Speak to anybody that is trying their best to be a great parent and they may tell you how much of a battle they have with their mental health! It is something that we can all struggle with, but what happens when we have to look after our parents, as well as our own children? There can be a lot of pressures and this generation, known as the sandwich generation,” can always benefit from support and advice. What are the things that we all need to put in place?

The Extra Support

We shouldn’t think that we have to take it all upon ourselves to look after a parent. Looking after an elderly parent 24/7 is impossible with children of our own. Ensuring that you have a conversation with your parents and come to a conclusion that benefits both of you can make a big difference. 

It could be just as simple as installing fall alarms, so even if you can’t get to your parents, they can have support come out to them. It can be a difficult conversation to have because your parent might be of the opinion that they are fine in themselves, but this is where things like fall alarms can give you that extra peace of mind, so if something does happen and you need to drop everything, at least there is something more than just yourself as the first and last mode of protection. 

Of course, there can be things like in-house care or having a nurse come by on a semi-regular basis, but you have to remember that your parent is going to want to be as independent as possible, which is something we cannot deny.

Stop Feeling Guilty

Guilt is something that we can constantly feel, especially if we are not able to dedicate as much time to looking after our parents as we do our children. You are doing a lot. You are caring for your kids, your parents, and if you are in a relationship as well as a job, there are many duties to hold down, and feeling guilty for not doing enough is one of the most useless emotions in this scenario. 

You’ve got to come to terms with the fact that you cannot do everything, but you help during the times that really matter by conducting the duties that are the most important. This is why you have got to identify where you may need extra help, but rather than feeling guilty, you need to press on.

Including Your Children

You don’t want your children to feel the same burdens as you but there will be times when you can’t keep them away. You have got to remember that they will want to help their grandparents as well. 

And even if you’ve got a 5-year-old, they will want to bring a glass of water or take their grandparent for a little walk, and rather than shielding them because you think this mitigates some of the stress, including them is one of the many things that can make a massive difference to everybody’s frame of mind.

Of course, there’s a lot more to consider. These are some of the smallest things, but it’s about getting those foundations right first.

Collaborative post