Fourth Trimester Podcast Episode 160: Transition to Grandparenthood with Confidence – Featuring Dr Shoshana Bennett
In this episode, perinatal psychologist Dr. Shosh shares how becoming a grandparent may reactivate old experiences, including anxiety from early parenthood. We explore healthy boundaries, communication, and how families can navigate this stage with confidence, clarity and care. This episode is so informative, and it also works beautifully as a conversation kickstarter between the new parents and new grandparents. Communication is key.
You will learn:
• Why the transition to grandparenthood can reactivate earlier life experiences
• How to distinguish helpful guidance from anxiety-driven overstepping
• Communication tools that protect the parent–grandparent relationship
• Why self-awareness is one of the most important gifts grandparents can offer
• How new parents can set boundaries without damaging connection
“The most powerful question a grandparent can ask is, ‘What would be most helpful for you?’”
— Shoshana Bennett, Ph.D.
About Dr Shosh
After two life-threatening bouts of postpartum illness, Dr. Shoshana Bennett helped pioneer the field of maternal mental health in the U.S. She founded Postpartum Assistance for Mothers in 1987, became president of California’s state organization Postpartum Health Alliance, and then served as President of Postpartum Support International.
Dr. Shosh is the author of Children of the Depressed, Postpartum Depression for Dummies, Pregnant on Prozac, and is co-author of Beyond the Blues: Understanding and Treating Prenatal and Postpartum Depression & Anxiety.
She created the first app for postpartum depression, and is an executive producer of the documentary, Dark Side of The Full Moon. Dr. Shosh co-founded the Parental Action Institute, and as a perinatal psychologist she has helped over 20,000 new moms and dads around the world through private consultations, conferences, webinars, and support groups.
Full Show Notes
00:40 Becoming a Grandparent Is a Transition
02:13 Why Pregnancy Triggered Old Anxiety
04:23 The Postpartum Story That Changed Everything
06:54 When No One Wanted to Publish the Truth
09:03 The Article That Got Rejected Again
10:18 Why We Silence Grandparent Emotions
13:30 “Cool Your Jets” Navigating New Boundaries
15:53 When Anxiety Sounds Like Helpfulness
19:48 Are You Helping or Overstepping
22:36 Therapy, Mindfulness and Breaking the Cycle
26:44 Who Is Safe to Be Honest With
28:41 “You Should Just Be Happy” The Pressure to Pretend
30:35 When Grandparents Cross the Line
32:13 How to Set Boundaries Without Blowing Up
36:09 Before Baby Arrives Talk About Expectations
37:53 The Most Important Question to Ask New Parents
39:13 What If Your Help Is Not Wanted
40:18 Should You Hire Outside Support
42:00 When Grandparents Become Daily Caregivers
45:48 Letting Go of the Super Grandma Fantasy
47:20 Why Communication Goes Both Ways
50:00 The Power of a Quiet Loving Presence
52:01 Are You Measuring Love by Productivity
54:17 When Old Parenting Wounds Resurface
55:11 When to Get Professional Support
Selected links
Connect with Dr Shoshana Bennett drshosh.com | Dr Shosh Radio Show | Dark Side Of The Full Moon
Dr Shoshana’s books Children of the Depressed: Healing the Childhood Wounds That Come from Growing Up with a Depressed Parent | Postpartum Depression For Dummies | Pregnant on Prozac: The Essential Guide To Making The Best Decision For You And Your Baby | Beyond the Blues: Understanding and Treating Prenatal and Postpartum Depression & Anxiety
Learn more Generational Parenting, featuring PSI Founder Jane Honikman | The Recipe for Being a Cool Grandpa with Greg Payne | When Perimenopause And Postpartum Overlap with Dr. Shosh Bennett | Intimacy After Baby in a Way That Feels Right for You with Dr Shosh | The Myths Of Motherhood | postpartum.net
Resources FREE DOWNLOAD Customizable Birth Plan | FREE DOWNLOAD Customizable Fourth Trimester Plan | Postpartum Soups and Stews Collection | Radiolab The Menopause Mystery
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The content provided in this article(s) is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or other professional advice. Neither Sarah Trott nor Fourth Trimester Media Group LLC are liable for claims arising from the use of or reliance on information contained in this article.