The Positives of SG Caregiving

Kathryn Cox: Life as a SG caregiver is hard, but there are positives in this difficult journey.

2 min read

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"The unthankful heart…discovers no mercies; but let the thankful heart sweep through the day and, as the magnet finds the iron, so it will find in every hour, some heavenly blessings!"
~Henry Ward Beecher

Caring for your aging parent while raising your kids can be physically and mentally exhausting. While the list is long of challenges, trials, and heartache, there are blessings:

  1. You will learn to let go of what you cannot control to God.

  2. You will discover who your true friends are.

  3. Your children will become more self-sufficient as you take care of your parent's needs.

  4. Your children will see what unselfish compassion looks like when you must set aside your own desires to care for their grandparent.

  5. As your parent declines, they may find renewed joy in what we often overlook, like a spectacular sunset, fall leaves, or spring showers.

  6. You will find out you are stronger than you thought.

  7. Your faith will be tested, but you will see how the Lord works miracles on your behalf when you totally trust Him.

  8. You will improve your communication skills—a must for survival!

  9. You will be forced to slow down and develop greater patience.

  10. Your creativity will blossom as you devise safe and enjoyable things for your parent and children to do together.

  11. You may form a stronger bond with your parent who is now reliant on your care.

  12. Your children will gain confidence in themselves when they help their grandparent with a task.

  13. The benefits of that glorious blue handicapped placard when used lawfully.

  14. You will experience the kindness of strangers when taking your parent and child/children out in public.

  15. The ability to have a legitimate excuse not to attend a dreaded event or function because you are too exhausted from caregiving + parenting.

  16. You may form lifelong friendships with other caregivers you meet during your journey.

  17. You will develop a thick skin and care less about what others think you could "do better" in parenting and caregiving.

  18. You will appreciate quiet moments and a good night's sleep with profound gratitude.

  19. The "just bring a bag of chips" designation for family potlucks.

  20. You will gain a new perspective on the frailty of life and our limited time here on Earth.

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