You’ve probably heard this one a lot: “I’m parenting my parent.”

Our society has tended to idolize youth, while denigrating seniors and the elderly as merely a drain on the resources of family and society.  The idea that children have to become “parents” for their parents is the kind of idea that tends to denigrate the worth and contributions of elderly Americans.

Joy Loverde at the EldercareABCBlog has pointed out that children don’t reverse roles with their parents — the very idea is “100% disrespectful,” as she put it.  It’s about time somebody pointed this out!

There is No Such Thing as Role Reversal | Elder Care ABC

This idea of respect for parents — and for elders in general — used to be a strong part of American culture.  This has gradually eroded over the years, but it may make a comeback with Boomers reaching retirement age.

Part of independent living is having the attitude of independence and a desire to be useful despite the problems of aging.  Children ought to be able to respect and support the desire of their parents for independent living.

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