"I Am a Teen Caregiver. Now What?": valuable resource for caregiving youth

Posted by Reeve Staff in Daily Dose on November 30, 2018 # News, Caregiving

Being a kid is difficult. Navigating through years of school, figuring out your own identity, and everything in between. Add caregiving to the list, and growing up requires even more effort. Sometimes it might feel like no one else could possibly be experiencing something similar when in reality, 1.3 million children ages 8-18 in the U.S. provide care to family members. The founder of the American Association of Caregiving Youth (AACY), Connie Siskowski, was a youth caregiver herself, and the AACY’s recently published book,I Am a Teen Caregiver. Now What? is a valuable aid for caregiving youth. Exploring the ins and outs of what it means to be a young caregiver, author Avery Elizabeth Hurt puts into words the immense responsibility that caregiving entails, provides tips and advice, and overall just gets it.

With topics like “switching roles” and “brothers and sisters,” I Am a Teen Caregiver is relatable for those who are caregiving for parents, grandparents, siblings, or anyone else in the family who requires assistance. In addition to covering the obstacles that a young caregiver faces, this book also highlights the positives of the experience. It reminds you that, while stress is part of the role, you will develop strength and learn important life lessons.For any caregiving youth who could use a new resource, check your local library to see if they carry this title, or order online from Amazon.
Blog categories
Tags

The National Paralysis Resource Center website is supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $8,700,000 with 100 percent funding by ACL/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by ACL/HHS, or the U.S. Government.