parents

QUESTION: A few years ago, my dad was diagnosed with a fatal degenerative disease. My parents moved down South because the warmer climate helps dad's condition. Mom takes care of him, and every second of the day, she's very stressed. My siblings and I live in the Northeast and don't get to see them as often as we'd like. A year before dad got sick, my parents seemed to go through a positive Read more...

Most of the time, Annie and Mederic LeBlanc of Paincourtville feel like any other parents of a teenager -- even the peppy sort of parents who take a teenager and her friends to the beach. "We live in a small community," LeBlanc said. "We don't say to a child, 'Who's your momma and daddy?' We say, 'Who are your grandparents' because that's who's our age." The LeBlancs Read more...

NEW YORK (AP) - As you've watched your savings accounts shrink, have you given any thought to how the 2-1/2 year market slide and depressed interest rates have affected your parents' retirement nest egg? Are they in trouble or are they OK? Just how do you broach the subject in a way that doesn't hurt their feelings or threaten their sense of independence? Experts say that despite Read more...

By Jesse Kornbluth Founder, HeadButler.com The cover of Come Back: A Mother and Daughter's Journey Through Hell and Back shows a little girl, aloft. Her mother's open hands are at the bottom of the photograph. It's a lovely, joyous picture. And one that every parent can relate to. Because the picture is a complete metaphor for our idealized relationship with our kids. We launch our children Read more...

A young polar bear came into his den and asked his mother, "Mom, am I a real polar bear?""Of course you are," his mother replied.The young polar bear asked his father, "Dad, am I a real polar bear?""Yes, you are a real polar bear." A week passed and the young polar bear asked his parents, "Are grandma and grandpa real polar bears?""Yes," Read more...

Caring for an elderly loved one afflicted with Alzheimer's disease (one form of dementia) is often one of the most difficult journeys a family will ever have to take. However, with a little insight the road can be more bearable. And by implementing some creative behavioral techniques to reduce caregiver stress, the experience can become quite rewarding.   I have learned these lessons the hard Read more...

See also: Alzheimer's, caregiver, dad, dementia, elderly, feelings, mom, parents, reminisce, validate

Boomers who find themselves caring for their elderly parents face increasingly limited career options, according to a recent study. The study found that two-thirds of workers who care for elderly relatives have lost promotions, pay raises and training opportunities. Conducted by the MetLife Mature Market Institute in New York City, the National Center for Women and Aging, and the National Read more...

During a generation gap argument with his parents, a teenager says, "I want freedom, excitement, adventure and beautiful women, and I can't find all that living here. I'm leaving. Don't try to stop me." With that he heads for the door. His father is right behind him. "Didn't you hear me?" the boy asks. "Don't try to stop me!" "Who's trying to Read more...