We know many older adults who are raising their grandchildren, but in our country 1.4 million children are primary caregivers for older adults. Chris Miller, 13, is the primary caregiver for his grandmother who suffers with chronic illness. She has been his guardian for the last 10 years. He cares for her – watching her medications, preparing meals, anxious that she may someday be too ill to go on. And he will be left alone.

In a country that pays professional athletes zillions of dollars and spends time strolling malls for meaning, can’t we find a way to support these families? Find ways to allow these children time to be children? Teens need time to imagine and dream – not be thrust into the role of parent. The very least we owe our children is a secure childhood. 

(S-R archive photo)

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