When Child And Parent Roles Switch: Aging's Impact On Relationships

All relationships are challenging at one time or another, but some are more challenging than others. An aging parent is one of life’s most challenging realities. As wonderful as it can be to have a parent in their lives for as many years as possible, it’s often a mixed blessing. The same is true for the person in the parent role. Nobody wants to be a burden on their child and no child wants to see the person they once looked up to slip away mentally and physically.

These challenges don’t mean you can’t have a rewarding relationship with your parent well into their golden years. Understanding how aging impacts your relationship and accepting the need for roles to switch as time passes makes the relationship between the child and the aging parent much more fulfilling.

Shifts in Relationship Roles

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As challenging as it is for children and parents to accept, there’s a natural progression of roles shifting as we age. Sometimes this is difficult for families because, at one time, the parent was doing all of the caregiving for the child. Having to step into a new role, especially one that’s the opposite of what once was, is tough.

It can also be a struggle if children don’t feel they’re ready to take on the role of caregiver. Some of this is due to a person’s chronological age. For instance, if a parent develops an illness when a child is just a teenager or young adult, it makes sense that it would be challenging. But even if a child is well into adulthood if they don’t feel emotionally 'old enough' to take on the role of caregiver, it’s a struggle.

Emotional Impact on Parents

Switching roles has an emotional impact on both children and parents. For aging people, it’s uncomfortable to lose independence. This is the case regardless of relationship dynamics, but when it’s your child you must accept care from it’s even more challenging. Many older parents are reluctant to admit they need help from someone who was once dependent on them. In some cases, they may have even spent years relying on a spouse and accepted that was the case. However, if their spouse falls ill or dies and they are forced to turn to their children, it can be a difficult adjustment.

Some parents also feel anxiety about becoming a burden. This is one of the healthiest responses a parent can have to aging and needing assistance. The best parents want their children to live full lives free of as many burdens as possible. To feel as if you’ve become one of the burdens interfering with your child’s happiness is uncomfortable. Fortunately, many adult children do not view caring for their elderly parents as a burden. If you fall into this category, it’s important to reassure your older parent that you are honored to care for them and you’d never consider doing so a burden.

Emotional Impact on Adult Children

This isn’t to say that caring for your aging parent isn’t challenging. You might not see it as a burden, but it can still be a difficult experience to have. This is true for both emotional and practical reasons. Emotionally, it’s tough to accept that someone you care about is approaching the end of their life. It’s also difficult to accept that the person you once looked up to isn’t able to do the things they once did.

There are also challenges from a practical perspective. Being a caregiver is stressful even under the best of circumstances. In many cases, the responsibility of caring for an older parent occurs at an otherwise busy time in life. During middle age, many people are at the height of their careers, busy with their children, and already leading full lives. Adding an ill parent to the mix can feel overwhelming.

What Can You Do to Keep Your Relationships Strong?

If you’re in the position to take on the role of caregiver for an aging parent, there are a few things you can do to navigate your changing relationship. For instance:

• Practice open communication: Discuss everyone’s needs and desires early on and honestly.
• Seek external support: Many community resources can help you when you need them. It’s also important to turn to other family and friends.
• Be respectful of everyone involved in the new arrangement: Understand that the transition is challenging for everyone in the relationship and that at times, that’s going to trigger emotions.

Conclusion

Navigating changes in your relationships as your parents grow older can be difficult but it can also be one of the most rewarding experiences you have. It’s important to communicate with your family and make choices that are in the best interest of everyone.

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Article originally written by Kelly Brown