Soccer Programs For Toddlers
Elder Care And The New Three Generation Household
Your daughter feels like she has two Mothers. You feel like you are back in the sixth grade. Your husband is weary from the overtime he works. You are one of the growing number of sandwich families in America. Mom or Dad is now living with your family while you’re still raising your children.
More and more of us are still growing our family when Mom or Dad moves in to our house. Many couples remained after our ‘small group’ meeting at church to discuss the changes this situation presents. Everyone completely agreed that it completely alters the home environment.
One of the basic needs that seniors have is transportation. Many have lost their driving privileges. There is a loss of freedom but one grandparent described it as losing a degree of dignity. So we started a free rides program. Volunteers using their own vehicles and fuel to transport seniors to and from appointments.
We did several events to raise funds for the program. We sold chances to win hdtv plasma tvs during the past year. A kitchenaid food processor was the drawing prize for supporting businesses in town. Lots of small appliances were donated to our massive indoor bazaar including a delonghi space heater.
We all agreed that grandparents and teens disagree about who makes a good role model. Elders are capable of making some biting comments about how young people dress, what they eat, and who they have for friends. There is a vast difference between holiday visits to grandma’s house and sharing a bathroom all year round.
For parents of active kids it can be a real magic trick to get everyone to and from their activities. Now the live-in parents will have to have their needs fulfilled too. This can mean regular scheduled medical appointments for long-term therapy. It may also mean shopping at different stores to obtain specialty foods and products.
We raised funds to begin a respite program. We created an adult day care where our parents can socialize and bond. This provides a few precious hours to spend with the kids, attend an after school activity or just be a couple. There is much more to be accomplished but our community is headed in the right direction.
Our little group is finding ways to support each other. We have instituted ‘adult play dates’ and it really takes the pressure off for a few hours each week. There have been some terrific side effects. We are modeling volunteerism to our children. I have learned to play a game called cribbage. My wife has finally gotten her hands on my mother’s secret apple pie crust recipe. Now that’s a win-win.
ASDDino Test (trimmed).mp4
