It’s that time of year when holiday music, ads for the best presents, and expectations of the “wonderful” holiday times are upon us. And how do many of us end up feeling? A little overwhelmed, facing hectic times with an already busy schedule, concerned with money expenditures, and wanting great holiday gatherings when the reality can sometimes emphasize unresolved family issues. Often we hear about and feel increased stress at this time of the year when we are looking forward to more joy, peace and loving feelings, also known as the holiday spirit.

So the holidays are over, the kids are back to school, and our lives as parents can return to a state of stress-free bliss, right? Wrong. We find ourselves right back in the whirlwind of work, carpools, homework, music lessons, team practice, orthodontist appointments, deadlines, laundry, groceries, lunches, school obligations, bedtime routines, meal preparations, the occasional sick child – who will stay home with her this time? – and, oh yes, sleep deprivation. We’ve made and broken our New Year resolutions to be more organized, more patient, more this and more that more times than we can remember. We are right back to feeling overworked, underappreciated, and above all GUILTY.

It is estimated that some 26 million people caring for others hold jobs and have children under the age of 18. Aptly named the “Sandwich Generation,” those ages 35-54 feel squeezed by caring for aging parents while raising their own families. In addition, the U.S. Census Bureau estimates that between 2000 and 2030, the population of people age 65 and older will more than double and those 85 and older will increase by 126% during that same time period. Because of this caring for this aging population has become a major public health issue.

Clinical observation and empirical research show that the care giving can be stressful and burdensome. In fact, the experience of care giving can have all the features of a chronic stress experience. So, how do we care for our aging or ill family members without becoming debilitated ourselves? How do we avoid significant or long-term consequences to our own wellbeing while providing care?

Household budgets are tighter and expensive vacations may not be possible for many families this year. That does not mean that your summer will be a bust! With some creative thinking and a positive attitude, you can turn this into a summer packed with cost effective activities and loads of fun filled memories for your scrapbook.

The greatest ingredient for salvaging your summer in tight times is an attitude of hopefulness and positive thinking. It is really hard to be creative and make fun things happen when your core belief is that things won’t work out well. By focusing on what you do not have or will not be able to afford, you will create that reality for yourself and your family…. and miss out on SO many opportunities right before you!