Sharing My Story: Caring for Mimi and Supporting Caregiving Youth

When I think back to my childhood, some of my sweetest memories are with my grandmother, Mimi. She had the kindest smile, loved baking cookies, and always made me feel so loved. But as I grew older, our relationship began to change in ways most kids my age never experience.

Mimi was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, and little by little, she started to forget things. At first, it was small moments—like misplacing her keys or repeating the same question. But then it grew harder. One afternoon, she stood at the front door with her suitcase, insisting she needed to go home to her parents—who had been gone for decades. That day, I realized I wasn’t just her granddaughter anymore. I had also become her caregiver.

While many of my friends were spending afternoons at sports practice or going to school dances, I was helping Mimi navigate confusion and fear. I reminded her of where she was, helped keep her safe, and tried to make her laugh when things felt heavy. I didn’t have a name for it then, but now I know I was a Caregiving Youth.

Being a caregiving youth is something millions of kids and teens across the country live every day—5.4 million of us, to be exact. We balance school, friendships, and growing up with the very real responsibility of caring for someone we love. It can be exhausting, isolating, and overwhelming at times. But it can also be full of love, lessons, and resilience.

I am passionate about sharing my story because I know there are so many others like me who feel unseen. Too often, caregiving youth go unnoticed in schools and communities. Teachers may not understand why a student is tired in class, or why homework is late. Friends may not know why someone can’t come to hang out after school. And families may carry the weight quietly, without realizing how deeply it affects kids.

Through my platform, Giving Grace, I want to shine a light on Caregiving Youth. I want to create awareness so that teachers, peers, and communities can recognize and support kids who are quietly carrying so much. I want to remind every caregiving youth that their story matters, their sacrifices matter, and they are not alone.

Sharing my journey with Mimi is just the beginning. It’s my hope that by telling my story, others will feel empowered to share theirs too. Together, we can make Caregiving Youth visible and ensure they have the support they need to thrive.

— Madeline Grace Asbell