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Explore the dynamics of being a grandparent in your 40s with the unique challenges and opportunities faced by younger grandparents, including juggling parenting, careers, and building a legacy. Ian shares insights on the evolving role of grandparents, the importance of patience, and managing expectations while maintaining family relationships. Whether you're navigating this journey yourself or know someone who is, this thoughtful conversation offers perspective on embracing the joys and complexities of grandparenting across different life stages. Key Takeaways: Becoming a grandparent in your 40s offers energetic involvement, balancing with ongoing parental responsibilities and career commitments. There's an evolving concept of grandparenthood due to changing societal norms, with people experiencing it across a broader age range. The perspective between younger and older grandparents shifts from active engagement to contemplating legacy and life impact. Grandparents must navigate their roles with adaptability, setting realistic expectations and boundaries to maintain personal and familial balance. Regardless of age, being present and intentional in a grandchild's life is imperative to fostering lasting, meaningful relationships. Notable Quotes: "If you're a grandparent in your 40s, there'll be different expectations and pressures because you're still in the world of raising your students." "It's not better or worse. I think when you're in your 40s, you're thinking, how can I be involved now with my kids' kids?" "When I'm older, I want to leave them something that matters. I want to leave them something they can remember me about." "Don't compare yourself to others. Just enjoy what it is. Don't be annoyed at what you can't do. Rejoice in what you can do." "It actually might mean that you'll be a young great-grandparent, so you might get to see things that I'll never experience." 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.

Join Ben and Ian as they chat with Jenny Sawyer from Anglicare about what it means to volunteer as a grandparent. Discover why grandparents like Rod and Robyn, active in disaster recovery and community service, find fulfillment and purpose in giving back. Learn about the diverse ways grandparents can volunteer, the impact of their contributions, and how personal skills can be leveraged to serve. This conversation offers encouraging insights into the role of elders in fostering intergenerational support and community connection. Places you could volunteer Hope 103.2: Volunteer at Hope 103.2 National Grandparent Movement: Visit ngmlegacy.com.au for the National Grandparent Movement. Anglicare Australia: Visit anglicare.org for more information on volunteering opportunities. Live Up: Visit liveup.org.au various volunteering ideas for retirees.  Volunteering Australia: Visit volunteeringaustralia.org for the national peak body for volunteering. Key Takeaways: Volunteering Provides Fulfillment: Volunteering offers grandparents a sense of purpose and joy, allowing them to contribute their time and experience in meaningful ways. Diverse Volunteer Opportunities: Grandparents can volunteer in numerous capacities, from disaster recovery efforts to community outreach through simple acts of kindness. Intergenerational Impact: Volunteering helps strengthen bonds across generations, as grandparents model compassion and service for their grandchildren. Practical Training and Flexibility: Organizations like Anglicare offer streamlined training for volunteers, making it easy and accessible even for those with limited time. Significant Contribution by Retirees: Grandparents are a critical force within the volunteer community, significantly contributing to the economy through unpaid care and service. Notable Quotes: "Why wouldn't I choose to do that?" - Jenny Sawyer on the motivation behind volunteering as a grandparent. "You will come to a point where you think, I'm still able to do stuff, I wonder what's out there." - Ian Barnett reflecting on the ongoing value of contributing even in older age. "I think people are volunteering in all sorts of ways." - Ian Barnett expanding on the various forms volunteering can take. "An 8-minute phone call can make the difference of looking forward to having a chat." - Jenny Sawyer on the impact of simple connections. "70% of our volunteer workforce in disaster recovery are grandparents." - Jenny Sawyer highlighting grandparents' role in disaster response. 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.

As many navigate the shift from parenting to grandparenting, this episode digs into the challenges and joys of setting boundaries, fostering trust, and the role of mutual respect. With Ian's deep expertise, listeners are introduced to the concept of affection in familial relationships, and how it can be expressed beyond traditional norms. The conversation highlights the necessity of embracing changing roles and perceptions within family hierarchies. Key Takeaways: Mutual Respect and Trust: Establishing boundaries and respecting individual decisions are key in maintaining healthy relationships with adult children. Biblical Insights: Applying biblical principles such as love, patience, and forgiveness plays a crucial role in family dynamics. Self-awareness and Growth: Encourage self-reflection to understand personal biases and obstacles in nurturing family relationships. Shared Effort in Relationships: Success in relationships requires commitment and active participation from all parties involved. Adapting to Change: Embracing the evolving roles of grandparents and adult children helps in adjusting to new family dynamics. Notable Quotes: "I've always thought to myself that grandparenting isn't a right. Being a grandparent is a privilege."  "Grace and forgiveness have got to be the key aspects of how we define a healthy relationship." "We have to be affectionate, love those around us, regardless of views or disagreements." "Healthy conflict means you can have disagreement and still love and appreciate that." "Don't make the grandkids the battleground. Keep it space. What can you do? Pray. Always pray." 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.

Ben and Ian explore the pivotal role of teaching the fear of the Lord to grandchildren. Ian emphasizes reverence, respect, and awe for God as foundations for making wise choices and understanding life's purpose. They discuss how modern language might dilute the concept and how modeling respect in everyday actions can teach this principle effectively. Highlighting scriptures from both the Old and New Testaments, they intertwine the wisdom of fearing God with the significance of Jesus. This episode aims to empower grandparents to impart enduring spiritual values to their families. Key Takeaways: Teaching "the fear of the Lord" is crucial for spiritual growth, emphasizing respect, awe, and reverence for God. Integrating Jesus within the broader discussion of fearing the Lord underlines the importance of understanding God’s character and His expressions of love and authority. Modeling reverence through everyday actions offers an authentic framework for teaching grandchildren, positively influencing their spiritual development. Emphasizing the scriptural notion that "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom," highlighting its role in making wise life choices. The conversation suggests practical steps for grandparents to engage with this vital lesson, including modeling respectful behavior, discussing theological concepts, and embracing ongoing spiritual growth. Notable Quotes: "I think it is the fear of the Lord. Because the fear of the Lord, we don't hear enough about it."  "The teaching of Scripture about fearing God with a sense of awe and wonder." "It's not a fearful thing… it's an amazing thing that what God has done." "We have to just model that in talking to our grandkids and our kids about what that looks like for us." 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, Ben and Ian are joined by Nathaniel Marsh chat about the significant role fathers play in shaping the lives of their children and the community at large. In both the challenges and hopes associated with modern fatherhood, the discussion touches on societal perceptions and the importance of engaged fatherhood for a healthier society. Key Takeaways: The Critical Role of Fathers: Engaged fathers are crucial for the positive development of children, reducing potential social issues like substance abuse and crime. Intergenerational Influence: Grandparents play a pivotal role in the upbringing of grandchildren, potentially stepping in as father figures in single-parent circumstances. Marriage and Stability: Strong family units provide security and stability for children, emphasizing marriage's role in societal health. Community and Support: Fathers benefit from community and support networks like Dads for Kids and men's groups, which help navigate fatherhood challenges. Faith and Fatherhood: Understanding and embracing Biblical principles can enhance one's role as a father, contributing towards transformative societal impacts. Notable Quotes: "If all the fathers in Australia were being the best they could be, it would literally transform Australia for the better." - Nathaniel "Men as fathers, we set the tone in our homes... Leading in love is powerful." - Nathaniel "There's been such a moral decay... we need to focus again on fatherhood." - Ian "Now is the time to make a difference... the best place to start actually is the Bible." - Ian "Remember that dads are important... try to be the best dad you can be." - Nathaniel  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.

Second part of Ben and Ian's conversation with Dan Wu, an Old Testament lecturer at Moore Theological College, Sydney. Following Dan's insights and encouragement about intergenerational impact from the Old Testament for grandparents – check out the previous episode – Dan gets personal about his own grandparents. Warmly remembering their influence upon him, Dan shares how and why he wants to be a grandparent in their footsteps. 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.

Ben and Ian are joined by Dan Wu, an Old Testament lecturer at Moore Theological College. This episode explores the biblical insights into grandparenting, emphasizing the power of generational legacy. Dan shares valuable reflections from the Old Testament, highlighting the relational and transformative role of grandparents in family and community life. Ian discusses how churches and grandparents can actively engage and support each other. Listeners also get a glimpse into Dan's unexpected journey into academia and the upcoming National Grandparent Conference. Key Takeaways: The Old Testament offers profound insights into the importance of generational legacy, emphasizing relational networks and inherited wisdom. Grandparents possess a unique capacity to influence the younger generation through love, service, and shared experiences, despite cultural tendencies to idolize youth. Practical strategies exist for integrating grandparents into church life, providing opportunities for them to actively contribute their time and wisdom. The National Grandparent Movement offers resources and conferences to help grandparents connect and support one another in their faith journeys. Churches can benefit significantly from tapping into the experiences and availability of older congregants, building stronger community ties across ages. Notable Quotes: "Life must be lived forwards but can only be understood backwards." — Dan "The ones who need it most are the young, but the only ones who've got it are the old." — Dan "To be a small part of preparing an entire generation is a really important and valuable service for God." — Dan  "We're different by design...our differences are opportunities for God to give and receive love and service among one another." — Dan "Folks, be on the front foot. God still wants to use you." — Ian  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.

Ben and Ian explore the profound topic of helping grandchildren understand eternity. They discuss how a firm grasp of eternity can shape living well today, offering insights for grandparents on discussing life, death, and eternal hope with their grandkids. Touching on biblical references and personal anecdotes, they emphasize the importance of assurance in faith and how grandparents can play a pivotal role in guiding future generations towards a spiritual understanding of life's ultimate journey. Key Takeaways: Grandparents play a vital role in shaping their grandchildren's understanding of spiritual concepts like eternity. The importance of communicating an assurance in faith, contrasting it to the often wishful thinking associated with earthly hope. Engaging children in conversations about life, death, and eternity is crucial, especially as they witness the aging and passing of loved ones. Establishing meaningful relationships with the grandkids early on sets a foundation for deeper conversations about spirituality. Notable Quotes: "If we have a right view of the end, that will actually help us live our life well today."  "The world's view of hope is it's wishful thinking, whereas when we stop and process what the Bible has to say about hope, it's a certainty." "You need to have that assurance if you're gonna speak about the assurance to others." "The Christian hope is not conditional. It's an unconditional love and hope that we have in Christ." 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.

The "Bank of Grandma and Grandpa" as Ben and Ian discuss the increasing financial support grandparents provide due to rising living costs. They examine biblical perspectives, fairness between siblings, and the delicate balance between support and enabling dependency. Discover the importance of communication, generational expectations, and generosity, along with practical tips for navigating financial aid within families. This episode offers thought-provoking insights into the evolving role of grandparents in today's economic landscape. Key Takeaways: Prevalence of Support: A significant percentage of Australian grandparents are actively providing financial support to their families amidst increasing living costs. The Dilemma of Generosity: As a grandparent, deciding how and when to offer financial help can be complex, necessitating clear communication with family members. Generational Shifts: Modern economic challenges have reshaped the traditional expectations of financial support, often reversing roles between older and younger generations. Wise Financial Management: Grandparents should consider seeking financial advice and setting clear expectations to ensure that their generosity does not lead to dependency. Open Conversations: Families are encouraged to maintain transparency about financial needs and contributions, fostering gratitude and mutual respect. Notable Quotes: "Do I help or not help? That is the question." "There are some things that actually are not your issue." "I get excited to see the joy on the kids and grandkids' faces when they're being helped." "The times are changing, and they're changing even faster now."  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.

Ben McEachen and Ian Barnett of the National Grandparent Movement explore the evolving role of grandparents in today's fast-paced world. They discuss the importance of staying interesting and connected rather than chasing fleeting trends. With insights into balancing personal interests and engaging with grandchildren's evolving lives, they emphasize building meaningful connections. Ian shares tips for being an intentional grandparent without compromising authenticity. Discover how grandparents can leave a lasting legacy by fostering relationships rooted in genuine interest and love, moving beyond the need to stay "cool" or on trend. Key Takeaways: Relational Relevance: Grandparents don't need to be trendy but should aim to maintain an interesting presence in their grandchildren's lives. Interest Over Trendiness: Instead of trying to be cool or hip, focus on showing genuine interest in your grandchildren's activities and interests. Authenticity Matters: Being oneself is key; trying too hard to adapt to trends can lead to inauthentic connections. Impact of Proximity: Living closer to grandchildren can enhance connection and awareness of their evolving interests. Legacy and Interest: Sharing person hobbies or stories can intrigue grandchildren, offering lasting memories and strengthening ties. Notable Quotes: "Relevance is fleeting; it's about being interesting to your grandkids." "Don't just flip the coin and have them interested in you; show interest in them as well." "Being relevant slash interesting is a choice, tied to being intentional about connection." "We are living longer, feeling stronger, and still want to impact those around us." 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.

Today, Ben and Ian explore the dynamics of grandparenting with strong personalities. Delving into common challenges like jealousy, competition, and emotional health, they discuss maintaining relationships without conflict. Ian shares insights on navigating the differences between grandparents and balancing expectations, emphasizing the importance of prayer, encouragement, and forgiveness. Join them in unraveling the intricate threads of family dynamics and strategies for fostering harmonious grandparent relations. Register for the upcoming National Grandparent Conference at ngmlegacy.com for more insights. Key Takeaways: Understanding personalities is crucial in resolving competitive dynamics among grandparents. Avoid potential conflicts by discussing concerns with your children rather than directly with other grandparents. Embrace your individuality as a grandparent and do not try to match personalities or actions with wealthier or more assertive grandparents. The wisdom gleaned from scriptures can provide practical guidance in maintaining peace in grandparenting roles. Notable Quotes: "Let them be who they are and you be who you are. Don't judge them either." "It's about finding joy in the grandparenting role."  "The wisdom in that is instead of yelling, there's value in a gentle answer." "Live at peace; it's a strong statement not just for grandparents but for everybody."  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.

The episode explores the origins and influences of the manosphere—a conglomerate of online communities that often promote a distorted view of masculinity. They discuss the detrimental effects these narratives can have on young men, emphasizing the need for positive role models and authentic relationships. They advocate for a return to core values found in biblical reflections of manhood. The conversation pivots on the importance of grandparents setting examples in compassion, emotional expression, and servant leadership, alongside strategies to counteract negative societal influences. The episode is a call to action for grandparents to engage actively in the lives of their grandchildren, highlighting the indispensable role they play in fostering a balanced and empathetic world view. Key Takeaways: The manosphere presents a distorted view of manhood that often blames women and encourages toxic traits like dominance and emotional suppression. Grandparents play a crucial role in demonstrating positive behaviors, like emotional openness and compassion, to combat toxic masculinity. It's essential for grandparents to keep open communication with their grandchildren, offering guidance and understanding without judgment. Ian Barnett stresses the importance of allowing culture to be defined by positive actions and principles, not by negative societal pressures. Reflecting on historical caregiving behaviors can help grandparents adjust and adapt to present-day challenges, ensuring their influence remains beneficial. Notable Quotes: "Don't let culture define you. Let the designer define you." "We need to work on the internal Christlike behavior." "It's important you get the kids to clear the tables at night – practical steps." "The whole manosphere seems to be appealing to young men, dare I say, young men online." "You'd think we're in better, more enlightened times. I pause, I catch my breath. Half the time, I think that’s not true." 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.

The enlightening discussion revolves around "Seven Things I Wish I Knew Before Becoming a Grandparent," where Ian shares his personal journey and insights on grandparenthood. As a pivotal figure in the movement that encourages grandparents to be more involved and intentional, Ian's reflections are both educational and entertaining, resonating with current and prospective grandparents eager to enrich their familial ties. Key Takeaways: Grandparenting offers a unique perspective on life, highlighting what is truly important and fostering deep, unconditional love. The absence of parental guilt allows grandparents to more fully enjoy the moments spent with grandchildren without the immediate pressures of parenting tasks. Grandchildren see their grandparents as larger-than-life figures, appreciating them for who they truly are rather than through societal standards. Experiencing the laughter and joy of grandchildren can invigorate one's life, providing emotional energy and a renewed sense of purpose. Grandchildren offer hope for the future, reinforcing faith in the next generation's potential to influence a better world. Notable Quotes: "Being a grandparent is so good. I should have been a grandparent first." "As a grandparent, your love is so unconditional for them... It just comes out in a different way." "Grandkids think we are grand...They accept you for who you are." "You don't realize how much love you have in your tank until grandkids come along." 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 enriching episode of the Grandparenthood podcast, the focus revolves around the quintessential theme of 'legacy' in grandparenting. Featuring insights from seasoned broadcaster Leigh Hatcher, the episode underscores the significance of legacy beyond just familial ties. It touches on the enduring impacts grandparents have on younger generations, shaping their lives subtly yet profoundly. The episode is a vibrant conversation that traverses personal anecdotes, practical advice, and philosophical musings on what it means to leave a meaningful legacy. Key Takeaways: Grandparents are influential in shaping the next generation through legacies created by intentional love and connection. Engaging with grandchildren through activities like storytelling, gardening, or simple presence can have a lasting impact. Being non-heavy-handed and authentic in sharing faith and values can nurture a deeper relationship with grandchildren. Making time and space for grandchildren in busy schedules is crucial for meaningful and effective legacy sharing. Notable Quotes: “Our greatest task and perhaps our greatest challenge is not necessarily to evangelize all the time, or not necessarily to speak, but to love, love, love.” - Leigh Hatcher “Be intentional or think about our influence. But we are leaving a legacy. And my question is, so what is it?” - Ian Barnett “Turn up. Just simply turn up... we put our big boy or girl pants on and zip it and be there to love.” - Leigh Hatcher “We are actually in one of the most influential seasons of our life. Don't waste it.” - Ian Barnett “Let your light shine before others that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” - Leigh Hatcher 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.

The New Christian is a podcast for anyone exploring faith — asking big questions about who God is, who Jesus is, and what it really means to call yourself a Christian. Hosted by Chris Jolly, Drive announcer on Hope 1032 and a relatively new Christian himself, this podcast follows a journey of discovery as Chris sits down with seasoned Christian leaders, mentors, and thinkers to explore the foundations of faith. Key Takeaways: "The New Christian" podcast is designed to help those exploring Christianity by answering fundamental questions about faith, God, and church life. Chris Jolly recently embraced Christianity and seeks to share his insights with a broader audience, drawing upon his background in radio broadcasting. Each episode in the first season covers major topics such as the nature of God, understanding Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and navigating church customs. The podcast endeavors to demystify the church experience for newcomers, addressing common questions and anxieties faced by new Christians. Listeners can expect a blend of personal stories, expert interviews, and thoughtful discussions aimed at guiding them through the early stages of their faith journey. Notable Quotes: "Why are you doing this, Chris?" — Ben McEachen "There are things that you can't explain that led us both into, I think, the new age world." — Chris Jolly "But here I am, 20 years later, so keen to go to church." — Chris Jolly "This is the podcast that you wished was around when you were becoming Christian?" — Ben McEachen "Vanessa said, very sheepishly, I should add, would you mind if maybe one Sunday you drive me to church?" — Chris Jolly See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.