The Great Read: My Parents Expected to Be Retired. Instead, They Are Raising My Sister’s Kids.
My mom and dad joined the millions of Americans who parent their children’s children — a beautiful responsibility that comes at a high cost.
The New York Times
The Great Read

May 18, 2025, 10:01 a.m. Eastern time

On weekdays and Sundays, we recommend one piece of exceptional writing from The Times — a narrative or essay that takes you someplace you might not expect to go.

Jane sits on a bed combing a granddaughter’s long blond hair, while another granddaughter seated behind her combs hers.

Haruka Sakaguchi for The New York Times

My Parents Expected to Be Retired. Instead, They Are Raising My Sister’s Kids.

My mom and dad joined the millions of Americans who parent their children’s children — a beautiful responsibility that comes at a high cost.

Open now

If you received this newsletter from someone else, subscribe here.

Need help? Review our newsletter help page or contact us for assistance.

You received this email because you signed up for top stories or great reads from The New York Times.

To stop receiving The Great Read, unsubscribe. To opt out of other promotional emails from The Times, including those regarding The Athletic, manage your email settings.

Subscribe to The Times

Connect with us on:

facebookxinstagramwhatsapp

Change Your EmailPrivacy PolicyContact UsCalifornia Notices

LiveIntent LogoAdChoices Logo

The New York Times Company. 620 Eighth Avenue New York, NY 10018