The Kinship Connection”

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! In Episode 25, Jan Johnson and Stephanie Bressler Ratcliffe explore the importance of building meaningful connections within our communities and how those connections can grow into relationships that provide strength, encouragement, understanding, and hope. Together, we'll discuss the differenc...

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! In Episode 24 , Jan Johnson and Special Guest Host Maria discuss how kinship caregivers can support children as they navigate connections with parents, siblings, grandparents, extended family, friends, teachers, and other important people in their lives.

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! 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...

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! 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 impo...

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.

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 th...

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 los...

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.

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.

“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 establishi...

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.

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.

In this episode, kinship grandmothers Jan Johnson and Stephanie Bressler Ratcliffe explore how we can nurture growth in the children we love while continuing to grow ourselves as caregivers. Together, they discuss how patience, encouragement, resilience, and hope can help children heal from trauma and discover their strengths.

In this heartwarming episode of The Kinship Connection , Jan Johnson and Stephanie Bressler Ratcliffe celebrate the memories that shape our families while exploring how kinship caregivers can help children create new memories filled with love, stability, and hope. Together, they discuss why preserving family stories and traditions is especially meaningful for children who have experienced trauma a...

Every kinship caregiving journey begins with unexpected challenges—but it doesn't end there. In this uplifting episode of The Kinship Connection , Jan Johnson and Stephanie Bressler Ratcliffe explore how caregivers can move beyond simply surviving and begin creating new possibilities for themselves and the children in their care. Together, they discuss finding hope after heartbreak, celebrating sm...

In this heartfelt episode, hosts Jan Johnson and Stephanie Bressler Ratcliffe discuss why self-care isn't selfish—it's essential. From managing stress and avoiding caregiver burnout to finding simple moments of peace, they share practical ideas and personal experiences that remind us an emotionally healthy caregiver is better equipped to provide the love, stability, and support our children need.

In this heartfelt episode, kinship grandmothers Jan Johnson and Stephanie Bressler Ratcliffe explore the importance of building a community of support for both caregivers and the children in their care. They discuss creating traditions that bring families together, welcoming trusted friends into your circle, and making connections with others so that every child feels safe, valued, and loved.

Summer is here, and on this episode of Kinship Connection , hosts Stephanie Bressler Ratcliffe & Jan Johnson are diving into all things summer! Being a kinship caregiver doesn't take a vacation when school lets out. Summer can bring unique challenges, but it also creates opportunities to build memories, strengthen bonds, and celebrate the special moments that make family so meaningful. Kinship...

Episode 7: "Kinship Rocks" Kinship caregiving isn't always easy, but one thing is certain— Kinship Rocks! In this uplifting episode, hosts Jan Johnson and Stephanie Bressler Ratcliffe celebrate the incredible strength, resilience, and dedication of kinship caregivers. From overcoming challenges to creating stable, loving homes for children, kinship caregivers are making a difference every single d...

In this episode, Jan and Stephanie talk about how kinship caregivers often find strength they never knew they had. Through hard days, emotional challenges, family stress, and unexpected responsibilities, caregivers discover resilience, patience, courage, and a deeper love for the children in their care. This episode is a reminder that even in the middle of struggle, there is growth. You are strong...

Every kinship caregiver faces storms—some expected, many not. From family crises and financial strain to navigating schools, agencies, health challenges, and the emotional weight of raising children unexpectedly, the journey can feel overwhelming at times. In this episode of The Kinship Connection , kinship grandmothers Jan Johnson and Stephanie Bressler Ratcliffe discuss how caregivers can weathe...

“Dumpster Diaries” is a real and relatable conversation about the chaos, stress, and emotional overload that kinship caregivers face every day. Jan and Stephanie share honest stories, and encouragement for grandparents and relatives doing their best to hold everything together — even when life feels completely overwhelming especially when being dumped on by someone else.

Jan & Stephanie discuss with their guest Denise, the emotional and physical stress of kinship caregiving, recognizing burnout, and learning how to reset mentally and emotionally while raising grandchildren.

“It takes a village — and you already belong to one.” Kinship grandmothers Jan Johnson and Stephanie Bressler Ratcliffe share heartfelt conversations about the people who make up their “village” — the family, friends, neighbors, support groups, and community members who help them navigate the joys and challenges of kinship caregiving. In this episode, Jan and Stephanie remind caregivers that askin...

“Let’s Get Started...Meet the Voices Behind The Kinship Connection” The Kinship Connection is a weekly podcast hosted by kinship grandparents Jan Johnson and Stephanie Bressler Ratcliffe. Through honest and heartfelt conversations, they explore the real-life joys and challenges of raising grandchildren and stepping into the role of caregiver. Each episode offers encouragement, practical insight, a...