by Rosemary Lichtman, Ph.D., and Phyllis Goldberg, Ph.D
The “Sandwich Generation” is a term that has now made it into the dictionary. It fits an increasing number of Boomer women whose reality includes being squeezed between the demands of growing children and the needs of aging parents. […]
by Phyllis Goldberg Ph.D. and Rosemary Lichtman Ph.D.
For families, June is a busy time with graduation parties, little league championships and music recitals. And we all know that right around the corner is summer vacation – lazy days for kids but often stressful for working parents. So if you haven’t nailed down your plans yet, here are some ideas that can help with your work/life balance:
Stay flexible. To minimize your anxiety and maximize time with your kids, try to negotiate a flexible work schedule. Even if you only take the odd morning off or leave early once in a while, find someone to cover for you. Downtime to rejuvenate is important for you and for the wellbeing of your family. […]
by Rosemary Lichtman, Ph.D., and Phyllis Goldberg, Ph.D
In the wake of floods, tornadoes, earthquakes, we’re struck by the realization that changes in Mother Earth present in many ways. At times, they’re gradual, other times sudden and violent. They can come from the forces of nature or the actions of human beings. They can be unexpected and out of our control or planned and anticipated. In either case, the havoc they wreak can effect millions. The effects of the natural disasters this year alone have impacted the world economy and may continue to do so for months to come. […]
by Rosemary Lichtman & Phyllis Goldberg
Raising children has never been easy, but some parents think it’s even harder today. They have always had to deal with providing – food, clothing and shelter as well as a supportive and loving environment where their offspring can grow to their full potential. Today, in addition, mom and dad are faced with handling the stresses of an unstable economy and volatile social situations. And youngsters often feel the worries we feel as well. […]
by Phyllis Goldberg and Rosemary Lichtman
You probably don’t need proof that the emotional support you get from friends is vital, but here it is. A UCLA study shows that the cascade of brain chemicals released when we’re stressed causes us to seek out other women. This ‘tend and befriend’ notion, developed by social psychologists Drs. Shelley Taylor and Laura Klein, may explain why social ties reduce our risk of disease and help us live longer. Friends also help us live better. Research about coping after the loss of a partner indicates that women who have a close confidante more often survive without permanent loss of vitality. And that’s not all. Both the Harvard Nurses’ Health Study and the MacArthur Foundation Study confirm that friendship is one of the keys to a long and satisfying life. […]
Rosemary Lichtman and Phyllis Goldberg
Over two thousand years ago, the ancient Romans began the practice of making New Year’s resolutions when they named the first month after Janus, the god of beginnings. Janus had two faces, one looking back at the old year, the other looking forward to the new one. In order to secure good fortune in the future, January became the time when you ask forgiveness for past deeds and look inward for areas to improve. […]
By Phyllis Goldberg, Ph.D. and Rosemary Lichtman, Ph.D.
By now your college student has settled into the dorm and adjusted to campus life. Despite the relief you feel, are you surprised to discover that letting go is more difficult than you imagined? Even with the time constraints and daily pressures that you experience as a member of the Sandwich Generation, are you ambivalent about cutting the apron strings? […]
by Phyllis Goldberg and Rosemary Lichtman
Our economy is in a meltdown and the crisis in confidence couldn’t have come at a worse time. You’re likely facing tough buying decisions this holiday season. With the pressure of being stretched financially, the commercialism of the holidays may even be getting you down. These are challenging times. In more ways than one, you just have to let go of the idea of a perfect Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanzaa this year. […]
By Rosemary Lichtman, Ph.D. and Phyllis Goldberg, Ph.D
Parents of Baby Boomers look toward their sixties, seventies and eighties as golden years, with the chance to enjoy the fruits of their labors. But what happens when those days become tarnished gold? What if nothing you or your parents do can restore the shine you all were expecting? This is what faces the Sandwich Generation each year when their parents are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, senile dementia or stroke. […]
By Rosemary Lichtman, Ph.D. and Phyllis Goldberg, Ph.D.
With the high price of gasoline, are you thinking of canceling your vacation trip? This summer more and more Sandwiched Boomers are reducing their carbon footprint by taking “staycations” with their families. Why drive to a resort when there are community swimming pools around the corner? Why plan a remote getaway when you can relax in the beauty and serenity near you? You don’t need to travel to the city for excitement when you can create your own at home. […]