caregiver

Involve Your Children in Caregiving During National Family Caregivers Month

Involve Your Children in Caregiving During National Family Caregivers Month

November is National Family Caregivers month. President Joe Biden signed a Proclamation on October 29, 2021, declaring November 2021 as such. President Biden wrote in the Proclamation as follows: “I encourage all Americans to reach out to those who provide care for their family members, friends, and neighbors in need, to honor and to thank them.”

What is a caregiver? It is a person who provides so much to the person being cared for, from companionship, love, attention, and friendship to providing healthcare for the person. Even a smile is a way of showing that you care.

I was a caregiver for my late husband for many years – he suffered from Parkinson’s Disease. Our two sons assisted me in caring for their father. It was a loving tribute to their father that they will always remember and cherish. And, of course, their father much appreciated their acts of love.

Is there a grandparent or other relative with whom your children can spend time? Is there a neighbor who needs some assistance, perhaps with some simple chores? Perhaps there is someone whom you know who is a caregiver. Think about honoring and thanking that person too. We should harken to the words of the Apostle Paul in Acts 20:35, “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” (NIV)