children

My wife and I care for her 87-year-old mother in our home. If you are considering taking a step like this, be sure to work with as many professionals as possible. You'll need to learn about giving meds, handling finances, watching for problems, dealing with behavior issues, moving the patient, bathing, and a whole host of other possible issues. The broader your support network, including friends and family, the more doable this all is. And while you at it, be sure to keep a close watch on the effect your role has on yourself, your spouse, and your kids.

Have you heard the express, give your children roots and wings? Well, my wife and I got the roots part down pat, but the wings part is a work in progress. Our daughter is 28 years old and has an OK job (her description) working as a customer service rep for a cable company. She is living at home, although she makes enough that could probably get a nice apartment, especially if she shares with a roommate. But she says she wants to wait until she has enough saved for a downpayment on a condo. My wife and I are not really put out by her living at home, but worry that she might be afraid to make a move.

Anyone else have any insights into this?

--Greg