Sandwich Generation Research Paper

My goal in this research paper is to analyze and explain how the family and children are affected in the context of the sandwich generation. The “sandwich” generation is the generation that falls in between parents that are aging and young children. They’re young people who are still juggling many of the responsibilities of children at home and a possible career, who are also responsible for the needs of aging parents. Sandwiched in the middle of the young and elderly, many people may feel as though they’re juggling way too many responsibilities. During my research, I found that the word “burden and stress or strain” was used to describe the toll it takes on family members. I also find it interesting that the words “duty or an adult child’s
The average time to have their first child used to be at the age of 21 years old and now the average age is 30 years old. When families delay childbirth until later in life it is likely they will be taking care of the young and old generation at the same time. This is a challenging task in this fast paced world we live in. The effect that this type of family consists of many pros as well as cons. There are a variety of challenges that people face as a member of the sandwich generation. Being responsible for quality care for aging parents into an already-full schedule, from making sure that their parents weren’t leaving the stove on and burning the house down to transporting them to their appointments. This leaves the sandwich generation feeling as though they’re not giving their own children enough time and attention which is a constant challenge. It’s hard to feel as though you’ve been there adequately for your kids when an after-work time is spent cleaning your parent’s house, sitting with them to ensure that they don’t fall, or preparing their meals. Of serious impact to many members of the sandwich generation is financial
In a recent journal article called "The Sandwich Generation," Jessica Emerson describes the emotional strain of maintaining a parent's autonomy while making sure he or she is properly cared for and healthy. Often people become so concerned with the day-to-day tasks of caring for an aged parent that their own children suffer from neglect or emotional injury. According to Emerson, one way to help ease the strain is to make decisions before they become absolutely necessary. Discussing legal and financial matters with maturing parents is much easier in advance of an accident, heart attack, or stroke than after these tragic events occur. Emerson also cautions caregivers to 1) take one day at a time, 2) keep track of goals, and 3) most importantly, take care of themselves. If a caregiver is not healthy and happy, the people he or she cares for surely will not be