My wife and I would like to be able to vacation with our daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren at our summer place in Door County, or anywhere for that matter, but because our adult foursome is engaged in the family grocery business we can’t; someone always has to be here to mind the store. Still, we’re glad we’re able to work together, because we enjoy one another’s company.
— Joel Nelson, 67, Darien
TIME FOR EVERYONE
Not having enough time to do justice to my husband and four children. I teach full time, and that, plus trying to foster a well-run home life, makes me feel I’m spread so thin. The answer would be to give up my job, but economically that’s just not feasible. A partial solution is that my husband and the kids pitch in on the household chores; everything’s a cooperative effort.
— Jill Vicino, 40, Oak Brook
TO MOVE OR NOT
Off and on, my wife, Jane, and I have thought seriously about moving to a condominium here or in Florida, but we’ve decided our comfort level here, in the house we’ve owned for 40 years, is the best. Three of our four children live out-of-state, and they love staying in the old homestead when they come to visit. We have plenty of room for a home office apiece, overnight guests and entertaining, and we have wonderful young neighbors.
— Ray Johnson, 83, Oak Park
WHAT ABOUT MOM?
My mother had been living independently, but during a recent hospital stay her muscles weakened and it appears she will need interim care until she can again manage on her own. It’s up to me to evaluate her financial condition and the level of care she needs right now. A hospital caseworker has been helpful, but as she put it, “Nobody knows your family like you do.”
— Laurel Franczyk, 43, Chicago
THE KIDS ARE LEAVING
My husband, Bill, and I are beginning to realize that life keeps moving along, and ours is going to change. Our son is thinking about getting his master’s degree in Colorado, and our daughter will be heading for college in another year. We wonder how we’ll adjust to being empty nesters. Shall we move to Michigan, where we own property? Would we feel comfortable about leaving my parents, who are aging? So many unanswered questions.
— Judy Garrison, 45, Westmont
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UP NEXT
How do you limit your child’s TV viewing?
BACKGROUND: In today’s Family section, Tribune staff writer Julia Keller explores the issue of how hard it is for parents to block television’s influence in their children’s lives. Although too much television can be detrimental, teachers, counselors and kids say that television can serve as a universal language, an important consideration for kids who are at an age when fitting in is of paramount importance.
Send your response to Chicago Tribune Family section, 5th Floor Features, 435 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago IL 60611, or e-mail us at ctc-family@tribune.com.
