The Sandwich Generation

As more couples wait a few years before having children, some are finding themselves caught between raising their own kids and caring for aging parents.

These adults are among the 10 to 16 million Americans who belong to the Sandwich Generation – people in their 30s and 40s who are “sandwiched” between the needs of their young children and their elderly parents.

Many are overwhelmed by this challenge, especially couples who work full-time. Even if the parent doesn’t live with you, it still takes time, energy and financial resources.

My husband and I have young children – 5 and almost 3. My mother-in-law is 83 and was diagnosed earlier this year with stage four lung cancer. When we got married almost 10 years ago, I figured we would have children. But I wasn’t quite prepared to shoulder the responsibility of having an older parent.

Statistics show that one out of every eight Americans is “stuck in the middle,” too.

Are you part of the Sandwich Generation? What are your biggest challenges? Where do you go for support?