The Kinship Connection”

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Join us for Episode 23 — “Junk Journey’s End” and discover what you might be ready to keep, what you might be ready to release, and what you’d like to make room for. Jan Johnson and Special Guest Maria talk about reaching the end of our “junk journey” and remind ourselves that maybe the end of our "Junk Journey" isn’t really an ending at all. Maybe it’s making room for what comes next.

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Becoming a kinship caregiver can change the entire family dynamic. Relationships may shift, roles can become complicated, and sometimes the people we once felt closest to may not fully understand the challenges of raising a relative’s child.

In Episode 22, Jan and Stephanie talk about the importance of maintaining connections with family while navigating the responsibilities of kinship caregiving.

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As kinship caregivers, we often spend so much of our time and energy caring for the children in our lives that we can lose sight of our own needs, feelings, and sense of self.

In Episode 21, Jan Johnson and Stephanie Bressler Ratcliffe explore the importance of staying connected to ourselves while navigating the joys, challenges, and responsibilities of kinship caregiving.

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As kinship caregivers, we can become so focused on the challenges in front of us that we forget to look back and recognize just how far we—and the children in our care—have come.

In Episode 20, Jan Johnson and Stephanie Bressler Ratcliffe welcome their special guest Darcy from their grandparents group. Together they take time to reflect on the growth, strength, healing, and hope that can emerge throughout the kinship caregiving journey.

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In Episode 19, Jan Johnson and Stephanie Bressler Ratcliffe talk about what it means to stay connected while navigating the demands of kinship caregiving.

When you become a kinship caregiver, life changes—and sometimes our relationships change right along with it.

Between caring for the children, managing appointments, school, family responsibilities, and everyday challenges, it can be easy to lose touch with the people and connections that once played an important role in our lives.

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In this episode of The Kinship Connection, Jan Johnson and Stephanie Bressler Ratcliffe talk about Connection Care—the simple, everyday ways we can strengthen our relationships with the children in our care.

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In Episode 17, Jan Johnson and Stephanie Bressler Ratcliffe are joined by guest teachers Valerie & Lisa to discuss the unique challenges kinship families may face in the school setting and how caregivers and educators can work together to better understand and support the children in their care.

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“Back to School Bash: Gearing for a Successful School Year”

The backpacks are packed, the pencils are sharpened, and a brand-new school year is just around the corner! 🎉

Join Jan & Stephanie as they discuss practical tips, helpful strategies, and encouragement to help children and families start the school year confident, prepared, and ready to thrive! 💙

From getting organized and establishing routines to supporting academic success and creating a positive mindset, Jan & Stephanie share ideas to help caregivers and children gear up for a successful school year.

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In this episode, Jan Johnson and Stephanie Bressler Ratcliffe explore why traditional parenting and discipline methods may not meet the needs of children who have experienced trauma, loss, or major life changes. We discuss letting go of outdated expectations, responding to behavior with greater understanding, and creating new family rules built on connection, consistency, safety, and trust.

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Every loving choice we make today helps shape a child’s tomorrow.

In this inspiring episode, Jan Johnson and Stephanie Bressler Ratcliffe welcome special guest Senta Kline for a heartfelt conversation about guiding children toward a future filled with hope, confidence, and possibility.