Sandwich Generation

The "Sandwich" generation is the middle-aged generation. They are often looking forward to the "freedom" from certain responsibilities. However, in many cases they are being sandwiched by their children who are either returning home or simply never leaving home. In addition to this situation, the members of this generation might also be being "sandwiched" by their own parents and the fact that they are needing more care and attention. I would tend to think that the empty nest stage is definitely a stage that middle-aged parents go through. Childrearing is a large part of your life and therefore your identity, and then when your children no longer are in need of your daily assistance, this transition can be difficult to endure. It also imposes a shift in terms of your relationship with your spouse. I can remember after I had my first child I wondered what I used to do with all of my time because now I have no time to spare:).