Come closer…closer….are you ready? Okay, did you know that there are an estimated 20 million Americans juggling the care of an elderly parent and their minor children simultaneously? Did you also know that summertime is fast approaching and kids all over your community will be bored. to. death. by July? When you combine these two facts, you have a huge solution to the Sandwich Generation challenge. Consider these strategies:
Brainstorm some “helper” activities for your children. Make a list of ways they can help in the care giving of your parent and keep the list handy. At the first sign of summer boredom, whip out the list and let the help begin! Check out these age-appropriate options below:
- Elementary age kids can:
- Fold and put away laundry
- Entertain your parent by playing games
- Empty the trash
- Sweep the floor
- Change out towels
- Pre-teens can:
- Do laundry
- Help with meals
- Walk a senior’s dog
- Clean pet areas
- Take out the trash
- Clean up dishes
- Teens can:
- Help with cleaning projects
- Organize closets
- Run errands
- Prepare food
- Mend clothes
- Iron
Enlist an active parent. Encourage them to help with children’s activities such as working the baseball snack bar, going to a movie or taking the kids to the library for a summer reading program.
Hired help. If you do not have a teen of your own, consider hiring a neighborhood teen to help you with your duties. It is a win-win because you need all the help you can get and chances are the teenager would not mind the extra cash!
Of course, those of you who are not currently juggling double generations can still use the above tips for delegation and assistance during busy summer months!
xoxo Paula
Fill me in on how your family helps when needed!
Hehehehehehehe- great list!
And so true – many hands make light loads! I just need to get better at actually delegating. Thanks for the great encouragement 
Have a blessed week!
Delegating is the hardest part but practice makes perfect!
Paula recently posted..Don’t Take The Car!