The sandwich generation has nothing to do with the deli or lunch but refers to the generation of parents who are caught between raising young children and providing support to their parents. Sandwiched between the two generations, many parents struggle to accomplish everything necessary for a happy extended family. Juggling geriatric needs with pre-school musts can create a hectic lifestyle but survival is possible.

 Find Helping Hands

 First, take a long deep breath and assess your situation. If you are an only child, the burden of responsibility falls on you alone but there are still other options. For those with siblings, if they live in the area, calling on a brother or sister for help can give respite. If other family members are too far distant or you’re an only child, consider professional help.

Hire a housekeeper or someone to come in to clean for your parents a few times a week. Don’t try to maintain two households in sparkling clean perfection. Hire some help.

 If parents can’t be left alone due to medical conditions, check into adult day care. More and more areas are offering adult day care for elderly family members. Typical activities include watching television, taking walks on facility property, learning crafts, shooting pool, computer skill training, and more. Whether you need to leave a parent alone for a few hours or to go to a job, adult day care may provide relief.

Even if you’re not currently employed, consider sending toddlers to daycare or a pre-school for the same reasons. Day care doesn’t have to be a full-time option but it might prove to be a better environment on the day that you must take a parent for a routine medical visit or procedure.

 Don’t try to cook like Julia Child. Rely on frozen lasagnas and ready to eat meals. Consider take-out from the supermarket. An increasing number of supermarkets are often a variety of foods available for carryout. Some even have a daily menu. Provide the best nutritious meals possible but don’t slave over two hot stoves.