Grandparenthood

In this festive episode of "Grandparenthood," Ben and Ian chat about the pivotal role of grandparents during Christmas. This episode dives into the seasonal joys and challenges that grandparents encounter during the holiday period, filled with warmth, generosity and not taking Christ out of Christmas.  Throughout the episode, Ian shares thoughtful perspectives on the importance of Christmas for grandparents, highlighting how it embodies hope, love, and community. Addressing the complexities of Christmas when family is distant or relationships are strained, Ian provides practical tips on maintaining connections, like using technology for virtual celebrations or creating new community-oriented traditions. Emphasizing faith as a linchpin for the holiday, the conversation touches on how grandparents can utilize Christmas as an opportunity to impart values and spiritual connections to their grandchildren. Explore the dynamic conversation that encapsulates making the most out of this magical season as a grandparent. Key Takeaways: Christmas is a season of hope, joy, and reflection, offering grandparents a special opportunity to impart love and traditions to their families. The importance of respecting unique journeys during the holidays; not all grandparents find this time joyous due to loss or distance from family. Practical strategies for embracing the Christmas spirit, such as community involvement and leveraging technology for remote family connections. The role of faith during the Christmas season, with a focus on the significance of Jesus' birth and the soul of the celebration. Creative ways grandparents can share in the magic of Christmas with their grandchildren, from traditional gatherings to playful activities. Notable Quotes: "Christmas really is a special time for everyone, because who you are as a grandparent is captured by all that Christmas is about." "I love watching my grandkids look at the lights and decorations; there's another magic that happens in their lives at that point."  "Christmas is about when love came down, and it's the best connection point for grandparents with their faith." "People are sitting at home thinking there was a day when people used to drop in. I wish we could have that day back." "It's not only about giving presents; it's about explaining why we do it—showing kindness, generosity, and love." Click here for more on Ian Barnett, National Grandparent Movement and extra resources. Episodes hosted by Ben McEachen from Hope 1032 in Sydney, Australia. Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at hopepodcasts.com.au. And send the team a message (Message the GrandParenthood Team) or via Hope 103.2’s app, Facebook or Instagram.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A podcast proudly produced by Hope Media - She Wasn’t Born Yesterday is hosted by Janet Evans, a senior advertising creative and Jenni Woodhouse a semi retired social worker. Join the discussion of being 40+ faaabulous on Facebook. About the Guest: Lyn Worsley is a renowned clinical psychologist and the director of the Resilience Centre. With nearly 30 years of experience, Lyn has contributed significantly to understanding and promoting mental health and resilience across various groups. Her approach often involves solution-oriented therapies, focusing on building resilience and leveraging existing strengths in individuals. Lyn is also recognised for developing the internationally acclaimed Resilience Doughnut model, which aims to identify and strengthen key resources within individuals and communities to enhance resilience. Key Takeaways: The "imaginary audience" phenomenon is crucial in understanding why adolescents are highly self-conscious and anxious about fitting in with peers. Resilience can be nurtured by identifying and leveraging three key resources from the Resilience Doughnut: personal competencies, social ecology, and overcoming adversity. Parents are encouraged to engage with their teens' interests, such as gaming or fashion, to foster better communication and connection. Anxiety is a common part of development, but when it impairs daily functioning, it may require intervention and professional support. Key indicators of anxiety disorders include withdrawal from social situations, circular thinking, and avoidance of school and activities. Notable Quotes: Lyn Worsley: "Anxiety is a symptom that there is something going on in the brain that's in conflict, and it's just trying to work out how to reconcile whatever that is." Lyn Worsley: "When they're recoiling, not wanting to go to school, or having circular thinking—that's when you need to be alerted." Lyn Worsley: "Medication can aid, but therapy should never be excluded for adolescent anxiety; they should work together." Lyn Worsley: "Resilience involves personal and social competence, navigating social ecologies, and going through adversity." Resources: The Resilience Centre Murdoch Children's Research Institute Black Dog Institute She Wasn’t Born Yesterday, hosted by Janet Evans, a senior advertising creative and Jenni Woodhouse a semi retired social worker Join the discussion of being 40+ faaabulous on Facebook. Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at hopepodcasts.com.au. And send the team a message via Hope 103.2’s app, Facebook or Instagram.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ben and Ian explore the core question: should grandparents' homes be tech-free zones to provide a sanctuary from today's digital world? With a nuanced understanding of the role technology plays in modern family life, they share practical strategies for implementing tech-free environments during grandkids' visits, while also acknowledging the benefits of shared screen time. They offer insightful advice on setting boundaries, fostering real-world connections, and creating enchanting experiences reminiscent of simpler times before the digital revolution. Key Takeaways: Grandparents should aim to balance technology use with opportunities for real-world engagement and connection during visits. Intentional activities like games, outdoor adventures, and creative projects can help divert attention from screens and foster meaningful interactions. Technology isn't inherently evil, but the excessive reliance and lack of boundaries around it can pose challenges for family dynamics. Understanding the age-related differences in technology use is crucial for setting appropriate limits and expectations. Encourage activities that offer a "taste of heaven," highlighting the value of personal relationships and real-world experiences. Notable Quotes: "We need to dive into what to do about devices and screen time for our grandkids." "Technology is just another thing that's out there; it's how you engage with it." "You gotta actually think about what you're gonna do if it's not going to be devices." Click here for more on Ian Barnett, National Grandparent Movement and extra resources. Episodes hosted by Ben McEachen from Hope 1032 in Sydney, Australia. Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at hopepodcasts.com.au. And send the team a message (Message the GrandParenthood Team) or via Hope 103.2’s app, Facebook or Instagram.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode we delve into the pressures that affect the pursuit of hobbies during different life stages, looking at common obstacles such as family responsibilities and financial burdens. Ian reminisces about his affection for motorbikes and the influence of familial pressures on hobby pursuits. The discussion also reflects on rebounding into once-loved pastimes or adopting new ones in later life. Engaging in hobbies can be beneficial for self-care and mental wellness, and they encourage re-igniting past interests or exploring new ones. Furthermore, this episode underscores the potential for including grandchildren in hobbies, fostering intergenerational engagement through shared activities. Key Takeaways: Hobbies can significantly contribute to personal fulfillment and serve as a form of self-care, particularly for grandparents. Life responsibilities often interrupt hobbies during parenting years, yet retirement or grandparenting can be an ideal time to rediscover or establish new interests. Past hobbies, although set aside, can be reintroduced into one's current lifestyle, potentially enhancing family bonds, especially when shared with grandchildren. While exploring hobbies, it's essential to remain mindful that they do not become idols or negatively impact family relationships or financial health. Activities like watching movies, woodworking, or even just coffee outings with friends can qualify as hobbies that bring joy and community connection. Notable Quotes: "It's good to have something outside of that that either you just own or just really emphasizes who you are as a person." "There is life outside of golf. I know it's hard to believe." "Find those interests and enjoy them and even share them with someone." "A hobby can become an idol. And that can come at the expense of your family, your marriage." "There's always something to talk about. There's something different, and they look forward to it. That's the other thing about a hobby." Click here for more on Ian Barnett, National Grandparent Movement and extra resources. Episodes hosted by Ben McEachen from Hope 1032 in Sydney, Australia. Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at hopepodcasts.com.au. And send the team a message (Message the GrandParenthood Team) or via Hope 103.2’s app, Facebook or Instagram.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Marriage counseling remains crucial even for older couples, as life involves various seasons requiring adaptation and learning. This episode delves into resources available for grandparents, including relationship counseling programs by Anglicare and insightful works by authors like Gary Chapman. Through candid anecdotes and practical advice, Ben and Ian highlight the significance of addressing marital issues proactively, encouraging listeners to view counseling as a tool for nurturing stronger bonds rather than merely solving problems. Key Takeaways: Marriage can have distinct seasons, and older couples often face unique challenges requiring renewed attention to their relationships. Professional counseling can be beneficial at any life stage, including grandparenting, to maintain and improve marital health. Open communication and addressing marital issues before they escalate are vital in preserving relationship health over time. Resources such as Gary Chapman’s "The Four Seasons of Marriage" and programs by Anglicare can be instrumental for grandparents looking to enhance their marital relationships. The importance of having honest, heartfelt conversations about relationship challenges with partners is emphasized throughout the episode. Notable Quotes: "I would encourage people to actually check those things out. There's also books about how you navigate each season of married life." "If you don't set aside time, sadly, issues just get glossed over until a point in time happens." "When you look in the mirror and when you start to reflect or analyze, you may have to change. Therein lies the problem." "You might have your act together better than you used to because wisdom matters and relationships matter." "We might have our act together, but that doesn't somehow mean it gets easier with time." Click here for more on Ian Barnett, National Grandparent Movement and extra resources. Episodes hosted by Ben McEachen from Hope 1032 in Sydney, Australia. Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at hopepodcasts.com.au. And send the team a message (Message the GrandParenthood Team) or via Hope 103.2’s app, Facebook or Instagram.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.