But, I’m always “it”
This made me chuckle:
In the care-giving of aged parents, there is often an “It,” the child who takes on the primary responsibility for decision-making and arrangements for aged parents. When in my clinic I ask children who are accompanying parents if they are “It,” they often smile knowingly and answer yes. Unlike the playground game, however, it is less often the case that the role of being “It” can be transferred to another member of the family, and if so, not without lots of planning and mutual involvement.
This post made me smile, as well. While my parents aren’t yet seniors, I am confident I will be the “it” child when they reach that age—primarily because they certainly had their hands full with me when I was younger! I’ve read quite a bit of the material on your page, and I think it’s great how you mix useful resources with personal accounts. I came across your page while searching for senior sites because I write for a company called Gilbert Guide. We review long-term care facilities and write senior-related blogs. Recently a colleague of mine wrote a blog that’s relevant to your site called “Babyboomer Women Sandwiched Between Caring For Parents and Children.” Stop by and take a look! I look forward to reading more posts on your page, and thank you again for providing such valuable information.
Lori
Gilbert Guide
So that’s what’s going on! I’m “it.” Would someone explain the rules to me? How do I tag a sib? And I didn’t even know it was a game!
Pat at http://www.generationsandwich.blogspot.com
Oh this hits so close to home. I am the youngest of 3 (by 7 & 10 yrs) and the only girl and am definately “it” and even though I tried to get my brothers to help out they both do their best to stay out of the middle of things and only depending on me to provide information they want to know and it really makes me resentful of them. Is this always the case or at some point will I embrace the fact that my parents trust me literally with their life decisions or continue to think my brothers are complete wusses???
I’ve used that exact phrase – “I’m It” and “It’s just me” when talking with my mom’s medical caregivers. Of course, being an only child I don’t have an option. But as I observe it in many families, the It person doesn’t get much choice even when there are siblings around.
I lost my dad to leukemia and lung cancer 2 years ago, and now my mom has moved in with us after a heart attack/heart failure in January. Your site is a great find for me – thanks!
Another only child here. I’m “it”. I’ve also noticed when I’m working with seniors there’s a trent to who’s “it” usually in this order a) the oldest daughter b) the daughter living closest to home c) the child living closest to home. The person who’s “it” isn’t necessarily the power of attorney either. Talk about resentment!