Why 'grandparents are the glue' for families across Australia
We learn the recipe for building a great relationship with your grandchildren right from the start
In this episode, I’m joined by one of Australia’s most trusted psychologists, Dr Michael Carr-Gregg. He’s a renowned expert on mental health and families, the author of 18 books, and a familiar voice as a broadcaster. Today, we’re diving into an exciting and quickly-evolving topic: grandparenting in the modern world.
Many of our Prime Timers are approaching this pivotal stage of life or early in their grandparenting years and are trying to navigate their role carefully. But the role of a grandparent isn’t what it used to be—it’s more dynamic, complex, and meaningful than ever before. In fact Dr Carr-Gregg says that grandparents are the ‘glitter glue’ for Australian families.
Dr Carr-Gregg’s latest book, Grandparents: A Practical Guide to Navigating Grandparenting Today, is packed with invaluable insights. On the show, he shares the big lessons every modern grandparent needs to know—including his recipe for building a great relationship with your grandchildren right from the start.
LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE OF THE PODCAST HERE:
Highlights of the show:
The evolving role of grandparents in 2025: How longer lifespans and shifting family dynamics have changed the game.
Screen-based childhoods vs. play-based childhoods: How grandparents can step in to counterbalance the challenges of modern technology and create meaningful connections.
The power of rituals and storytelling: Passing down family history and values, and why this is more important than ever.
Building resilient grandkids: The two key psychology lessons grandparents can impart—positivity and resilience—and how to use teachable moments to shape strong, adaptable young minds.
Grandparenting and emotional regulation: How to adapt from being a parent to a grandparent and model the emotional skills kids need today.
The grandparenting code: What every grandparent needs to know to build a thriving, lifelong relationship with their grandchildren.
We also cover the crucial moments—like how to react to your child’s pregnancy announcement, why the name they choose matters, and the glitter glue role grandparents play in holding Australian families together.
This episode is packed with practical tips and fresh perspectives on making grandparenting a joyful, impactful, and fulfilling part of your Prime Time years. Don’t miss it!
Tune in now to discover how to embrace this remarkable role and become an amazing grandparent in today’s world.
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From Bec’s Desk
This week is a quieter one — with the end of the year creeping into view.
This is our second last episode of Prime Time for 2024. Then we’ll take a break until after the New Year. In the meantime, you can catch up on the episodes from 2024 that you might have missed. And please - tell all your friends about the show over the holiday if you find a moment. I’ll be eternally grateful.
I’m in writing mode now - the first edit review of Prime Time the book will be done over these quieter weeks.
Last weekend I published my last column for the year in The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald. My column goes on a Christmas hiatus. Have a read if you missed it “This new law could transform your retirement, but the clock is ticking”.
And if 2025 is the year you’re thinking about retiring, make sure you have a look at the feature I did on this in the Epic Retirement Newsletter here — “Planning to retire in 2025 - Here’s how you can make it epic!”
Finally - one last request - we want to do our last edition of the Prime Time podcast for 2024 about your Prime Times and Epic Retirements - and how you’ve made changes in your life since you’ve taken steps toward them. I’d love you to send me a letter we can read out - or some questions we can answer. We’re going to feature these stories in the podcast. Just email me at bec@primetimers.net. It doesn’t have to be long - 100-200 words. Or you can record a quick audio clip on your phone for some variety and email it to me.
Catch you next week for one last episode, and in the meantime, make your Prime Time count!
Many thanks! Bec Wilson
Author, podcaster, guest speaker, retirement educator … Visit my website for more info about me, here
LAST CALL: signed copies of How to Have an Epic Retirement for gifting
We’re into the last days you can purchase a signed copy of How to Have an Epic Retirement from my online store and expect to receive it before Christmas. Last standard mail orders will go out on the 16th December.
Even though I am not a parent nor grandparent, I loved this podcast. Being childless, one still gets to interact with others' children that they come across in their day. The discussion in this podcast was just gold. Everyone needs to listen in. Thank you Bec !