Being a parent comes with responsibilities; this is to be expected. Very few people think that being a child can come with responsibilities, too, but this is what can happen when your parents reach a certain age. They might struggle to care for themselves, and sometimes, bringing them into your household is the easiest and simplest option.

This can open up a new door to your relationships, which might be unexpected. It can be tough to find a balance between being a parent and being a carer for your own parents, but there are ways to do this. In this post, three of the most effective tips have been outlined to ensure you can raise your children while caring for your parents.

Elderly woman being cared for in assisted living.

Develop a Plan

As there will be multiple tasks for you to complete each day, it is vital to create a plan. The right plan will ensure you complete all the jobs you need to while caring for your children and your parents. You should simplify tasks as required and restructure your day to make it easier to complete. This is why developing a plan and keeping note of your priorities can make the entire process simpler.

Your plan should be created for each day as well as each week. It is best to evaluate what needs to be done, particularly if you or a family member have appointments, deadlines, and so on. Using a calendar or a diary is advised to make sure all essential dates are prepared for. However, you might also use a Google Spreadsheet to determine when tasks can be completed; this will also enable you to allocate time to each one. 

Plus, Google Spreadsheets can also allow you to coordinate with other family members, as discussed in the next point. This online sheet can be emailed to other people, and every person can edit it in real time. 

Seek Help

Having other people to help you as you raise your children and care for your parents is incredibly useful. This can be difficult at times, especially when you have lots of tasks piling up. If you have siblings or other close relations, then they will likely want to help, but they might be unsure how to do so. It is vital that you make it clear how they can assist you.

The jobs that can be completed by other people should be easy to determine. You can do this by seeing who can drive your parents to appointments, batch-cook food, or pick your kids up from school. Google Spreadsheets can be used to show who will help with what task, and color-coding might be useful. Even having family members or friends visit your parents when you are out can be a big help, especially if they have started to feel isolated or no longer see people regularly. 

But you might also need professional help with some responsibilities. This option could be particularly beneficial if your parents require specific care. There are different comprehensive home care services that you could research and select from, and these services will allow you to complete jobs without worrying about your parents back home. One such option is Visiting Angels La Jolla – Senior In-Home Care Services, which provides free consultations to potential clients. 

You might also think about hiring childcare for your kids, especially if they are too young for school. A childminder or daycare center could look after your children for a few hours each day, or a few days a week if preferred.

Prioritize Self-Care

Finding a balance between family responsibilities and your free time can seem impossible, but it doesn’t have to be. Your free time is likely the only opportunity to prioritize self-care, so you have to make it count. Between caring for your mom and dad and dealing with young children on a daily basis, you likely feel taking time for yourself is trivial. It definitely isn’t, though.

How you spent your free time before carer responsibilities occurred should be revisited, whether this is your hobbies or relaxation. You need to determine what matters most to you, and this will lead you to decide if completing the Sunday crossword with a mug of coffee or sipping cocktails with friends on a Wednesday evening is more important. These moments will allow you to take time for yourself, relax, and come back to your day-to-day life with a clearer mind.

To conclude, it can be hard to care for your children and your parents in the same household. Although they have different ages, they might require similar care, and this can be tiring if it is needed each and every day. Thankfully, by using the tips outlined in this post, you will have an easier time keeping everyone happy and healthy.