Let’s stick with the topic of relationships for a little longer! Today, Caroline and Sarah are joining me to talk about the value of developing intergenerational relationships: the relationships we develop with folks who are of different ages than us. In our culture, it’s not always encouraged but we promise there’s so much to gain from these kind of relationships!

Caroline being in her 30s, Amanda in her 40s and Sarah in her 50s, it’s safe to say that the three of us are in an intergenerational relationship together so we share our own experiences and all the amazing benefits.

“It can be something that’s so beneficial to everybody”
– Sarah Lewis

Creating time and space

Instead of looking for people of the same age, religion, class, skin color, etc., we like to focus on people who share the same values as us, no matter how much they differ from us on the other variables. In order to do this, we have to create time and space for this to happen. How? We talk all about it in today’s episode!

I hope you’ll all be able to hold both the joy and grief that come with this holiday season. I’m thinking about you.

Happy Holidays!

In this episode on intergenerational relationships, we cover:

  • The benefits of being friends with people of different ages;
  • Our own experiences with intergenerational relationships;
  • Your kids having relationships with people from older generations;
  • How creating time and space will help both you and your kids;
  • Things that might get in the way of creating those intergenerational relationships;
  • And much more!

You can find our podcast Active and Connected Families wherever you listen to your podcasts, or easily click the links below to listen:

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More about Active & Connected Family Therapy

Active & Connected Family Therapy is a mental health practice serving individuals, families, and our community. Our practice is designed to help people at all stages and from all walks of life by offering therapists and physicians with diverse backgrounds and specialties via face-to-face, walk-and-talk, and telemedicine appointments. Throughout, we are committed to developing strengths-based, authentic, and long-lasting relationships with you and your children. We hope to provide you with the support and insight you need to help your family navigate life’s hard times and joys.

Are you or your child struggling with mental health? We have a team of psychologists and psychiatrists who can help you out. You can learn more about our practice or contact us here.

More about Caroline Megargel, MSW, LCSW

Caroline is an individual and family therapist at Active & Connected Family Therapy who specializes in working with children, teens, and young adults struggling with their mental health, life transitions, parental divorce, and more. She has particular expertise in working with teens struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, and disordered eating.

After growing up in Charlottesville, she attended Vanderbilt University and pursued an undergraduate degree in Psychology. She later attended Boston College and earned her Masters of Social Work. Caroline returned to Charlottesville in 2018, where she began practicing as an outpatient therapist. She became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in June 2020. Outside the office, she enjoys walking her dog, spending time with friends, and listening to podcasts.

You can learn more about Caroline here.

More about Sarah Lewis, MSW, LCSW

Within her own practice, The Lewis Practice, Sarah works with Children, Adolescents, Families, Elite Athletes (competing on travel teams, high school, college, and gearing up or in the college recruiting pipeline), as well as people in the lgbtq community. She takes a balanced approach combining support, warmth, empathy, and humor (when appropriate).

She earned her MSW in Clinical Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University and has a BA in Psychology from Randolph Macon Woman’s College where she was a two-sport athlete in basketball and tennis. As an undergraduate, she spent a year abroad and played international basketball. She has worked in a variety of settings including schools, crisis services, as well as inpatient and outpatient mental health. During her more than 25 years in private practice, she has also taught at James Madison University and served as an expert witness for the state and federal court system.

You can learn more about Sarah here.

Resources and links mentioned in this episode

Disclaimer: Please remember we are real live therapists, however this is a podcast and is not considered a therapy session. Not only because there is no co-pay but also because we can’t speak to your individual experiences. We are here to help you keep raising healthy kids. And remember, if you are an imperfect parent, we are right there with you. If you or someone you love is in immediate danger, please call your local crisis hotline or go to your nearest emergency room.