LUBBOCK, TX – April 10, 2008

“Sandwich generation? What an interesting term for people who are caring for their children and their parents at the same time. In fact, people who care for their children, their aging parents, and their aging grandparents are club sandwiches! Sandwich generation refers to the dilemma of meeting the needs and desires of two generations. Sandwiched…one generation on one side of you and another generation on the other side of you. Sandwiched…pulled in two different directions.”

Dr. Beth Robinson has experienced living in a sandwiched generation first hand. From those chaotic times she has produced a book, Pass the Peanut Butter and Jelly. These delightful vignettes are fun to read, but also carry a powerful insight into family dynamics. She tells about quilting with her grandmother, roofing a house for her grandparents, caring for her invalid grandfather, and joining her siblings in cleaning the long-neglected kitchen of a once-grand cook who lost her abilities. Her stories are both touching and funny.

Dr. Robinson was fortunate to have a close family wherein the generations loved and cared for one another. She writes,

“From my front row seat I learned…

· Faith is more important than finances.

· Peanut butter, mustard, and pickle sandwiches are a complete meal.

· Loving someone can be exhausting and frustrating.

· Reds and whites aren’t a good combination for laundry.

· Tears aren’t always bad.

· Wearing a wig backwards makes a definite fashion statement.

· Nobody wants to clean the toilets.

· Chaos is a form of landscaping.

· Being a servant is what you do when no one outside your family acknowledges it.

· Bodies decay, but souls are eternal.”

During the early years in Beth’s family, a conversation with her brother would be, “It’s my turn” “It’s my turn.” “You already had a turn.””You’ve had two turns.” “It’s not fair. Give me my turn!” As they matured, their conversations changed. While sitting with their grandfather in the hospital, the conversation was, “I’ll take the first turn.” “I’ll take the first turn.” “You need to get your rest.” “Your need your rest too.” “I don’t mind taking the first turn.” “I don’t mind either.” “Are your sure?” “I’m sure. You can have the next turn.” Other experiences brought similar growth among the family members.

In the United States, from 1900 to the year 2000, life expectancy increased from 47 to 76 years. This has produced a new social pattern. Studies vary widely on the number of families who are sandwiched, but range from 9% to as high as 35%. With the boomer generation soon reaching age 65, that percentage will continue to increase dramatically.

All of these families can use a little humor, some encouragement, and a few tips along the way to making the process not only work, but also to include some joy.

Dr. Beth Robinson is the Graduate Director of Behavioral Sciences at Lubbock Christian University and has a private counseling practice specializing in traumatized children. She also has written three other books and developed a coloring book, “God Made Me, the Safe Touch Book,” that teaches children about sexual safety and appropriateness. Dr. Robinson is a popular speaker and trainer for both lay and professional groups.

Pass the Peanut Butter and Jelly is available from Dr. Robinson’s web site: www.drbethrobinson.com or from www.amazon.com and other online resources.