The Value of Wrinkles

How do you explain autism or ADHD to a grandparent who just doesn't get it yet? In this episode, Isabel Tom sits down with Kim Botto—a seasoned educator, speaker, and grandmother of eleven—to talk about how to help older generations understand neurodivergence in kids. This is part 2 of our conversation. With decades of experience in trauma-informed care and family ministry, Kim shares practical ti...

Do you have a child with autism, ADHD, or sensory needs—and wonder how to help them build a real connection with their grandparents? In this powerful episode of The Value of Wrinkles , host Isabel Tom shares her personal journey of discovering ADHD as an adult and parenting children who are wired differently. She's joined by Kim Botto, a trauma-informed parenting expert and TBRI Practitioner®, to...

Listen to a yahoo moment from doing the Grandkid Investigator Kit with my son. In this episode I share how my son learned about his grandma's routine and helped me know how to plan his grandma's next birthday celebration. Highlights: 3:35 - What happens when we teach our kids to ask questions 4:09 - The importance of helping our kids have conversation with grandparents 5:05 – What my son told me t...

Have you ever heard of the "daughter penalty"? Maybe not by name, but I bet you've felt it. It's also called the caregiving penalty, and it's the cost—financial, emotional, and mental—that often comes when daughters step up to care for their aging parents. So, whether you're a daughter doing it all, a son who wants to understand better, or someone who just loves someone in this season—this episode...

When is the best time for YOU to schedule a visit with the grandparents or your aging parents? Today's episode focuses on being intentional in terms of when you choose to spend time with the elders in your life. We want our visits with the grandparents/parents to be meaningful, beneficial, happy and life-giving, but in order for that to happen it's possible that we need to consider the timing of w...

In this episode, I delve into the experiences three kids have had using Grandkid Investigator Kit (GKI) mission. What have kids learend about their grandparents? Through engaging missions, kids uncover fun facts and stories about their grandparents to foster STRONGER bonds with grandparents. Here's a way that parents/grandparents can create memories and stronger bonds in a very simple and easy way...

Are you afraid to say how old are you now? Here are some tips that I'm preaching to myself to we can celebrate our next birthday! Highlights: 1:02 – The Own Your Age Photobooth 3:30 – Instead of dreading my birthday, I'm going to be a life giver. 4:48 – Asian Grandmas and how they're different 5:58 – Let your age be your battle scar 8:03 – Replace "aging" with "living". 10:19 – 2 Cor 4:16 Therefor...

Isn't it interesting that at different times in their lives, moms would want different types of gifts? In this episode, I thought it would be fun to chat about what young moms want and what older moms want for Mother's Day. What Young Moms Want vs. What Older Moms Want 📩 Connect with me at https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/signup and tell me what you think about this episode! Grab the Grandkid Inve...

Your parents or in-laws just aren't kid people. They're not friendly. They're not engaging and they don't know how to interact with the grandkids. We do want our kids to know their grandparents, but because the grandparents aren't kid people, we get frustrated. In this episode, I want to help you work through this issue! HIGHLIGHTS 2:08 – They want to engage but, they feel inadequate in connecting...

Do you remember a time when we couldn't see our families in person? Do you remember when families had to visit with their elders with a window of glass in between? The next time you get together with your family, here are some important reminders: Reminders the next time you're tired of meeting together. Grandparents don't live forever. It's a gift to get to be with your loved ones in person. Ques...

If you're considering a career serving older adults, this episode is for you! Whether you're fresh out of school or seeking a second career, you'll get practical next steps to break into the field. Learn how to find a mentor, volunteer, start with part-time roles, and network with professionals. Plus, get tips on effective job searching in aging services. Tune in for actionable insights that can h...

In this episode, I chat with Becky Donahue, a social worker at WinterGrowth, a medical adult day program. When I first considered working with older adults, I thought being a nurse was the only way to help, but after meeting Bob Van Dyk, I discovered many other paths in senior care. Becky shares her journey into the field, what it's like to work in a medical adult day care setting, and how she hel...

This is the 2nd episode in our Careers in Aging Series. In today's episode we are going behind the scenes with Jamie Arthur. I ask him what he tells people when they ask him what he does. We find the typical hours of someone who works in this field, how he got into this field and more. Whether you're a young professional who's exploring possible career paths OR you're just curious and want to list...

This is the first episode in our Careers in Aging Series. Today I'm sharing with you 5 things I learned from working in the senior care field. They might surprise you! 5 Things I Learned: You get to help people, but they help you too! There's job security The people in the senior care field are GOOD company! You will grieve the decline/death of older people you serve. Serving people at the end of...

In today's episode, we're exploring why some grandparents and older individuals may seem reluctant to share their life stories, even when we want to learn more about their past. While many people want to leave a legacy, there are several reasons why some might hold back. Let's dive into the four most common reasons: 1. Their Story is Hard to Tell 2. They Want to Protect You 3. They Don't Think You...

On today's episode, we're diving into the tradition of celebrating the 100th Day of School with a controversial activity: dressing up as "old people." While meant to be fun, could this practice unintentionally teach kids to mock rather than respect older generations? We explore how this tradition may be insensitive to families and staff who have elderly relatives facing aging-related challenges. D...

In this special episode, we're celebrating my mom's 75th birthday by sharing her incredible story. My mom has lived through challenges, immigration, and poverty, yet her journey is one of resilience, faith, and gratitude. Hear a heartfelt recording of her sharing her story—one that reminds us all how understanding our family's past helps us appreciate our own story even more. Plus, I'm excited to...

The Grandkid Investigator Kit is the perfect gift for grandparents and grandchildren alike! Today I'm sharing how this intergenerational activity is being used to help grandkids connect with their grandparents in a simple and FUN way! Learn what The Value of Wrinkles is doing to support nonprofits and how you bring more GOOD into the world through buying the Grandkid Investigator Kit. I'm also sha...

You may visit your parent/grandparents during the holidays, but here's why visiting in January matters! Website: valueofwrinkles.com Sign up for my newsletter: valueofwrinkles.com/signup Instagram: @isabelctom

Today I'm breaking out the Bible and using the Discovery Bible Method to break down 1 Timothy 5:4 and why it's important to share particularly with youth groups/teens/young adults. If you're a pastor, preacher, youth pastor or ministry leader, listen to this episode to hear what the Bible instructs us to do in regard to grandparents. Shownotes available at ⁠valuefowrinkles.com/listen⁠ . Resources...

In this episode, we'll explore meaningful ways to honor and celebrate Grandparents Day within your faith community. In this episode, Isabel will guide you through three simple steps you can use to create a special and heartwarming Grandparents Day celebration that truly shows your appreciation for the older generation. Prayer and gift ideas included! Highlights: We'll talk about the topic of celeb...

How do deal with aging parents who are difficult, challenging, sometimes stubborn and resistant? Dealing with elderly family members who are difficult can leave you as an adult child or grandchild stressed and frustrated. Listen to today's episode to get three tips on how to care for "difficult" family members. Highlights: 3 things to remember when you have "difficult parents" Not think of them as...

Today I'm sharing why I've been shy about talking about my digital course, even though I'm the most passionate about it. The Prepare to Care digital course is a course that supports caregivers and even those who are not yet caregivers but want to love and honor their elders well. Highlights: The type of Instagram posts I love reading and following Why I'm rarely share my digital course when I shou...

Today I'm sharing a great intergenerational resource for homeschool moms who want to connect their kids with grandparents. This resource called the Family Resource Guide by Rhondalyn Richardson can be used as part of your homeschool curriculum Rhondalyn, a homeschool mom, uses her Family Worship Guides to help families study the history and Scripture behind famous hymns. She includes fun and engag...

Have you ever wondered what it is like to be with someone who is actively dying? I'm sharing with you my experience and while the end of life is not always something we talk about, I hope that it will benefit and comfort those who listen. Listen to episode 59 to know why I'm answering questions. Also, sign up for my email list and send me questions you might like answered either in future episodes...