We have heard about Gen X, the Greatest generation, and Gen Z, but do you know about the Sandwich generation?” The Sandwich Generation is the “caught in the middle,” generation who have living parents and children. More specifically, the term often refers to middle-aged people who support both their parents and their children, whether financially, physically, or emotionally. Is this you? If so, you are far from alone. Multigenerational needs have become even more pressing during the Covid-19 pandemic, with record numbers of adult children moving back home and with elderly parents needing new forms of care. Moms in the Sandwich generation, ages 35-54, feel more stress than any other age group as they balance the demanding, delicate acts of caring for growing children and their aging parents, according to the American Psychological Association’s 2007 Stress in America survey. "It’s not surprising that so many people in that age group are experiencing stress,” says psychologist Katherine Nordal, PhD, executive director for professional practice, American Psychological Association. “The worry of your parents’ health, and your children’s well-being as well as the financial concern of putting kids through college and saving for your own retirement is a lot to handle.”

To address this cohort in our Nashville community, Congregation Micah is offering a two-part series entitled, "The Aging Parent: A 2-part Workshop for the Sandwich Generation." In these sessions, we will begin to dive into the emotions of role reversal, navigating family conflict, and communication challenges. Ultimately, it will be a time to build community with and gain support from others going through the same stage of life, to share, and to learn from one another. This mini-series will be offered in person only at Congregation Micah on Thursday, October 27that 6:00 pm and Thursday, November 3rdat 6:00 pm. Registration is required and available on the Micah website (www.congregationmicah.org/events).