We don’t like to think about things like death, illness or accidents, but we do want to make sure that our family has everything it needs should anything happen. With each passing year our families grow. Each new member increases the demand for care and support. Fortunately, each new person adds love as well, so it all balances out. The responsibility for looking after everyone doesn’t belong to just one person. It belongs to everyone. Still, there are a few things that you can do to make sure you are contributing and preparing in all the ways you can.
Starting with the smallest members of your family there are a couple of things that will make a significant difference to them, now and in the future. First, open a savings account for each member. You don’t have to put it in their name, but open but limit accessibility by others. Add a small amount to it weekly. Even just a $3 a week deposit, you can save enough by the time they are 18 to help them purchase a car, contribute to college expenses or assist the in the purchase of a home.
Second, spend time with them. Memory begins at an early age and staying close and connected builds over time. While the money is always going to be helpful, quality time is worth more than money.
SUPPORTING OLDER FAMILY MEMBERS
For adult family members between 18 – 58, offering support my seem unnecessary. But, this age group has an excess of modern-day pressures. On the younger end of the spectrum, their time is taken up with schooling and/or work. The older ones are caring for their own children, often working and contributing to the care of aging parents.
We all get busy and it’s tough to even take the time to stop by and say hey to family members, or share a cup of tea, or go out for a meal. The fine art of letter writing has all but been lost. Touching base and making sure these family members are okay is important. It’s also important to spend enough time to make sure that all is well in their world. When talking with them dig a little deeper a common automatic response of “I’m okay”, when asked how they are. With a little encouragement you might hear more of the real story. There is no substitute for emotional and mental support, at any age. You never know when offering to make a cup of tea is exactly what the other person needs.
SUPPORT FOR THE OLDEST FAMILY MEMBERS
For the elder members of your family, help could be making sure that they have thought about the future. This includes (but isn’t limited to) drawing up a will, taking care of outstanding debts, checking out a care homes (and making sure there are no incidents of elder abuse on the record), and signing up for any age-related discounts for utilities, etc. In addition, running errands, paying bills, putting out the garbage once a week are other ways to contribute.
You’ll probably notice that each and every age group mentioned benefits from having time spent with them. Time is a premium nowadays with people more willing to send a text than turn up with a cake and some flowers. Also remember to take care of yourself too! After all, you can’t pour from an empty cup.
