The Club Sandwich Generation is a demographic of middle-aged adults who care for multiple generations at once. Self-proclaimed “professional grandma” Tracey Tuggle, cares not only for herself and her husband, but also for her parents, daughter, and grandchildren. For Tracey, it’s a labor of love: driving her grandkids to and from extracurricular activities, doing their grocery shopping, and taking her parents to their appointments. But what emotional toll does caring for more than seven people take on one woman?
Tracey Tuggle hugs her grandson, Theodore Miller, 8, as he swings on the play set in the Millers’ backyard in Raleigh, N.C.
Tracey Tuggle unties the ropes on her grandchildren’s swing in the Millers’ backyard in Raleigh, N.C.Tracey Tuggle loads her grandchildren’s library books into the back of her car to return them on the way to her parents’ house. She helps her daughter’s family by running errands like this one.Tracey Tuggle pushes her grandson, Oliver Miller, 2, on the swing set in his backyard in Raleigh, N.C.Theodore, 8, (left) and Oliver Miller, 2, play on their outdoor equipment while their mother is busy and their “Marmie,” Tracey Tuggle, plays with their sister.Tracey Tuggle speaks to her mother, Mable Eaton, and holds her walker as Tracey’s father, Jack Eaton, appears behind them at the couple’s condo, a few minutes from their great-grandchildren in Raleigh, N.C.Tracey Tuggle grabs multiple bags from her daughter’s house as she prepares to leave for her parents’ house in Raleigh, N.C.Tracey Tuggle stands next to her father, Jack Eaton, as they admire the October day. Jack explains how grateful he is for the porch at his condo in Raleigh, N.C.
