The Sandwich Generation Caring for Kids and Ageing Parents at Once

They say women wear many hats - mother, daughter, partner, professional. But for the ‘sandwich generation,’ those hats can feel stacked sky-high. Imagine juggling teenage tantrums and school projects while coordinating hospital visits or managing medication schedules for ageing parents? This is the bitter-sweet reality of being caught between two generations who both depend on you - deeply and daily.

Words - Sachini Perera

The term ‘sandwich generation’ refers to adults, often women in their late 30s to 50s, who find themselves caring for their children while also supporting ageing parents. It’s a position filled with love and duty, yet it’s also laced with exhaustion, guilt, and a constant sense of being stretched too thin. What makes this period uniquely challenging is the emotional balancing act. There’s the fierce instinct to protect your children’s dreams while honouring your parents’ dignity and needs. Both roles can be deeply fulfilling, but together they can become overwhelming - especially when you’re also managing a career, household, or your own wellbeing. Financial stress adds another layer. Between school fees, rising medical expenses, and everyday household bills, the pressure to provide can feel relentless. Many women silently sacrifice their own aspirations - postponing further studies, career growth, or even much-needed rest - in the name of duty and love. 
The emotional toll can be immense. You might feel torn between two urgent needs, or guilty for taking a moment for yourself. It’s common to carry an invisible load of worry and responsibility that no one else fully sees. This hidden weight can affect mental health, leading to anxiety or burnout if left unaddressed.

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