Family Relationships

Join other women in the sandwich generation - share ideas and solutions as you learn to nourish family relationships without starving yourself.

Friday, December 26, 2008

As we come to the end of the holiday week, hold on to the feelings that come from sharing good times with family and friends. And take in some final thoughts about how to care for yourself in tough times.

As Sandwiched Boomers, you may be wondering how you will pay college tuition for your children, help your parents on a fixed income and ever be able to retire. But while you can’t always control what happens, you can control how you deal with it. Your response to the financial crisis depends largely on your interpretation. The sense you make of it all is called ‘reframing.’ And here you do have a choice – either to imagine that circumstances will never change or that you can find a silver lining within the dark clouds.

So, for example, if you’re concerned about the impact on your family, remind yourself that families grow stronger when they weather challenges together. By acknowledging your feelings and thoughts and gently redirecting your attention to the positive, you decrease your stress. And when you’re not feeling so defeated, you'll make choices that will better maximize the opportunities ahead.

Labels: , , , , , ,

2 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

I would have so dearly loved to have spent time with my son and his family; however, he and his wife seek to distance themselves and their 1 year old from us. Our family time during the holiday season was greatly missed as they increasing distance themselves from us - he only calls at his convenience. We are not allowed to stop by and visit without calling and getting their permission first.
They did stop by Christmas eve long enough to pick up their persents. They haven't called since. We called twice, one to invite them over and one to offer to baby sit this Saturday - no is our answer as usual.

10:29 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

It's apparent how difficult it is for you with what's going on in your family. As we can only change ourselves, have you looked at the part you may be playing in the distancing from your children? Sometimes young couples pull away early on as they try to form their own family unit. Have you tried to talk with them about how you feel without too much blaming? In the end, keeping an active life and vital relationship with your husband is very important to your wellbeing.

11:08 AM  

Post a Comment

<< Home