Sandwich Generation Lessons Learned with Christy Byrne Yates

Christy Byrne Yates is a sandwich generation caregiver, author, and retired school psychologist who worked with young adults with disabilities. In this conversation, Christy shares the wisdom and practical tools she has gathered over years of caregiving and coaching. We talk about her CARES framework — a five-part roadmap for sandwich generation caregivers that covers everything from consciously choosing your caregiving role to enlisting a team, recharging your own batteries, and surrendering the need for perfection and control. That last one is a big one — and Christy gets real about what it means to surrender even when the outcome is not what you wanted or hoped for. We also dig into the very real and sometimes complicated dynamics of managing expectations with siblings, and how the relationships around caregiving can be just as challenging as the caregiving itself. Christy shares her powerful perspective on intentionally choosing your caregiving role as a way to protect and sustain your energy — because how you show up matters as much as what you do. We talk about her favorite mantra, "connection over correction," and how leading with connection first changes everything — whether you are caring for an aging parent, raising children, or navigating any relationship in your life. Show notes with product and resource links: https://bit.ly/HHCPod236 Receive the podcast in your email here: http://bit.ly/2G4qvBv Order a copy of Elizabeth's book Just for You: a Daily Self Care Journal: http://bit.ly/HHCjournal For podcast sponsorship opportunities contact Elizabeth: https://happyhealthycaregiver.com/contact-us/ The Happy Healthy Caregiver podcast is part of the Whole Care Network. Rate and Review the podcast: https://bit.ly/HHCPODREVIEW