This morning, Chet joined me for Table Talk on Your Caregiving Journey. You can listen to our show via the player at the bottom of the post.
During our show, Chet shared that, as a kid, he helped his mother by taking care of his younger brothers (he cooked!) and, as a teenager, he helped his grandmother care for his grandfather.
I’m often wonder about the impact childhood experiences on us later in life. My mother cared for my grandmother for six months in our home when I was young. When my grandmother died, my mother had four children (my siblings were 7, 6, 5, 4 and I was 2) and expecting one more (and the last). I often wonder if this experience affected me more than I realized.
When caregiving is a part of our childhood, are we better prepared for the experience as adults? Or, does nothing prepare you for this? What do you think? Please share your thoughts and childhood experiences with caregiving in our comments section below.
Updates
- Are you in caregiving situation and raising your children? Join the Sandwich Generation Twitter Party this Sunday (August 14) at 9:30 p.m. ET. On Sunday, just go to Tweetchat.com, enter your Twitter credentials and the Twitter Party hashtag: #SWgen. You’ll also want to RSVP for a chance to win prizes given away during the party. RSVP here.
- Brenda, who joined our site yesterday, would love tips on how to balance caregiving and time for herself to recharge. You can share your thoughts and tips with her in our General group. (Not a member yet? Join here so you can share in our support groups.)
- We’re taking submissions for our Caregiving Art Show and our Help book! Be sure to share your art and your story with the world.
- Our 2011 Family Caregiver Survey report offers a snapshot into the day and life of a family caregiver. Purchase the report for just $9.95 here. (Did you complete the survey? You get the report for free; email Denise to request.)
- Sign up for one of our three-week caregiving classes, including Three-Word Journaling. The classes take place conveniently over the phone and help you feel better exactly where you are. Register here.
- We’re counting your miracles. Add yours here.
Related Articles
- Friday Fun: Give Us the Guffaws (caregiving.com)
- Your Value: $450 Billion (caregiving.com)
- A 15th Year Celebration (caregiving.com)
- Talking About Your Caregiving Depression (caregiving.com)
- In Six Words, What’s Your Simple Caregiving Tip? (caregiving.com)
- Table Talk: Trish (caregiving.com)









You are a disruptor. The delivery of health care starts with you, continues because of you, and ends with you. Let's disrupt together to make the world better for family caregivers. 




Bette
Hi Chet,
I enjoyed the show Saturday morning and enjoyed getting to know you better!
Denise,
I think definitely being part of caregiving as a child influences our todays. My grandmother was part of our family – I loved her so much and was always anxious to help in any way that I could. I think that experience spurred me on in caring for my mother.