeeper's Naturals Propolis Throat Spray

Join us for the first of this reoccurring segment of the "The Grand Balance," where our hosts respond to listener queries from the Working Grandmas Inbox.  In this episode, the grandmas discuss ideas on entertaining grandkids outside the home to explore fun-filled activities with their grandchildren. They also respond to the tricky question balancing parent requests with the desires of little ones during holiday seasons.  This week also includes one of Sharon's Fabulous Finds. 

Don't miss out on this delightful episode with practical tips to enhance your grandparenting journey!

Sharon's Fabulous Find:Tush Baby

In this episode of "The Grand Balance," hosts dive into the inspiring story of giving back by Lori Moore, a dedicated working grandmother from San Diego. Lori shares her journey from organizing community initiatives as a young mother to becoming a pivotal leader at Rady Children's Hospital Auxiliary. Her story is one of passion, commitment, and the relentless pursuit of making a difference in her community.

Lori discusses the early influences that sparked her philanthropic spirit and offers insights into how she balances her demanding professional life with her fulfilling role as a grandmother.  The episode also explores the importance of finding volunteer opportunities that align with personal passions, and Lori provides practical advice for those looking to get involved in their communities. 

Join us as we celebrate the incredible work of Lori Moore and learn how to integrate community service into our lives, all while maintaining the beautiful balance of family and work.

In this engaging episode of The Grand Balance, Angela and Sharon delve into the demanding world of modern parenting as highlighted by the U.S. Surgeon General warning: the increased stress levels faced by today's parents is causing a public health crisis. The hosts explore how intensive parenting, characterized by the need for constant enrichment and engagement with children, has escalated parental stress across all demographics. They discuss how grandparents can play a crucial role in alleviating this stress, offering practical support and emotional encouragement to their children. 

Tune in for an insightful discussion and leave with a renewed appreciation for the power of family support and the joy of grandparenting.

Episode Notes & Tips:

The NY Times Podcast Episode: The Parents Aren't All Right

Sharon's Fabulous Find: The Oura Ring

In this enlightening episode, we sit down with professional dog trainer Nicole Gossler to explore the crucial topic of dog safety around children. Nicole shares her wealth of knowledge on how to foster a harmonious relationship between pets and kids, emphasizing the importance of understanding canine behavior and body language.

Listeners will learn practical tips on how to introduce dogs to children safely, recognizing signs of stress in pets, and teaching kids how to interact appropriately with their furry friends. 

This episode is packed with valuable insights for working grandmas and parents alike, aiming to create a safe and loving environment for the whole family. Tune in for a thoughtful discussion that balances the joys of pet ownership with the responsibilities it entails!

Episode Notes: 

How to reach Nicole Gossler (Dog Trainer): 

SD Puppy Coach Instagram

SD Puppy Coach Facebook

Phone: (619) 254-7397

Email: [email protected]

In this episode of "The Grand Balance," hosts Sharon and Angela welcome a special guest, Carrie Whysall, a seasoned cybersecurity leader and a devoted grandma. Carrie shares her inspiring journey of balancing a demanding career in cybersecurity with the joys of being a grandmother. 

Carrie opens up about her professional challenges and triumphs, and discusses the growing concerns of cybercrime, particularly around popular social media platforms, and provides practical cybersecurity tips for individuals and families. Her emphasis on the significance of protecting not only ourselves but also our children from the potential threats of cyberbullying and data breaches is enlightening. 

Tune in to learn how to protect your loved ones in the digital age and gain insights into the delicate balance of work and family life.

Episode Notes: 

Carrie's Resources for Online Safety

Net Nanny

Qustodio

Kaspersky Safe Kids

Google Family Link

In this enlightening episode of The Grand Balance, we sit down with Sophie Zee, a child development expert, former school psychologist, and doula. Sophie shares her invaluable insights and evidence-based advice on raising children in a screen-free environment. As a mom herself, Sophie offers practical tips and guidance for parents and grandparents looking to foster healthier, more engaged family interactions without the reliance on screens.

Episode Notes & Tips:

Lovevery Play Kits

Guest Speaker Information:

https://www.instagram.com/schoolpsychmom/

Sophie Zee Books

Sophie Zee Shop

In this episode, Angela shares an inspiring yet challenging story about balancing her professional life with grand parenting responsibilities.

From unexpected travel hurdles to managing health issues, Angela recounts her busy week filled with work commitments and family time. Despite the challenges, she found ways to mix both worlds, even discovering some local gems along the way.

The conversation also explores practical tech tips and apps that can make life easier. Sharon discusses apps to stay organized and connected in today’s fast-paced world. They conclude with a reflection on meaningful relationships with grandchildren.

Join Angela and Sharon for an engaging episode filled with travel stories, useful tech advice, and thoughtful insights on modern grand parenting.

Episode Notes:

Download of Helpful Apps from Episode 13

Inspirational Grandma Sally Fields

In today's episode, we dive into the challenges of juggling different expectations of multiple sets of grandparents wanting to spend time with their grandchildren.

Join us as we share personal stories, insights, and tips on ensuring grandchildren develop positive attachments to all their grandparents, no matter the distance. We discuss the matrilineal advantage, the importance of technology in staying connected, and practical advice for keeping holidays conflict-free.

Don't miss out on our fabulous finds and listener tips to make your grandparenting journey smoother and more enjoyable.

Episode Notes & Tips: 

Sharon's Fabulous Find - Zoog

Tonies Box

In this episode, we’re joined by fitness expert Robbin Leopold to discuss how busy grandmas can achieve their fitness goals and make lasting health gains. Robin shares her top tips for establishing realistic goals, incorporating effective exercises into your routine, and using stacking techniques to stay consistent. We also highlight the importance of meditation and stretching at our age for maintaining overall well-being and flexibility. Whether you're a grandma looking to boost your energy or just take better care of yourself, this episode offers practical advice to help you stay active and healthy while managing your busy life. Tune in and get ready to make some goals and gains!

Episode Notes:

Inspirational Grandma - Olympic Trials Bronze Medalist