Back to School Back to Routine for the Sandwich Generation

As I sat behind the school bus the other morning watching the moms and dads waving good bye to their young children I remembered back to the days when I would send my children off to school after summer break. As the parents turned away from the bus and headed back to their homes I wondered how many of them were returning back to a loved one that they care for and if any of them were feeling the overwhelming pressure of so many of the “sandwich” generation –caring for both their children and their parents.

My hope for this sandwich generation is that back to school means back to routine and getting a little more time for themselves. So often I meet caregivers who are at the end of their rope. Exhausted from caring for their children and their parents and feeling guilty because they feel they are unable to do it by themselves. We have put so much pressure on ourselves to be able to “do it all” and as a result many of us are breaking under the pressure.

I am always so proud of caregivers who reach out for help whether it be from friends, family or care providers because in getting a little help they are actually improving the care they can give to their loved ones. By taking a step back they are giving so much more of themselves in the time they spend with their family.

If you find yourself in this sandwich generation and are in need of a little help learning how to take a step back there are many resources available. If you need some guidance give Laura at Seniors & Company a call 636.926.2121 or check out Nurses & Company’s Facebook page for helpful caregiver hints.