| Oprahbama, the big O's, Oprah and the Obamas - | | | | about a variety of concerns and problems that are |
| sounds like a rock band on a road trip. As Oprah hit | | | | common to Sandwiched Boomers. |
| the campaign trail recently, her candidate played the | | | | 4. Join an ongoing group or attend a weekend retreat |
| celebrity card and the female fan base responded. | | | | to share concerns, problem-solve and gain new |
| When you need it, the value of support simply cannot | | | | perspective. A therapist or a coach can be a sounding |
| be overestimated. | | | | board, validate your perceptions, support your ideas |
| Oprah is a driving force, with her message of | | | | and help you follow through with your plans. |
| empowering women and her success at moving | | | | 5. As knowledge is power, try to better understand the |
| product. So, for now, the contest for the democratic | | | | difficult transitions your family in flux is going through. |
| nomination is more up in the air. Hillary pulled out all the | | | | Gather information about how to manage change |
| stops, spending her time drumming up support with her | | | | from the Internet's search engines or the self-help |
| mom and daughter close by her side. Are you in the | | | | section of bookstores. Talk to others who have gone |
| same boat, as Sandwiched Boomers in the midst of | | | | through similar experiences in order to get realistic |
| dealing with aging parents and growing children? Do | | | | feedback and some concrete advice. |
| you need some help in finding support for yourself? | | | | 6. Dig deep and find your own inner voice - listen to |
| Learn how to go about it from the following ideas: | | | | what it has to say about caring for your family |
| 1. Educate yourself about what to expect and the | | | | relationships and nurturing yourself personally. Set |
| various organizations or resources available to you. | | | | some specific goals about what you need from your |
| Talk to friends and family whose opinions you respect. | | | | family and for you. Step by step, work toward |
| Collaboration is essential during such a critical period of | | | | achieving them. |
| time. Reach out and create a network - you don't | | | | Perhaps the marriage of show business and politics is |
| have to do it alone. | | | | a little too Hollywood for your taste. Obama and Hillary |
| 2. Be frank with your family. Engage your siblings in the | | | | are focused on the best way to achieve maximum |
| problems and the solutions. Put emotional and logistical | | | | political advantage. For you, it's more about building a |
| support systems in place as you ask for practical help | | | | support system, not star power. How to get the vote |
| and delegate responsibilities. Have them set aside | | | | of confidence, from those whose reinforcement you |
| personal agendas and work together toward collective | | | | need, may be the crux of your struggle right now. Pitch |
| goals. | | | | for the demographic that will buoy you up in times of |
| 3. Find a class or workshop that addresses your | | | | need. And save the best seats in the house for those |
| specific concerns. Local university extension programs | | | | who will continue to work on your behalf. |
| or mental health centers provide training seminars | | | | |