Setting Priorities: Caregivers

Aired on Lifetime Television
Sunday, February 10 and March 30, 2008
Show 506

It can be hard enough parenting two teenage boys, but when your husband has MS and you're his caregiver, there's much more pressure. Meet Peggy, a wife and mother trying to balance her natural role while fighting the need to overcompensate because of her husband's debilitation. Activities such as participating in a "Parent Night" where a father would normally show can cause her two boys, ages 19 and 14, conflicted feelings. They must cope with the situation like Peggy, and sometimes their struggle surfaces as resentment. The challenge for her is coping with being a caregiver while balancing the needs and feelings of her kids, all while maintaining her own sanity. Dr. Jamie Huysman and Leeza discuss Peggy's situation, and how not needing to be all things to all people all the time coupled with intergenerational trust can keep the situation as healthy as possible.