"Caregiver fatigue" comes in many forms. When we set aside our own needs for those of someone we care for, we tend to lose perspective and balance. That is, we deprive ourselves of the tools to make good decisions, the things that allow us to be present for our loved one.

Yes, children change the equation. My experience was that caring for mine was an incredible gift that kept me engaged with life. It was helpful to enlarge the circle of resources for them to include other caring adults so that when I couldn't get myself together, I could make sure someone else was there for them. Fortunately, that time didn't last long.