There is an interconnectedness among all stages of life that I find both inspiring and reassuring. When our 3-year-old daughter was born and spent her days napping, so did my father—though his rest was due to the final stages of congestive heart failure and vascular dementia. The two would cuddle and nap together peacefully. Their needs were perfectly aligned for a brief moment in time. It was an experience that both broke my heart and made me feel whole at the same time.
If you're now caring for a loved one, it can be comforting to know that whatever stage your family is going through will eventually pass. When we feel trapped in a quagmire and overwhelmed by the demands of the moment, knowing how to navigate it—whether alone or with others—can be critical to finding peace and balance as a caregiver. As the biblical verse (and the Byrds' cover song) reminds us, "To everything, there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven."
Intergenerational caregiving can take many forms. It is not a top-down approach; rather, it works best when every generation benefits. A grandparent is revitalized when they play, read, or imagine with their grandchild. A child can learn about independence, compassion and patience when helping their grandparents with daily tasks. In a busy household, a grandparent can be an invaluable extra pair of hands, provided they are able-bodied. As a parent, you gain perspective from your own parent when daily life becomes overwhelming, and a grandparent can offer wisdom and insight. Delegating tasks to your loved one in a way that makes them feel needed and appreciated strengthens bonds. Together, you can share in both the sweetness and the challenges of parenting. In a multigenerational household where a grandparent is engaged, they become an integral part of the family dynamic, playing a vital role in the daily functioning of the household.
Alz.org resources for young kids: https://www.alz.org/help-support/resources/kids-teens/for_kids
