By Nadine Freedman
For many late-boomer and Gen X women, particularly those who delayed parenthood until their mid-thirties or early forties, caring for an elderly parent coincides with some of the most grueling years of motherhood.
In her article, “The Bitch Is Back,” published in the October 2011 edition of The Atlantic, Sandra Tsing Loh paints a vivid picture of the price women pay for falling into the trap of “over-caring” during the perimenopausal and menopausal years. She cite Dr. Christiane Northrup’s book, “The Wisdom of Menopause” when explaining the difference between care and over-care:
“Learn the difference between care and over-care. True care of others, from a place of unconditional love, enhances our health. That’s one reason why volunteering and community service feel good and are associated with improved health. Over-care and burnout result from not including ourselves on the list of people who require care. The way to tell the difference between the two is to be aware of how caring for another makes you feel. You must also be 100 percent honest about what you’re getting out of excessive caregiving.”
Few women have it all figured out – balancing the care of others with their own self-care. We often take on too much, whether out of a sense of obligation or an unwillingness to admit that we just can’t do it all. Eventually though, it does take a toll…more quickly for some than for others. Continue reading »
Loading ...
Recent Comments