 Grandparents hold a sacred role in the emotional and spiritual landscape of a family. They are living reminders of where we come from—carriers of wisdom, resilience, and grace. Through their gentle guidance and steadfast love, they teach children the values that root a soul: kindness, honesty, faith, and compassion. In moments of uncertainty, their presence becomes a safe place—offering stability, reassurance, and a sense of belonging that soothes even the youngest hearts.
In a faith-centered home, grandparents often become the quiet prayer warriors, lifting their families before God with unshakable trust. Their faith is not only spoken but lived out in every act of patience, every shared meal, every story told from the heart. They teach through example that love is not just a feeling—it is an action, a daily choice to nurture, forgive, and give freely. For their grandchildren, this becomes the foundation of emotional security and spiritual strength. Therapeutically, the influence of loving grandparents can heal generational wounds. They model unconditional love, providing warmth where the world can feel cold and teaching that family is a sacred bond held together by grace. Their embrace reminds us that even when life feels overwhelming, God works through family to restore and renew. In their laughter, their cooking, their prayers, and their gentle correction, children learn what love in action truly looks like. Grandparents, through faith and love, become living instruments of God’s peace—reminding us that we are never alone, and that love, once given, echoes for generations. Grandparents have played an immeasurable role in the lives of our three children, Branden, Justen, and Kale. From the very beginning, they enriched their lives with a deep sense of love, faith, and family values that lined up seamlessly with our own. Because we all attended the same church, the lessons our children learned about morals, faith, and integrity were consistent, creating a strong foundation that shaped who they are becoming today. Beyond spiritual guidance, the everyday involvement of their grandparents gave them not only stability but also countless cherished memories. They were present in both the small, ordinary moments and the big milestones—watching, teaching, playing, cooking, and guiding with a kind of devotion only grandparents can bring. Some of the most treasured times were spent in the kitchen, where love and laughter blended with the smell of home-cooked meals. Their Gram had a special way of making even the simplest treat feel magical, creating ice cream sundaes in unique cups topped with sprinkles and whipped cream. These traditions were more than desserts—they were lessons in joy, togetherness, and celebrating life’s little pleasures. Their Papoo, with his strong yet gentle presence, would invite the children to stand on step stools so they could be part of preparing dinner. They mixed meat with herbs and rolled meatballs by hand, learning not only about food but also about patience, teamwork, and the gift of spending time together. Those evenings were bonding times, when stories were shared, laughter filled the kitchen, and the children learned firsthand what love looks like in action. On a personal level, my parents were also a lifeline to me. During the time I struggled with postpartum depression, my mother came up to New Jersey to help me when I could not manage on my own. She cared for me in ways only a mother can and eventually took me back with her to North Carolina so I could heal under her care. That decision, leaving behind my husband and children for a time—was one of the hardest choices of my life, but also one of the most necessary. I honestly believe it was what God intended for me, because through that sacrifice, I regained strength and peace. My husband and children would visit, and after a few weeks, it became clear that our family belonged near my parents. Moving down to North Carolina was not just a fresh start, but a step toward deeper family connection and healing. As the years went on, my parents, our children’s grandparents, became a steady, loving presence in their growth. They blessed our family in countless ways by giving of their time, their wisdom, and their hearts. Recipes passed down became moments of calm for the children, and even now I can hear the echoes of their laughter in the kitchen with Papoo, who has since passed away. His memory lives on in the strength, kindness, and love he poured into his grandchildren, and they hold those moments close. Gram, still actively involved despite the busyness of everyone’s lives, continues to show up with her love and her cooking. Family meals remain a treasured tradition, with each of us bringing a dish to share as we reminisce about the past, laugh about the present, and dream about the future. The journey with our children’s grandparents has been one of the greatest blessings in our lives. Through faith, food, play, and unconditional love, they helped shape our children into who they are today. We are grateful for the memories that continue to live on, for the traditions we still share, and for the enduring presence of Gram, who carries forward the same love she always has. Truly, our family has been blessed, not only in the past but still today, and we will always hold these relationships as a sacred part of our story. Papoo’s Handmade Meatballs A Family Recipe of Love, Patience, and Connection Ingredients:
Making meatballs together becomes more than a meal, it is a moment of emotional connection and generational healing. The act of rolling and cooking side by side invites mindfulness, cooperation, and love expressed through touch and presence. For the grandchild, it is a memory of safety and belonging. For Papoo, it is a legacy of love, passing down not just a recipe, but a piece of his heart. These small rituals ground a family in togetherness and remind us that love often shows up in the simplest acts, like a shared meal and laughter in the kitchen. 🍨 Grammie’s Special Ice Cream Sundaes A Sweet Memory of Love, Joy, and Togetherness Ingredients:
These moments with Grammie go far beyond dessert, they are an expression of nurturing love and emotional connection. The shared ritual of making sundaes teaches the children that love can be playful, creative, and safe. In therapy, such memories represent secure attachment, a child’s experience of being seen, valued, and cherished. Grammie’s patience and warmth help the grandchildren form inner models of love that heal and comfort through the years. Every sprinkle, every smile, every scoop becomes a sacred act of care. Through her, the children learn that joy is holy, love is abundant, and family is one of God’s sweetest gifts. 🌿 Proverbs 17:6 (GNT) “Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their parents. Tara Wynant, MS LCMHCA #FamilyLegacy #GrandparentsLove #FaithAndFamily #GenerationalBlessings #FamilyTraditions #SpiritualHeritage #LoveAcrossGenerations #FamilyBond #ChristianParenting #SacredConnections
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 As a counselor, a mom, and a wife, I have come to see cooking not just as a chore, but as one of the most accessible and enjoyable forms of mindfulness and self-care. It can be as simple as stirring a pot or tasting a sauce, those little moments where you are fully present, engaged with your senses, and taking a break from the noise of the day. When I was homeschooling our kids, we often turned to the kitchen as a way to teach mindfulness, health, and real-life skills all at once. Our 2 sons and daughter would help plan the meals, go shopping with a budget, and work together to create something delicious. It was more than just food prep, it was teamwork, learning, laughter, and connection.
During that time, I was also navigating my own journey with postpartum depression, which eventually deepened into major depression and anxiety. Some of our children struggled with this as well. Cooking became a lifeline, something we could do together that brought a sense of calm, purpose, and joy. It helped us build routine without pressure and confidence without perfection. To this day, our now adult children still love to cook and even host meals with their friends, something that began as a healing rhythm in our home. Cooking has become a deeply meaningful form of self-care for me. Now, as an empty nester, time in the kitchen stirs memories of beautiful moments with our children, times that taught all of us the value of being present. Cooking helps me quiet anxious thoughts about the future and gently release the pull of past ruminations. The focus and sensory awareness involved in preparing a meal helps me regulate emotionally, reconnect with myself, and care for my well-being in a way that feels nourishing, not demanding. Cooking, for me, has become both a therapeutic outlet and a mindful ritual that strengthens my ability to show up fully, for myself and for my clients. I often encourage clients to try this practice, not because it solves everything, but because it invites presence, connection, and care. And sometimes, that is exactly what we need most. Here are some mood-boosting recipes: These recipes are chosen to be easy with low stress, nutrient-rich for brain health, soothing or energizing, and grounded in whole ingredients! Enjoy! Omega-3 Breakfast Bowl Ingredients:
Why it helps: Omega-3s (from chia/walnuts) support brain function; probiotics (yogurt) support the gut-brain axis. Golden Lentil Soup Comforting, grounding, anti-inflammatory Ingredients:
Dark Chocolate Banana Bites For when you need comfort or a little joy Ingredients:
Why it helps: Dark chocolate boosts serotonin and dopamine; bananas have tryptophan (precursor to serotonin). Evening Calm Tea Blend (DIY) To unwind at the end of the day Blend equal parts:
Why it helps: Natural herbs calm the nervous system and aid sleep. By: Tara Wynant, MA, LCMHCA, NCC #MentalWellness #MindfulCooking #RecipesForWellbeing #ConnectingThroughFood #SelfCare #InnerSourceTherapy #NewBernTherapy |