Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Caregivers and Double Standard (Design Happens)

Design Happens

When it comes to being a primary caregiver, it seems there is a double standard for us vs. let's say, pro athletes or primary bread winners. When an athlete is coached, he/she is instructed to "leave everything on the field" (meaning give the game or event every bit of your energy, concentration, effort...). When a caregiver tries to hold down a job/pursue a career and then come home to their loved one(s), he/she may be instructed not to work so hard at the day job/career so he/she can have more energy for the loved one (you know, the job that often doesn't pay at all or nearly as much as the career pays). This double standard drives me crazy because I had to jump off my career ladder to care for our family (especially my son with Autism). Why was it not honorable for me to "leave every thing on the field"? Why weren't my efforts at work worthy of praise, awards, promotions? Because my field didn't pay as much.
Now that I am a stay-at-home mom (and have been since 2007), I have come to grips with reality and decided to make the most of the situation. So I am here to help other caregivers make the most of their time and energy. One way to save time and energy is to check out the products in Solutions catalog (http://www.solutions.com). I just found this wall hook/basket combo that looks like a fantastic way to store frequently used items and to make these items easily accessible. I have already placed this item on my Solutions wish list. We just turned our foyer into a "mud room" to help get the boys in and out of the house on time (1st bus arrives at 7am!). What are some of your time and energy savers?? Please share your experiences as a caregiver.