Welcome to Grandparenthood, the podcast to help you be the best grandparent you can be.

Visit National Grandparent Movement

Ben McEachen and Ian Barnett explore the journey and impact of the National Grandparent Movement, founded by Ian in 2017. Ian explains how he shifted from a career in government and pastoral ministry to creating a supportive community for grandparents. Learn about the unique challenges and opportunities in grandparenting, such as passing faith on to future generations. With thousands attending their annual conferences and increasing engagement through seminars and resources, the movement aims to empower grandparents with a sense of purpose and connection.

Key Takeaways:

• The National Grandparent Movement was established in response to a lack of resources for Christian grandparents in Australia, aiming to equip them with tools to pass on their faith.

• Ian Barnett emphasizes the critical role of grandparents in providing emotional and spiritual support, underscoring the goal of seeing their grandchildren in heaven.

• There's an underappreciation of the wisdom and experiences that older generations can offer, which the movement seeks to harness and highlight.

• The movement has rapidly expanded, with conferences that draw hundreds of attendees, reflecting a growing interest in intergenerational faith dynamics.

• Barnett encourages churches to involve and value older members, seeing them as vital contributors to nurturing youth and family within a faith context.

Notable Quotes:

"I want to see my grandkids in heaven and share the same hope for the future with them."

"We're all about developing character, giving purpose, value, and hope; grandparents have a unique power to shape culture and nations."

"I never thought when you turn 60 or 70, that's it, check out. There's no checking out. I want to make sure I check in."

"The Bible encourages us to speak into the lives of the next generation, and even those yet to be born."

"Society doesn't value those who are a bit older, but grandparents have so much wisdom to share."

Episodes hosted by Ben McEachen from Hope 1032 in Sydney, Australia.

Click here for more on Ian Barnett, National Grandparent Movement and extra resources.

Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at hopepodcasts.com.au. And send the team a message via Hope 103.2’s app, Facebook or Instagram.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ian Barnett (National Grandparent Movement) dives into the challenges and prejudices surrounding the Boomer generation. Born in 1956, Ian reflects on how Boomers are often blamed for every social issue, from climate change to housing affordability. Ian explores the frustration of being lumped into stereotypes and the desire for all generations to feel valued and contribute meaningfully to society.

Key Takeaways:

• Baby Boomers often face blame for social issues but we should be recognising contributions they continue to make, especially volunteering and community service.

• The perception of Boomers as resistant to stepping aside for younger generations is discussed openly, with emphasis upon generous consideration, not perpetuating stereotypes.

• Ian Barnett encourages all age groups to find value in each other, stressing the need for cross-generational support and guidance.

Notable Quotes:

• "Boomers are really on the nose. What's it like being a Boomer, effectively being blamed for... everything?"

• "The word 'community' is so big today. We need every generation across the board in every aspect of life to be speaking into different generations and helping each other."

• "Every generation needs to be valued. Even as you're ageing, you still need to be valued."

Episodes hosted by Ben McEachen from Hope 1032 in Sydney, Australia.

Click here for more on Ian Barnett, National Grandparent Movement and extra resources.

Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at hopepodcasts.com.au. And send the team a message via Hope 103.2’s app, Facebook or Instagram.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to Grandparenthood, the podcast to help you be the best grandparent you can be.

How do you navigate changes in relationships when parent and child become grandparent and parent? Founder of the National Grandparent Movement, Ian Barnett, lets us know what to consider and how to sensitively approach our new relationship roles.

With a special focus upon the legacy of Christian faith, Grandparenthood explores every facet and issue of grandparenting. Each conversation with invested grandparent Ian Barnett is a vital resource for equipping you in this important phase of family life.

Main Points:

• Grandparents must balance maintaining their relationship with their children while supporting and nurturing grandchildren.

• Crucial for grandparents to adapt to modern parenting styles and respect new family values which their children have adopted.

• Encouragement and non-judgmental support from grandparents can positively impact their children and grandchildren.

• Grandparents should actively participate in their children's and grandchildren's lives, while also acknowledging the need for space and independence.

• Open communication and understanding of each generation's unique challenges can foster stronger family bonds.

Key Quotes:

• "It's full of highs and lows because you start to have an insight into these kids of yours who you've raised."

• "We shouldn't expect our kids to do exactly what we did, because if we do, we somehow think we got it right – and that's a mistake."

• "We need to allow our kids to make mistakes too, as they raise their kids. And we need to allow them to do it with space."

• "Make sure they know that you are... their cheer squad."

• "Your kids are still your kids, and you still need to love them and support them and encourage them and value them as now new parents."

Episodes hosted by Ben McEachen from Hope 1032 in Sydney, Australia.

Click here for more on Ian Barnett, National Grandparent Movement and extra resources.

Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at hopepodcasts.com.au. And send the team a message via Hope 103.2’s app, Facebook or Instagram.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.