Episode #424: Sandra Beck on Sandwich Moms—Caring for Kids While Supporting a Parent with Dementia

Sandra Beck of Motherhood Talk Radio sits down with mindful aging experts Leslie Eckford and Amanda Lambert to talk about the reality of being “sandwiched” between raising children and caring for an aging parent with dementia. This episode is personal. Sandra shares her own experience navigating life with teenage boys while supporting her 89-year-old father through cognitive decline. The conversation doesn’t gloss over it—this is about the emotional strain, the logistical challenges, and the constant balancing act that comes with caregiving on both ends. Leslie and Amanda offer practical guidance on managing dementia-related behaviors, setting boundaries without guilt, and finding ways to maintain your own stability in the middle of it all. They also address the difficult truth many caregivers face: you can’t do everything perfectly, and trying to will only lead to burnout. If you’re in this stage of life—or heading toward it—this episode provides a grounded look at what it takes to navigate it with clarity, compassion, and realistic expectations.Motherhood Talk Radio is also available on Audible, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Stitcher, Player FM, and Podcast Addict.