Helping Kids Living with Seniors

Today, more than ever, it is common to have three generations of the same family living under one roof. If you are in this situation, it probably means that you are feeling pulled in multiple directions when it comes to your time and attention. While this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, it can be a difficult thing to manage. Your time, energy, and money are all limited, and perhaps you don’t feel like you have enough of any of these things to give the people that you love the proper attention.

 

Hopefully, the following tips can help relieve some of that stress. Raising kids and caring for an aging parent at the same time is definitely a tough task, but by helping your kids to get the most out of their time with a grandparent, and even help out where they are able to, you can turn this stressful time into one with a bit more joy.

 

Conversations can mean a lot, both to grandparent and grandchild. Some of my favorite childhood memories are of talking with my grandma and playing card games and her kitchen table. We talked about everything and had a lot of similar interests because of that.

 

If conversations are difficult because you have young children, your parent has difficulty communicating, or any of a number of other reasons, don’t worry. Conversations can be kept simple with easy to answer questions on either end. Sometimes, conversation isn’t even necessary. Just being near each other can help a bond to strengthen and can help increase the quality of life that everyone experiences.

 

Families often have several generations living together under one roof. Encouraging your kids to help and play with their grandparent can be a big help.

 

If your mom or dad has a disability, you cannot just take it for granted that they understand everything there is to know about how best to help your parent. Talk with them about the special needs that your parent has and ask if they can think of anything that they can do to help make life easier for their family members. You will be surprised at how much kids can contribute to the family if they have some say in how they will do so. This can be a good opportunity for your child to learn responsibility and to grow closer to the people that they love, too.

 

Also, it can be helpful to just encourage your child to have fun and play with their grandparent. What grandpa doesn’t love watching their grandchild play nearby?

 

And if you and your child do not live with your older parent, there are still several things that you can do to help both your mom and your daughter feel more connected. Video chat sessions are one of the easiest ways to stay connected for both kids and adults. This way, no matter how great the distance, your parent and your child can be connected. Your family will be stronger as a result of this, even if you live thousands of miles apart. It will also teach your child a deeper appreciation for the needs and worries that seniors face.

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