Only about 4% of U.S. pet owners have pet insurance

Pet care costs are rising, yet not enough people are doing something about it. Pet insurance can significantly offset rising costs – all for as low as $10 a month. Want to join the 4% club?

JOIN THE CLUB

💥 STUCK IN THE MIDDLE NEWS

For Everyone Juggling Parents, Kids, Careers—and Still Trying to Love Your Partner

🧠 MAIN STORY

“Whose Emergency Is It Anyway?”
When Everyone Needs You—At the Same Time

Last week, your dad called because the A/C broke. Your son had a meltdown over final exams. Your boss needed that project “just a little sooner.” And your spouse? Well, they wanted you.

When you're in the middle, it’s hard to know whose needs come first. Emergencies stack on emergencies until you're drowning in guilt, fatigue, and frustration.

But here’s the truth: Not every “emergency” is your emergency.
Start by categorizing:

• 🚨 True Emergencies (health/safety crises)

• 🔧 Logistics Problems (broken appliances, missed rides)

• 💬 Emotional Needs (support, venting, reassurance)

• 🧩 False Alarms (panic over things already in progress)

Here’s what helps:

1. Create a "Triage" Checklist – Who needs help right now? Who can wait an hour? A day? A week?

2. Use Simple Scripts – “I want to help you. Can I call you back in 30 minutes?”

3. Post the Plan – Have a family calendar or emergency protocol visible so people rely less on you.

You're not a bad parent, partner, or child for not reacting to every ping. You’re human.

📚 Further reading:
🔗 How Caregivers Can Protect Their Relationship With a Loved One
🔗 Validation: Defusing Intense Emotions

🧰 TOOLKIT

Your “Middle Management” Mini Guide

✅ 5-Minute Full Body Stretch
Decompress your spine and your soul.
🔗 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kvoq4luIYVc

✅ Best Chore Charts to Keep Your Kids on Track
Help everyone in the house stay on the same page.
🔗 https://www.verywellfamily.com/best-chore-charts-5096160

✅ “What Can I Let Go Of?” Checklist (your personal sanity plan)
For just $9.99, this instant-download checklist helps you figure out what to keep doing—and what to stop.
🔗 https://briansacks.samcart.com/products/sandwich

❤️ MARRIAGE IN THE MIDDLE

The 3-Minute Marriage Check-In
If the only time you and your partner talk is during crises, this one's for you.

Try this tonight:

1. What was the hardest part of your day?

2. What are you most grateful for?

3. What do you need from me tomorrow?

Keep it short. Keep it real. Keep showing up.

💡 Bonus read:
🔗 Improve Your Relationship by Paying Attention to "Bids"

🔁 QUICK HITS

This Week’s Relatable Reads

🍼 8 Tips on How to Divide the Care of Parents Among Siblings
🔗 https://www.care.com/c/en-au/8-tips-on-how-to-divide-the-care-of-parents-a-4/

🧠 Why Am I So Overwhelmed? Causes, Signs & How to Cope
🔗 https://www.betterup.com/blog/why-i-am-easily-overwhelmed

🥣 12 Impossibly Easy 3-Ingredient Dinners
🔗 https://www.thekitchn.com/10-impossibly-easy-3-ingredient-dinners-23018460

👥 JOIN THE COMMUNITY

You shouldn’t have to do this alone.
Our private Facebook Group is a safe space for people just like you—stuck between aging parents, kids, careers, and relationships.

🔗 Join the Stuck in the Middle Facebook Group

✋ YOUR TURN

What’s Been the Hardest Part of Your Week?
Reply and tell me—I’ll share the most common struggles (anonymously) next issue. You’re not alone.

📬 You’re doing your best. And you’re doing better than you think.
—Brian

THIS IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT BOOKS YOU CAN READ IF YOU ARE FRUSTRATED WITH A PARENT OR OLDER RELATIVE

grab a copy here https://amzn.to/3QIhlx7

If you are in this situation I think you will enjoy it!

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