SANDWICH GENERATION STRESS SMART STRATEGIES TO SURVIVE THE CAREGIVING YEARS
Caring for children and aging parents can be stressful for the generation in the middle, leading to heavy workloads and round-the- clock worries. Nearly 1 in 4 American adults are shouldering those duties as part of the sandwich generation — that is, they have at least one parent over 65 and are raising a child under 18 or supporting an adult child financially, according to Pew Research. These cross-generational responsibilities can easily leave a caregiver feeling swamped and stressed out. However, family-care experts have provided three strategies for navigating this challenging stage of life. Self-Care Essentials Neglecting your own physical and mental health is a mistake, not only for your sake but for ensuring you have the inner resources you need for your family. One
social worker told Care.com, “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” If you simply can’t find time for a break to exercise, read, or chill with friends, ask a spouse, another family member, or a friend to take over caregiving duties so you can get away. If you need support or space to vent, look for a caregiver support group through a local aging agency, hospital, or senior-care facility. Streamline Tasks Plan to delegate chores, such as driving the kids to sports practice or taking Mom to a doctor’s appointment. To avoid constantly updating family members on a loved one’s status, set up a group text or shared Google Doc. Family- focused platforms such as Lotsa Helping Hands offer more
elaborate information-sharing functions and can be especially useful during crises. Non-Negotiable Needs You may never attain a sense of balance during this life stage. As one caregiver
says, sometimes it’s all about putting out fires, and that’s okay! But don’t surrender your own needs entirely! Identify the activities you simply cannot give up without sacrificing
your mental health, such as regular exercise, time outdoors, or coffee
with friends. Make time for these pursuits by enlisting others to help or paying for professional care. Remember that the difficult, unpredictable labor of family care you provide can make a huge and enduring difference in your loved ones’ quality of life. And that is a purpose well worth pursuing!
A Fresh Financial Start for Empty Nesters Back-to-School, Back-to-Budget
As backpacks come back out and school buses hit the road again, something else shifts in many households: the quiet. For empty nesters, back-to-school season isn’t just a fresh start for the kids; it is a chance for a fresh financial start, too. After years of kid-centered spending on sports equipment, school lunches, dance recitals, and college tuition, it’s time to reevaluate your budget and align it with this new
Step 2: Reset Your Financial Goals With fewer kid-related costs, you may be able to accelerate progress toward your retirement goals, pay down debt faster, or build that travel fund you’ve been dreaming about. Schedule a meeting with your financial advisor to realign your investment strategy based on your updated income, lifestyle, and timeline. Step 3: Build a ‘Just Us’ Budget
chapter of life. You can think of it like your financial “back-to-school shopping spree,” but for peace of mind. Step 1: Revisit Your Expenses Now that the kids are out of the house
This is your time! Create a budget that reflects what matters most to you now, whether that’s weekend getaways, starting a new hobby, or investing in your health and wellness. It’s a shift from survival mode to intention mode. Remember, budgeting doesn’t have to be restrictive; it can be empowering. Step 4: Don’t Forget the Nestlings Even as your kids fly the coop, some financial support may still be part of the equation. Whether it’s helping with tuition, a wedding, or setting them up in their first apartment, be realistic about what you can and want to contribute without derailing your financial security.
(and maybe off the budget), it’s a great time to examine where your
money’s going. Groceries, utilities, and entertainment costs often shrink once your children are no longer part of the daily routine. Recalculate your household expenses and identify areas where you can save or, better yet, redirect those funds toward long-term goals.
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