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Often, and rightly so, when we talk about family dynamics, we don’t often look past the nuclear family. With the focus on primary caregivers, we can sometimes overlook a group of people that often play a pivotal role in shaping lives and filling needs when they arise – the non-parent carers.
A Standing Ovation, please!
Non-parent carers come in different forms, each with a unique set of gifts that each care in unique situations. Grandparents, relatives, family friends, health care professionals, and even teachers can often find themselves in an unexpected and yet, essential role in a family’s life.
A Standing Ovation, please!
We all know that life can sometimes provide some unforeseen circumstances, such as an illness, disability or an event, the non-parent carers are often the glue that holds a family together.
A Standing Ovation, please!
Non-parent carers are often the grandparent that will provide a wealth of life experience that can speak wisdom and tenderness into a situation. They can be relatives that provide pillars of strength that give a sense of belonging and stability for the family. They can be family friends that come in from the outside and step in and fulfil different needs. They are the health care professionals that often walk with families during stressful times and provide a comforting ear when no one else understands, and they can even be a teacher that simply offers words of kindness in the classroom that helps provide security and stability to an entire family.
A Standing Ovation, please!
While we acknowledge and celebrate non-parent carers we should not forget that they are not without their own challenges. In caring for others, these carers need to balance their own lives and responsibilities. Navigating their own emotional well-being in the midst of another’s situation is a feat in and of itself. We recognise that caring for the non-parent carer is an important part in caring for our entire community. It simply highlights our care for and need of one another.
A Standing Ovation, please!
The non-parent carer is often the un-sung hero. They are rarely out in front of everyone, but they do need to be seen and supported.
If you are a non-parent carer, thank you! We are thankful for the million things you do behind the scenes that no one will ever see.
You deserve a Standing Ovation!
15-21 October 2023 is National Carers Week.
All of us at Allowah are taking this opportunity to celebrate more than 2.65 million unpaid carers in the community who make such a difference in the lives of so many people, including the kids at Allowah.
