TRADE SECRETS

NEA Today, Apr 2006 by Baird, Cynthia

The skills you use on the job can help another member with a dilemma on the home front.

THIS MONTH: Cynthia Baird, who teaches English at Sangre de Cristo High School in Monte Vista, Colorado, offers insights on caring for aging parents.

Parenting Your Parent

The care of an aging parent is a journey, and, as with any journey, the first steps are the hardest, full of reversals and revelations. The journey begins with acceptance. It continues with awareness. It requires attention to self and attention to others. It calls for honesty in emotions. It demands the relinquishing of any sense of reciprocity.

The journey is arduous and very, very difficult. But it will bring you full circle, from one bookend to another, if you follow some simple guidelines.

SET BOUNDARIES. Do not let guilt lead you into compromising your mental or physical health or that of your family.

ACCESS ALL ASSISTANCE available for your parent. Meals on Wheels, senior citizens' activities, and Social Services are wonderful community assets.

BE A WILLING CAREGIVER. Avoid the "shoulds" and focus on the "want tos." Voluntary care-giving is always healthier than guilt-laden caregiving.

GOT A TIP TO SHARE?

We're looking for a history teacher to advise fellow members on how to research their family's genealogy. If you'd like to be considered, e-mail clong@nea.org with your name and local, a brief description of what you do, and your top three tips.