We Moms have a tremendous task every day. We don’t give ourselves enough credit for the daily responsibilities that go along with the joys of motherhood. But like me, I am the mother of a 5-year-old and the caregiver to both my senior parents who are 84 years old. Having the three generations under one roof is a blessing but can be a challenge. How do you juggle playing mom/daughter/sister/friend/wife? Wow, that was an e-mouthful.
So ….. how do you do it?
Well as I always like to do, I will break it out into top five tips (and I am taking notes myself ☺)
- Seek assistance. You cannot do it alone. There are several resources that are available out there. Find the one that is the most cost-effective and logistically is doable. Also, look for help for siblings. And I am not only referencing financial help but moral support and assistance.
- Be creative. If your parents are still fairly active, map out a routine that they can adhere to but be flexible with. They then now look forward to something every day of the week. So for example, exercise classes, recreational groups at senior centers, a weekly outing to the mall or church, a regularly scheduled family night out for an all you can eat buffet or just a stay at home for a movie night. (AMC has great movies that bring back good memories).
- Get the grandchildren involved. For instance, my little one is learning how to play checkers with Grand Pa and loves having Grand Ma draw and do artwork with him. It engages both of their minds and makes the time past faster.
- Be flexible. Not all the time things will go as planned. There are doctor appointments or days when they are just not up to it. Listen to them and go with the flow and tweak your schedule for the day.
- Be Patient. Above all else, it will take a lot of patience to juggle all the pieces and keep yourself sane. Be patient with yourself for not always getting it right. Be sure to take care of your health amidst all this because you are at the foundation of this balancing act. You need to be strong for you and everyone else. That comes from deep within and flows through you as love. Love of self and others.
It is truly a blessing to be able to give back to the people who gave so much of their time to you once upon a time. And to have the ability to have your children experience your parents – that is simply amazing. AND…. it is alright to become a child again yourself sometimes. Have fun with your parents. Time is limited. Enjoy them. Spend time creating memories. They last a lifetime.
It is truly a blessing to be able to give back to the people who gave so much of their time to you once upon a time. And to have the ability to have your children experience your parents – that is simply amazing. AND…. it is alright to become a child again yourself sometimes. Have fun with your parents. Time is limited. Enjoy them. Spend time creating memories. They last a lifetime.
There are also great support groups out there. You are not alone. Find agencies that provide the care you need for your parents. Make whatever time they have left with us an awesome one. You won’t regret it.
Once a WoMan, Twice a Child
