Both your children and your parents need your hope, and sometimes you feel like you're in the middle.
On one hand, you're an active mother, sometimes referred to as soccer Mom. You do whatever it takes, working a full time job, bringing forgotten lunches to school, and driving your children and their friends to all their activities.This is what you always wanted for yourself, and now you have it. Certainly it can be challenging, but this is what you signed up for and you are prepared.
Now, suddenly you find that your parents need your help and are showing signs of their advancing age. Perhaps they are no longer able to drive safely. Or maybe they are no longer able to clean their home or do the yard work. Somehow, you didn't think this would happen. Well, maybe you knew it might happen eventually, but surely not so soon.How will you balance all the demands on your time? Certainly nobody can be in two places at the same time, so how will you mange?
First, admit to yourself that you can't be everything to everyone at all times. Put the quality time with your own family and parents first. Next is to determine the needs of your children and your parents and checking out what resources may be available to help you. Of course, you could get help in the form of child care for your children while you spend your time caring for Mom and Dad. However, think what you'd be giving up. Children grow up so quickly, and you hate to miss even a minute of the process.
Another choice would be to get help for Mom and Dad, so that you are not the only one who is seeing to their needs. If your parents have extended family, perhaps there are others that can get involved. Sharing the responsibility with siblings or other family members could be just what's needed.Perhaps you could hire someone to help out in Mom & Dad's home. Perhaps an aide or companion to look in on them occasionally and perform light housekeeping tasks and cooking.
If Mom and Dad require even more assistance, perhaps it's time to consider a more drastic approach. If they're living in a home that requires maintenance, perhaps a move to a condominium or apartment might be helpful as gardening and home maintenance would be provided.
Another alternative, is to consider assisted living, where meals are served in the dining room, housekeeping and laundry services are provided, and there are numerous activities and outings for them to enjoy. At assisted living, they will have the added security of caregivers on staff. Seniors in assisted living facilities have the option of living independently, yet they can request additional services, such as assistance with bathing and dressing if it becomes necessary.
Certainly you are right in the middle - sandwiched between your children and your parents. You shouldn't have to choose, you love them both. Be sure that you make whatever plans are necessary so that you can ensure their well-being while allowing yourself to enjoy loving moments with both.
On one hand, you're an active mother, sometimes referred to as soccer Mom. You do whatever it takes, working a full time job, bringing forgotten lunches to school, and driving your children and their friends to all their activities.This is what you always wanted for yourself, and now you have it. Certainly it can be challenging, but this is what you signed up for and you are prepared.
Now, suddenly you find that your parents need your help and are showing signs of their advancing age. Perhaps they are no longer able to drive safely. Or maybe they are no longer able to clean their home or do the yard work. Somehow, you didn't think this would happen. Well, maybe you knew it might happen eventually, but surely not so soon.How will you balance all the demands on your time? Certainly nobody can be in two places at the same time, so how will you mange?
First, admit to yourself that you can't be everything to everyone at all times. Put the quality time with your own family and parents first. Next is to determine the needs of your children and your parents and checking out what resources may be available to help you. Of course, you could get help in the form of child care for your children while you spend your time caring for Mom and Dad. However, think what you'd be giving up. Children grow up so quickly, and you hate to miss even a minute of the process.
Another choice would be to get help for Mom and Dad, so that you are not the only one who is seeing to their needs. If your parents have extended family, perhaps there are others that can get involved. Sharing the responsibility with siblings or other family members could be just what's needed.Perhaps you could hire someone to help out in Mom & Dad's home. Perhaps an aide or companion to look in on them occasionally and perform light housekeeping tasks and cooking.
If Mom and Dad require even more assistance, perhaps it's time to consider a more drastic approach. If they're living in a home that requires maintenance, perhaps a move to a condominium or apartment might be helpful as gardening and home maintenance would be provided.
Another alternative, is to consider assisted living, where meals are served in the dining room, housekeeping and laundry services are provided, and there are numerous activities and outings for them to enjoy. At assisted living, they will have the added security of caregivers on staff. Seniors in assisted living facilities have the option of living independently, yet they can request additional services, such as assistance with bathing and dressing if it becomes necessary.
Certainly you are right in the middle - sandwiched between your children and your parents. You shouldn't have to choose, you love them both. Be sure that you make whatever plans are necessary so that you can ensure their well-being while allowing yourself to enjoy loving moments with both.
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Want to find out more about assisted living facilites in your state, then visit Janine Sanderstine's site. For California, visit assisted living facilities in California to learn more about the facilities available.
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