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he says... she says...
what should they do?
Dawn and Sam have been married for 15 years. They have three
children under the age of 14. Sam’s mother is widowed and has some
health problems - Sam wants her to move in.
he says...
I want my mother to move in
Sam says: My mom is a diabetic
and I worry about her living alone now that my dad is gone. I
believe families should stick together and take care of each
other, so I’d like her to live with us. We have room, as long as
two of the kids share. This is my mother we’re talking about; I
can’t believe Dawn doesn’t understand why we should ask her to
move here.
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she says...
I don’t
Dawn says:
Sam’s mom is not an invalid, and could live on her own
quite easily. And we hardly have any time to ourselves as it is,
after we’ve taken care of the kids. I know Sam loves his mother,
but she is not the easiest woman to get along with, believe me.
I don’t think I can deal with two women in the same household.
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JoAnne Says: Intergenerational care-taking is becoming
a hot topic in many families. We have all heard about the
“sandwich generation,” those who have elderly parents and are
still caring for children.
In
a family, the core unit is the marriage - it is the heart and
stabilizing force. Couples should prioritize this important
relationship always. This is easier said than done. Often, we
take our spouse for granted and assume he or she is
self-sufficient. In caring for elderly parents, we always need
to talk to our partners and listen to their thoughts, feelings
and needs.
So, first and foremost, Sam needs to listen to Dawn’s concerns:
What are the problems and challenges she sees? What are the
benefits? How will this decision impact their home life and
their children? Sam can talk about his concerns for mom and his
feelings now that his father is not there to care for her. I
would also encourage Sam to talk to any other siblings in his
family who could help ensure their mom’s safety and well-being.
It’s possible that some of his brothers or sisters may feel the
same worry and together they can ensure mom’s health and safety
and not overburden one child/family.
Having a relative move in to your household is not a decision to
be taken lightly. Dawn’s concerns of getting along and two women
in a household are very valid and need to be discussed
thoroughly. Is there a solution to this issue that will create a
win-win solution? Helping his mom at the cost of a marriage does
not seem like a win-win answer. It’s important that the couple
work as a team. Remember, the marital relationship is priority.
Another very important step is to talk to mom. What is she
thinking and feeling? Does she think she needs help? Often the
elderly do not agree with their families about what should be
done for them. They want to remain independent for as long as
possible. Often, with a minimal amount of support from us, our
loved ones can remain independent and are usually happier. The
first step is to do an objective assessment of what mom needs
help with. She should be included in this assessment. It is not
helpful for mom to feel overlooked or ignored in this process.
She will be more willing to accept needed help if she is
respected in this process and this means treating her like an
adult. She should make her own decisions if possible.
There are many alternative answers to this issue without Sam’s
mom moving in with Dawn and Sam.
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romance |
The couple that prays together …
When going to church, we may not always be mindful of how our
marriage sacrament is alive to others. If possible, avoid
sitting in the pew as “bookends” separated with your children
between the two of you. Sit next to each other, side-by-side.
Hold hands as you pray and sing together. |
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money |
Acquaint yourself with your finances
Both partners in a marriage should know the ins and outs of the
joint finances. Make sure you know what’s in your accounts, what
your household debts are, and where all the important papers
are. Consider a folder labeled “important stuff” containing
account numbers, passwords and insurance information. |
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communication |
Good Marriage
While it’s important to do things as a couple, you also need to
develop interests of your own. By spending time on your hobbies,
reading or community activities, you enrich your creativity and
gain something new to talk about with your spouse! |
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time |
It’s about Time..!
Make loving memories, not misery. Spouses make a choice each
time they are together. It is either a choice to make loving
memories of how God has blessed you with your spouse, or it is a
choice to focus on the rough and bumpy road behind us, with us,
and stretching out in front of us. God gave us a free will to
make the choice. Loving memories take less effort to maintain. |
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