Are you a member of the sandwich generation?


I am a member of the sandwich generation. That is, the group sandwiched between looking after children and looking after their own parents.

Today I appeared on 9am on the Channel 10 network discussing the pitfalls of the sandwich generation. This group of parents are looking after their 20something kids (or they still have them at home) as well as looking after their aging parents. They are caught in the middle suffering financially and emotionally because of it. The segment received heaps of feedback from disgruntled babyboomers who just when they thought they would be at an age when they are free of responsibilty they find themselves caring for those younger and older than them.

Are you in this situation? It is a hidden problem and one that won't go away.

Michael Grose www.parentingideas.com.au

Has being a parent made you a better person?

I read a terrific piece in a newspaper article yesterday that a profiled a business person. In amongst all the commentary about business development was this little gem of a statement.

The fellow claimed that becoming a father had made him a better person. That really hit a chord with me. Being a parent does make you a better person or it should. I know becoming a parent forced me to become less self-centred, more patient and more understanding of differences.


I know a number of studies have revealed that men develop as managers once they have children so being a parent impacts positively on other areas of life.

So has being a parent made you a better person? How has it impacted in other areas of your life? What has being a parent taught you about yourself?

www.parentingideas.com.au