There were several comments on last week’s interview with Carol O’Dell, where she talked about caring for her mother in her final years. One reader wrote about the conflict that comes from the relationship with a mother who was always difficult.

Children raised in a home where there was little nurturing often resent the responsibility of taking care of their parents in their later years. Some decide not to get involved at all while others help out the best they can by finding resources in the community or seeking out other family members. Without early bonding and the development of basic trust, these adult children may not have the inner resources or skills to do the caretaking job well. Sometimes they are still learning how to love and nurture themselves. This kind of lifelong emotional struggle can add on one more layer of distress for the Sandwich Generation.

Let us know how you’re dealing with the challenges of parents who are getting older and need more support.