Children Take Turn as Caregivers

"Across the country, children are providing care for sick parents or grandparents. . . . Schools, social service agencies and health providers are often unaware of those responsibilities because families members may be too embarrassed, or stoic. " So reports the New York Times in an article that sees how these children may show increasing maturity and self-esteem. But more serious are other children who exhibit resentment, anxiety and anger. The origins and consequences of this troubling social situation are an alert for health care providers.