What Becoming a Parent Taught Me About Caring for My Own Parents

Becoming a dad this year has changed a lot about how I see the world. Suddenly, everything in life has a longer horizon. I’m thinking more about what the next year looks like—and the next ten. About how I can show up for my son in the way he needs me, not just now, but as he grows into the man he’s meant to become.

And oddly enough, that shift has also made me think more deeply about my own parents.

I’m in the thick of that in-between season so many of us find ourselves in. Raising kids while also watching our parents age. We’re expected to be providers, protectors, and planners on both ends—often at the same time. It’s rewarding. But it can also be exhausting.

And if you’re not prepared? It can become overwhelming fast.

The Parallels Between Baby Prep and Parent Care

When my wife and I were expecting, we spent months getting ready. We set up the nursery, stocked the freezer, learned all about baby gear and feeding schedules. We built a plan for this new life event.

But when it comes to aging parents, many of us aren’t doing the same. There’s no shower. No welcome kit. No checklist of what to do when your mom starts forgetting to pay bills or your dad has a fall. Often, the warning signs creep in slowly until suddenly, you’re in a full-blown crisis.

The lesson? Planning matters.

Caregiving Is a Role You Grow Into

Just like I’m learning how to be a father day by day, I’m also learning what it means to care for my parents. It starts with being willing to have the hard conversations—the ones about their wishes, their finances, their health.

Sometimes that means asking your parents if they’ve set up a power of attorney and where they keep their important documents. Other times, it means touring facilities before a health event forces a rushed decision.

It’s not easy. But neither is parenthood. And yet, we step up. Because we love them.

Get Clarity Before the Crisis

One of the best pieces of advice I give clients is: make sure your own plan is solid first.

You wouldn’t jump into the deep end with your kid if you weren’t sure you knew how to swim. The same goes for aging parent care. Make sure your retirement plan, savings strategy, and long-term goals are on track. Then assess what support you can realistically offer—financially, emotionally, logistically.

Once you’ve done that, you can start building a real plan with your parents that protects everyone involved.

It Doesn’t Have to Be All on You

The biggest myth I see adult children believe is that they have to do it all themselves. But that’s not true. There are professionals and resources who can help. From healthcare consultants to legal support to financial planning—there are people who can step in so you don’t have to shoulder everything alone.

You just have to be willing to start the conversation.

Let’s Talk

If you’re navigating new parenthood like me and watching your parents begin to need more support, I get it. I’m here to help.

Let’s have a conversation about what a realistic, proactive plan looks like for your family. One that protects your future, honors your parents, and gives you the clarity to show up fully in this new season of life.

👉 Schedule your complimentary Discovery Call with me here today!

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