The Grand Balance: A Working Grandmas Podcast

In this edition of Ask the Grandmas, Angela and Sharon dive into a variety of real-life grandparenting topics submitted by listeners. They discuss affordable summer activities for grandchildren, navigating family dynamics with other grandparents, approaching sensitive safety concerns, balancing spouse time with grandchildren time, and finding the right role as a grandparent when it comes to discip...

In this episode of The Grand Balance, Angela and Sharon take a closer look at the often-complicated relationship between grandparents and teenagers. Inspired by the book Feeding the Mouth That Bites You by Dr. Kenneth Wilgus, they explore the concept of Planned Emancipation—a parenting approach that encourages gradually giving teens more independence as they prepare for adulthood. Along the way, A...

Can grandparents truly shape a child's future? In this episode, Angela and Sharon explore research on the powerful impact grandparents have on their grandchildren's emotional development, language skills, confidence, and decision-making. They discuss the unique role grandparents play in providing unconditional love, creating a sense of security, and strengthening family connections across generati...

In this episode of The Grand Balance, working grandmas Angela and Sharon discuss toddler tantrums, emotional regulation, attention-seeking behavior, and expert-backed strategies for handling meltdowns calmly. Plus, real-life stories about balancing family, caregiving, travel, health, and the chaos of modern grandparenting. Episode Notes:  Sharon's Fabulous Find: Roe Powder Sunscreen Impulse: Brain...

Caring for aging parents can feel overwhelming—especially for those in the sandwich generation balancing careers, kids/grandkids, and elder care. In this episode, Angela and Sharon talk with Kim Brant-Lucich, one of the authors of Survival Guide to Caring for Aging Parents, about how to navigate elder care planning, including assisted living options, in-home care, financial realities, legal docume...

In this episode, Angela and Sharon cover the realities of family travel with young grandchildren—from navigating flights and vacation logistics to finding ways for everyone (including parents and grandparents) to actually enjoy the trip. They kick things off with an honest conversation about grandparent boundaries after a new baby arrives and how family dynamics can shape those expectations. Along...

In this milestone 50th episode, Angela and Sharon reflect on their journey as working grandmas—sharing heartfelt stories, lessons learned, and a few laughs along the way.  They look back on standout guest interviews and the impact of topics like screen-free childhoods, skincare, and long-distance grandparenting. The conversation turns more personal as they explore what’s been most rewarding—and mo...

Angela and Sharon welcome special guest Kim, a high-energy grandma who turned monthly visits into a non-negotiable line in the budget so she can be the doting "Mimi" her granddaughters adore. From late-night flights and FaceTimes that feel like playdates, she shares how she balances work, travel, and unforgettable weekend snuggles — and why it’s totally worth it.

Grandkids learn more from what we do than what we say. In this episode, Angela and Sharon talk about the funny, surprising, and meaningful ways grandchildren copy the adults around them. From accidental bad habits to lifelong values and family traditions, they explore how grandparents influence the next generation—often without even realizing it. Episode notes: Sharon's Fabulous Find: Cold Brew Bo...

In this episode of The Grand Balance, Sharon and Angela share life updates and their words of the year—positivity and intentional—before diving into a relatable parenting challenge: kids lying. They unpack why children lie at different ages (from toddler “obvious lies” to pre-teen social pressure), how punitive reactions can backfire, and why labeling kids as “liars” can do harm. With funny storie...

In this episode of The Grand Balance, Angela and Sharon open with a heartfelt story about restoring a family baptism gown and why preserving traditions still matters. Then they jump into their relatable “Don’t Get Me Started” segment — from frustrating customer service bots to everyday mishaps no one warns you about. The heart of the episode focuses on an important refresh for grandparents: safety...

Angela and Sharon kick off the new year and Season 3 by recapping the holiday chaos: a New Year’s Eve C-section and  grandparenting a toddler (plus dogs!) during hospital time. They grade last year’s goals—sleep wins, water fails, and “why did I buy so many gifts?”, and share a big takeaway about toddlers meeting new siblings: timing matters. Angela also previews what it’s really like caring for t...

Hosts Sharon and Angela share laughter and real-life chaos as Sharon prepares for a second grandbaby.  Angela brings her experience with two under two, and her continued preparation for managing multiple grandbabies, including bringing nanny-tested advice on routines, flexible planning, gentle discipline vs. boundaries, syncing naps, and carving out one-on-one time — all tied together with holiday...

On this episode of The Grand Balance, Angela and Sharon interview Becky Livingston — certified travel and life coach, author of The Suitcase and the Jar, and founder of Vital Journeys at Any Age. Becky shares her personal story how in 2010 a brain tumor took the life of her daughter, Rachel. Twenty-three years old and an avid traveller, it was her dying wish to keep traveling.  Providing practical...

Hosts Angela and Sharon catch up on life — a lemon-themed baby sprinkle, a house full of energetic grandkids, and another "Don't Get Me Started" segment. They share practical tips for caring for two young grandchildren: safety first, routines, and potty-training strategies to simplify outings. The episode closes with encouragement for working grandmas, celebrating the community of active grandpare...

On this episode of The Grand Balance, aesthetician Sharon joins hosts Sharon and Angela to discuss skincare for women 50 and up along with younger mothers. The conversation explores at-home tools versus professional treatments, supplements, face, body and hand care, and practical tips for busy moms and women going through menopause or other hormonal changes to keep skin healthy and hydrated.   Epi...

On this episode of The Grand Balance, aesthetician and skin wellness expert Sharon joins the hosts to discuss the rise of social media-driven skincare trends and how grandparents and parents can guide tweens and teens toward healthy, age-appropriate routines.  The conversation covers practical tips for handling breakouts, safe product choices, the role of hygiene and diet, useful apps for checking...

Angela and Sharon kick off with a quick travel check-in before diving into a fresh “Don’t Get Me Started” .They spotlight an inspiring working grandma before diving into some book recommendations focusing on The Anxious Generation, which launches a candid discussion on kids, tech, and modern parenting. They summarize four foundational harms linked to digital life—social deprivation, sleep loss, at...

In this episode of The Grand Balance, Angela and Sharon kick off a brand new segment called “Don’t Get Us Started,” where they share lighthearted takes on the everyday things that confuse and annoy us all. From there, the conversation shifts to something deeper: the juggling balls theory—the idea that in life, some priorities are like glass balls (fragile and precious, such as health and family) w...

In this episode of The Grand Balance, Angela and Sharon reflect on what it means to wear many hats—professional, parental, and grandparental—all in one jam-packed week. From last-minute travel, big work presentations, and the excitement of another grandbaby on the way, it’s a whirlwind only a working grandma can understand. But the episode doesn’t stop there. The grandmas open up about imposter sy...

Welcome to another insightful episode of The Grand Balance, where Angela and Sharon dive into the ever-evolving dynamics between grandmothers, daughters, and daughters-in-law. They explore the natural yet complex dynamics that arise between maternal and in-law grandparents, grounded by family history, proximity, and personal relationships. The episode emphasizes the significance of respectful comm...

In this warm and insightful episode of The Grand Balance, Angela and Sharon celebrate the arrival of a new baby girl and explore the beautiful — and sometimes bumpy — transition that comes with introducing a newborn to an older sibling. With heartfelt stories and expert-backed strategies, they reflect on the vital role grandparents play in helping the whole family adjust during this tender time. S...

In this emotional episode of The Grand Balance, Angela and Sharon grapple with the experience of losing a beloved pet and the impact it has on young children. They delve into age-appropriate ways to explain and process pet loss, offering heartfelt advice for helping kids through grief. The episode also covers essential tips for transitioning into the summer months, including exploring useful strat...

Welcome to The Grand Balance podcast, where we explore the unique intersection of work and family from a grandmother's perspective. In this episode, Sharon and Angela delve into the world of dual language education with special guest Sylvia Ulloa, a seasoned educator and program manager in the multilingual education department at the San Diego Unified School District. Sylvia shares her journey and...

Welcome to a lively episode of The Grand Balance, where Angela and Sharon dig into listener questions that echo the challenges many grandmas face. This conversation addresses varied questions such as techniques for working grandmas to get better sleep, navigating the sensitive subject of perceived favoritism among grandchildren, delving into the challenges pleasing the whole family while accommoda...