A message for all the mothers and caregivers this Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day feels layered for me in this chapter of life.

I find myself living between generations, raising young kids while also caring about the well-being of aging parents. A few years ago, if someone had mentioned the Sandwich Generation, I might have thought it sounded like something from a deli menu. Now I understand the phrase more personally.

The Sandwich Generation refers to adults who are caring for children while also supporting aging parents. Many of us arrive here quietly, often in the middle of busy careers, growing families, and lives already full of responsibility.

Holding love and responsibility for multiple generations at once can be deeply meaningful. It can also ask more of us than we sometimes expect: the mental lists, the constant balancing of responsibilities, and the internal wondering if you are doing enough for everyone.

If that is you, I want you to hear this today: you are not alone.

Mother’s Day carries many emotions. Joy, gratitude, exhaustion, tenderness, and sometimes grief can all be present at once.

Wherever you find yourself in the journey of caregiving, your efforts matter more than you may realize.

There are no perfect formulas for navigating multigenerational life. What often helps most are simple but meaningful supports: honest conversations with partners, leaning into community, and allowing yourself to ask for help when you need it. Therapy can also offer space to process the emotional weight that caregiving sometimes brings.

To the mothers, grandmothers, stepmothers, foster moms, and caregivers carrying so much for so many people, please hear this: your care matters.

You do not need to do more.

You are already doing so much.

Mother's Day is simply a moment to acknowledge that. One last note, as I share this reflection, it feels especially timely that our family has just welcomed another little one, and I’m reminded how motherhood continues to unfold in new ways. Please welcome Gianna Grace to the world, my sweet baby, born on a beautiful spring morning filled with April showers.

Warmly,

Christy Livingston, LMFT, RPT-S

Founder, Bridges to Understanding