THE SANDWICH GENERATION: CARING FOR PARENTS WHILE RAISING CHILDREN

For millions of Americans, caregiving no longer means looking after just one generation. Increasingly, adults are finding themselves caring for aging parents while still raising children of their own—a balancing act that has earned them the name the sandwich generation.

A recent Care.com survey found that most people step into this role unexpectedly. On average, respondents became caregivers around age 34, and four out of five said the responsibility arrived suddenly. Nearly nine in ten admitted they felt unprepared for the emotional, financial, and logistical demands that followed.

The responsibilities quickly add up. Between doctor appointments, medications, transportation, household tasks, and caring for children, caregivers reported spending nearly 24 hours each week providing unpaid care. Many described the experience as taking on a second full-time job.

The impact extends beyond time. More than three-quarters of those surveyed said caregiving has left them feeling financially behind, while many have delayed promotions, turned down career opportunities, or reduced their work hours in order to meet family obligations. Women, in particular, continue to shoulder a disproportionate share of these responsibilities.

Despite these challenges, many caregivers also spoke about the unexpected rewards. The experience often strengthened family relationships and fostered greater patience, empathy, and resilience. Caring for loved ones gave many participants a renewed sense of purpose, even during difficult moments.

Experts emphasize that no caregiver should try to shoulder these responsibilities alone. Asking family members to share caregiving duties, connecting with community organizations, utilizing respite care, and joining caregiver support groups can help reduce stress and prevent burnout.

As our population ages, the number of sandwich generation caregivers is expected to continue growing. Their experiences serve as an important reminder that supporting caregivers is essential—not only for their own health and well-being, but also for the loved ones who depend on them.