Our society is all about “buzz words”. I’m sure we have all heard the term sandwich generation. This is where the “baby boomers” (yes another popular buzz word) find themselves either caring for or helping their children, as well as their aging parents. This can prove to be a very stressful time.
As parents ourselves, we want to help our children. We want to guide them, sometimes with, sometimes without their consent. We don’t want to see them fail, but yet, we can’t fix everything. Nor should we. Some things they have to learn for themselves, even if that means they fail.
As children, we imagine our parents are ageless, they are our rock, our stability, our everything. However, as they begin to age, somehow our roles reverse. We are now parents to our parents. It is easy to get frustrated when these people who taught us everything we know, now are unable to do what we consider simple tasks such as feeding themselves, dressing, taking care of their own hygiene.
We need to be considerate, understanding that our parents are probably very frustrated that they now have to depend on someone to help them. We should always be patient, listen to their stories – even if we have heard them a million times. We have our lives, our jobs, we interact with other people daily. For most elderly people, they do not have that luxury. They miss being able to get out, and it is a huge treat for them when they do. Be kind and understanding – just as they were when you were growing up – learning to do all the things you are now able to. Remember, there were many times that our parents were probably frustrated with us as we drew on their walls, spilled juice on the floor, or any number of other things that kids do. But, no matter what, they loved us.
Show them what a good job they did as parents, love them – no matter what!
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