Welcome to the Sandwich Generation
I never thought I’d be part of the Sandwich Generation—but suddenly, I was. One moment, I was focused on raising my kids. Then my parents started needing more help. Before I knew it, I was caring for two generations at once.
Being a mom was already a full-time job. Adding caregiving for my parents left me stretched thin. It was exhausting and overwhelming. If you’re living this life too, I want you to know: you are not alone.
What Is the Sandwich Generation?
The term Sandwich Generation was coined in 1981 by social worker Dorothy Miller, who described adults caught between raising children and caring for aging parents. According to the Pew Research Center, nearly 1 in 4 U.S. adults are now part of this group—many of them also balancing careers, financial responsibilities, and their own health along the way.
Miller’s early research focused on the stress of this dual role, and that stress is very real. Today, new studies show that while this stage is hard, it can also bring unexpected joys and deep family connections.
The Challenges of Multigenerational Caregiving
Let’s be honest—being in the Sandwich Generation is not for the faint of heart. The emotional, physical, and financial demands can feel relentless. Common struggles include:
The Struggle to Prioritize It All
Your parents need you. Your kids need you. Work needs you. And somewhere in there… you need you. It’s a constant struggle to prioritize what—and who—needs you most.
This constant mental juggling can leave you feeling like you’re always failing someone, no matter how hard you try. Even deciding what’s most urgent becomes a daily stressor—and it rarely leaves room for rest.
Financial Pressure
Sandwich caregivers often carry financial responsibilities too. You may be covering the cost of child care, groceries, medical appointments, in addition to the expenses of home modifications, prescriptions, or daily needs for your aging parents—all while trying to save for your own future.
This financial squeeze can lead to tough decisions and long-term stress, especially if you’ve had to cut back at work or reduce hours to meet caregiving demands.
Emotional and Physical Burnout
When every day feels like a crisis, it’s easy to end up running on fumes. Many caregivers report chronic fatigue, high stress, and difficulty sleeping. The physical effects of long-term stress can build up quickly. And yet—you keep going, because so many people are depending on you.
Unexpected Gifts of the Sandwich Generation
Yes, this stage of life is demanding. But in the midst of the chaos, many caregivers discover unexpected moments of beauty, connection, and purpose. These gifts don’t erase the hardship—but they do offer meaning and light along the way.
Your children and parents may build stronger bonds just by spending more time together. These shared moments, even in everyday routines, can lead to lasting memories and a deeper understanding between generations.
Caring for your parents often brings a sense of purpose. It allows you to give back to those who raised you. It may feel tiring, but it’s also deeply meaningful—especially when you see how your care brings comfort to someone you love.
Aging parents, even when they need help, often want to give back in their own way. They may help with the kids, offer advice, or simply provide a steady presence in the home. Lillian Troll, a social scientist, once described grandparents as family watchdogs—quiet but strong anchors who bring wisdom and calm to the family.
In many homes, this shared support becomes a two-way street. While you’re helping them, your parents may be helping in return—watching the children, engaging with teens, sharing life lessons or helping maintain family traditions. Their involvement, even in small ways, can strengthen the entire household.
These unexpected gifts don’t erase the challenges of caregiving—but they remind us that caregiving is more than just duty. It’s connection, love, and strength that grows when generations care for one another.
What’s Next: A Journey Through the Sandwich Generation
This caregiving season is demanding, but you don’t have to navigate it without support. Over the next nine weeks, we’ll walk through the most common struggles Sandwich Generation caregivers face—from burnout and financial pressure to identity loss, decision fatigue, and more.
Each week, you’ll find practical advice, heartfelt stories, and tools to help you care for others while still caring for yourself. These blog posts are written with you in mind—offering encouragement, insight, and hope.
Join me for this journey. Whether you’re in the thick of caregiving or just beginning to feel the pull of this unique life stage, there’s strength in learning and growing together.
👉 Continue to— Part 1: How to Prioritize When Everything Feels Urgent
👉 See the full Sandwich Generation Caregiver Series Menu here