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Subject: 
😔 Letting Go of Caregiver Guilt (When You’re Stretched Thin)

Stuck in the Middle News

Issue #215 · Thursday, September 18, 2025

👋 Welcome!
If this is your first time here, Stuck in the Middle News is your safe space for support, tools, and resources to navigate the crazy, beautiful mess of caring for parents, raising kids, working, and keeping your relationship afloat.

If someone forwarded this to you and you’d like to get it twice a week, just reply SUBSCRIBE to this email.

🧠 Big Thought: Dealing With Guilt When You Are Stuck in the Middle

When you’re pulled in every direction — parents, kids, work, relationship — guilt can creep in no matter what you do.

• Guilt for not doing enough for your parents.

• Guilt for missing a game or recital.

• Guilt for skipping a date night.

• Guilt for even wanting time for yourself.

Here’s the truth: guilt doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you care deeply. The goal isn’t to erase guilt completely — it’s to recognize it, manage it, and not let it run your life.

When you feel guilt rise up, try this quick reset:

1. Pause and name it. “I’m feeling guilty about ___.”

2. Ask if it’s true. Are you really letting someone down, or just holding yourself to an impossible standard?

3. Choose your next step intentionally — even if it’s just taking a deep breath and giving yourself grace.

You are doing enough. You are enough.

🧰 Money Moves: Handling Caregiver Finances Without Losing Your Mind

1. Create a simple caregiving budget (meds, transport, respite, groceries).
   Use CFPB’s free budgeting guidance: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/blog/budgeting-how-to-create-a-budget-and-stick-with-it/

2. Know what’s deductible
   IRS Pub. 502 (medical/dental expenses): https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-publication-502

3. Claim care-related credits
   Child & Dependent Care Credit info: https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/child-and-dependent-care-credit-information

4. Find programs in your state
   Family Caregiver Alliance—Services by State: https://www.caregiver.org/connecting-caregivers/services-by-state/

5. Set contribution expectations with siblings
   Use clear numbers; review monthly.

🛠️ Tool of the Week: Caregiver Action Network – Toolbox
Searchable, free tool library for practical checklists, education, and help.
https://www.caregiveraction.org/toolbox/

📰 Reads: 3 Great Articles on Guilt & Balance

1. AARP — How Guilt-Ridden Caregivers Can Set Limits
   https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/life-balance/overcome-caregiver-guilt/

2. National Institute on Aging — Sharing Caregiving Responsibilities
   https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/caregiving/sharing-caregiving-responsibilities

3. APA — Sandwich Generation: Feeling the Squeeze
   https://www.apa.org/topics/families/sandwich-generation

🤝 Join Our SKOOL Community
We’ve built a private community where you can connect with others who get it. Share stories, ask questions, and get support 24/7.

Join us here:
https://www.skool.com/stuck-in-the-middle-community-1730/about?ref=4956bcfb588b4962b89c23002360ff83

💬 Connect With People Who Get It
Caregiving can feel isolating — and so can relationship stress.

Join our private Facebook group to talk to others who truly understand.

👉 https://www.facebook.com/groups/stuckinthemiddlenews

💸 TOOLS YOU CAN USE
Feeling overwhelmed by everything on your plate?

Grab our “What Can I Let Go Of?” checklist for just $9.99 — a simple tool to help you prioritize and let go of tasks, guilt, and chaos.

Get it here:
https://briansacks.samcart.com/products/sandwich

💬 Reply & Engage Prompt
What’s the one thing you feel most guilty about right now — and what would it take to release that guilt?
Hit reply and share your answer. Your story might help someone else.

↗️ Share the Relief
Know someone else who’s stuck in the middle like you?
Forward this email and let them know they’re not alone.

P.S.
Next week, we’ll talk about how to get your siblings involved without starting a family feud. Stay tuned!

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!