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Expert Q&A
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| By Susan Bartell Licensed Psychologist | ||
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I take care of my mother, who is incontinent, and my son. I am wondering how to explain to my son why I have to treat Grandma almost as another child (changing underpants, etc.)?
Aging is a very real part of the life process, and children who are exposed to it need to begin to understand gently that when people become very old, they need help with some things. You can reassure your son that this won't happen to you or anyone else until they are very old, but it is also valuable for him to observe that you are giving back to your mother in the way she gave to you during your young years. Families help each other, and this is the main underlying message."
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