18 Ways Caring For a Toddler and Caring For an Elderly Person Are Very, Very Similar

Updated on 12/1/2014 at 3:32 PM

I recently had a conversation with someone who is the sole caretaker for her 95-year-old mother, and we had an a-ha moment (and a few good laughs) about how amazingly similar her situation is to my life as a mom caring for my small children. The sad truth is that the differences are stark and profound; in children, these things are about growth and potential, and in aging, these things are about loss and decline, but it's a good reflection on the amazing circle of life. And to be honest, comparing the two generations was a wonderful reminder to do my best by my children and my elders by always practicing patience and unending love with both of them. Plus, as they always say, "parents be kind to your children, it is they who will be choosing your nursing home one day." So if you've ever cared for a small child or an elderly person, I think you'll relate to a few of their similarities (and fall in love with these touching images). Source: Flickr user Gustavo Devito

They Have a Hard Time Keeping Track of Things

Have you seen my _____? Can you help me find my _____? Source: Flickr user Loren Kerns

They Love to Play Games

Give 'em a game, and they're happy campers. Source: Flickr user Poul-Werner Dam

You're Worried About Them Falling

A spill for either could be a big problem. Source: Flickr user Quinn Dombrowski

Lists/Charts Keep Them Organized

And feeling in control. Source: Flickr user Gustavo Devito

They're Both Picky Eaters

The phrase "just try it, you might like it" is frequently used. Source: Flickr user docmonstereyes

They Fall Asleep Anywhere

In church. In the car. On the couch after watching TV for two minutes. Source: Flickr user Isabelle Plante

When They Need to Go Potty, They Need to Go Potty

Like now! Source: Flickr user Brandon O'Connor

Anything Is Cause For Celebration

Birthdays, holidays, milestones. You name it, it's getting celebrated. Source: Flickr user Matthew Juzenas

Potty Talk Is Standard Conversation

Did you poop? Was it soft or hard? Can I see it? Source: Flickr user Julie, Dave & Family

They're Both Stubborn

No, they're not tired. They'll go to bed when they want to go to bed, thanks. Source: Flickr user Ryan Poplin

Crafts Keep Them Busy

Give them a craft, and they're perfectly content for a little while. Source: Flickr user John Markos O'Neill

They Blow You Away With Their Knowledge

They're both way smarter than anyone gives them credit for. Source: Flickr user Eric Ward

Neither Can Fly Alone

Talk about coming full circle. Source: Flickr user Quinn Dombrowski

Their Clothing Choices Can Be Questionable

Are you sure you want to wear that? Are you going to be warm enough? Why don't you grab a sweater? Source: Flickr user normanack

Stories Are Told on Repeat

Both age groups love to tell you the same sweet stories, over and over again. Source: Flickr user Lyle Vincent

Errands Take a Little Longer

Long gone are the days of just running into the store to grab something real quick. Source: Flickr user Carissa Rogers

You Worry About Them Getting Sick

Many a sleepless night is spent worrying over possible sicknesses or ailments. Source: Flickr user U.S. Army

They Need Your Help (a Lot)

They need quite a bit of your assistance during the day, and while it can be very trying at times, you wouldn't have it any other way. Source: Flickr user Michael Johnson