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How to Care for a Child and Parent at the Same Time

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Everyone knows looking after a child is difficult enough. When you add an elderly parent into the mix it can turn into a disaster. You'll find yourself running around in circles all day. If you're not careful something could go wrong.

It's time to make life easier on yourself by lightening the load. There are a few things you can do that will let you spend more time caring for your child. Let's touch on a few you'll be able to implement in the future.

Reach out to a Company for Help

First of all, reach out to a company offering home care services in your city. If you're lucky they'll be able to swoop in and save the day. Your parent will have someone who will be purely focused on them.

Companies providing you with aid offer all sorts of services, so contact them in order to examine your options. If you've never looked into this before you will definitely be surprised by what is available.

Taking Care of All the Tasty Meals

Have you noticed how many startups have appeared on the scene recently? There is one that will come to your home to prepare meals with your aging parent. It's perfect if they're unable to cook on their own these days.

You'll have to run around making sure your baby is fed. Cooking two different dishes multiple times per day is exhausting. There is also the option of ordering meals that only need to be thrown in the microwave.

Old People Still Need to Socialize

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If your child is running around a park you won't be able to look after two people at the same time. Thankfully, you will be able to leave your mom or dad with friends while you do your own thing.

Old people still need to socialize with friends on a regular basis. It will improve their physical health and they'll live longer. There are a lot more benefits, which includes making sure they're okay mentally.

Moving Around Your Home With Ease

An older person can still navigate their way around a house. You've just got to make it easy for them by removing any dangers. Don't leave anything lying around on the floor for them to trip over.

Install chair lifts and hand rails if it will help. You won't have to carry your parent around all the time if everything is set up correctly. They'll feel a much greater sense of independence too.

Keep a Close Eye on Health Problems

Do you think a parent is going to tell their child when they're sick? If they are stubborn it's not going to happen. You'll need to keep a close eye on health problems before they start to escalate.

You don't want to have a sick parent in the hospital when looking after a child. Obviously in some cases this can't be helped. Just try to phone a doctor when you suspect there is something wrong.

Make Sure Your Spouse Plays Their Part

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When a grandparent comes to live with family members everyone has a role to play. You'll need to make sure your spouse understands you can't do everything on your own. It's great when you have older kids too.

Even if they only wash dishes or clothes more often it will free up time for you. If you're single you should ask your siblings to come over every once in a while. Accept help from anyone who is willing and capable.

Nobody Said It Was Going to Be Easy

Looking after a child and parent will take a toll on you. Thankfully, it does get easier with a little experience under your belt. Also, your child will become more independent with each passing year.

This post comes from the TODAY Parenting Team community, where all members are welcome to post and discuss parenting solutions. Learn more and join us! Because we're all in this together.