Episode 122: The Slow Game: How Toxic Grandparents Chip Away at Your Children Over Time
From Catholic Wives with Toxic In-Laws Podcast by Miriam Susan
May 16, 2026 · 25 min · Episode 122
About this episode
Miriam Susan discusses how toxic grandparents can subtly undermine relationships with children over time.
In this episode of the Catholic Wives with Toxic In-Laws Podcast, host Miriam Susan explores the subtle but powerful ways toxic grandparents can erode your relationship with your children over time. Drawing from over twenty years of personal experience, she unpacks the “slow game” of micro-moves and loyalty wedges that often go unnoticed but have lasting effects. Listeners will find validation for their concerns and practical wisdom for recognizing damaging patterns, all within the framework of Catholic family values. If you’ve ever doubted your gut about changes in your children after grandparent visits, this episode is for you. Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction to the slow game of toxic grandparents 00:34 – Defining “toxic”: intention behind the word and scope of the series 01:34 – Scriptural reflection from Sirach and the slow emergence of grandparental toxicity 02:50 – Recognizing the “long game” and subtle shifts in children’s attitudes 04:00 – Micro-moves: the chess analogy and small, cumulative undermining actions 05:49 – The impact of a thousand minor slights: why patterns matter 06:37 – Are you imagining it? Self-doubt, projection, and trusting your observations 07:50 – The…
People in this episode
Host: Miriam Susan
Topics covered
- toxic grandparents
- parenting
- family dynamics
- Catholic values
- micro-moves
- loyalty wedges
Keywords
- toxic grandparents
- parenting challenges
- family relationships
- Catholic family values
- micro-moves
- loyalty wedge
- child development
Mentioned in this episode
Books & works: Sirach
More episodes of Catholic Wives with Toxic In-Laws Podcast
- Episode 126: Why Can't I Forgive My Toxic In-Laws? · June 13, 2026 · 28 min
- Episode 125: Am I the Problem? · June 6, 2026 · 29 min
- Episode 124: The Hidden Cost of Choosing Toxic Parents Over Your Children · May 30, 2026 · 39 min
- Episode 123: When Toxic Grandma Makes You the Bad Guy in Front of Your Kids · May 23, 2026 · 31 min
- Episode 121: Are Toxic Grandparents Running Your Parenting Show? · May 9, 2026 · 30 min
- Episode 120: Why You Keep Letting It Go with Toxic In-Laws · May 2, 2026 · 22 min
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