Role Reversal: Child to Caregiver
Your role in life changes as situations, circumstances, and conditions around you change. A common notion of a parent-child relationship consists of a parent nurturing and caring for their developing offspring. The role of a parent and a child seem to shift dramatically as the parent's body and mind grow older as their age increases. In many cases, it is required for them to have a caregiver with them at all times. Role reversal is a common practice that occurs in households where middle-aged adults switch roles with their aging parents to accommodate their needs and necessities. Ultimately, offspring feel the need to become more involved in their parents’ lives and treat them like they are young again.
Finding A Good Balance
As caregivers, parents should find beneficial methods of showing their aging parents love and support while also making the aging process easier on them. Taking care of two different generations (children and aging parents) can be a stressful activity. This demanding role and the extreme magnitude of stress can directly contribute to decreased proper cell function, thereby contributing to numerous emotional and physical disorders including depression, anxiety, heart attacks, stroke, hypertension and immune system disturbances. With this extent of negatives, it is possible for middle-aged parents to experience health effects, downfall in their performance in their career, unable to tend to their children, and overall less available time to perform their duties as caregivers at their fullest potential. It is difficult to not want to ‘baby’ the aging parent and make sure that all their needs are met. Rather, the role of a caregiver is to utilize good communication, an open-mind, considerate attitudes, and respect to approach them and their wishes. When dealing with young children, we keep in mind that they are still growing individuals that require attention when making decisions. This way, they are molded into strong independent individuals of society. As for aging adults, they are at a stage in life where they are experiencing a loss of independence. Hence, it is vital to still give them choices and the ability to make their own small decisions in their everyday lifestyle.
5 Signs you are in an Unhealthy Aging Parent-Child Relationship
Do you make decisions about your parent without their input?
Making these decisions without consulting your aging parent could make them feel as though their opinions and input aren’t important or required. Especially if the decision impacts them, you should make sure that their ideas and beliefs are included to make them feel heard.
Do you feel guilty when you are not attending to their needs?
Finding that perfect balance between caring for yourself, your aging parent, and your family is crucial. Remember that you should prioritize your own needs while also providing love and support to your parent.
Do you make judgmental/critical comments about them?
Stating these judgmental comments towards your aging parent can put a strain on them and make them feel badly about themselves. It is important to boost their confidence with reassuring and motivating statements.
Do you find yourself getting impatient?
It is vital to keep composure when speaking to and attending to your aging parent. Remember that your parent is trying their best despite the difficulties they are experiencing cognitively and physically.
Do you make your loved one feel bad for needing care?
Since your aging parent might be in a situation where they need a lot of assistance and care, it is essential to keep this in mind and remind them that their comfort and well-being are important to you.