My parents are getting older, but they've done a lot to prepare. Being honest and upfront has been the most helpful.

The author's parents have taken helpful steps to prepare for their future. Westend61/Getty Images My husband and I are now firmly in the sandwich generation. Our attention is often split between our kids and our parents. However, our parents have taken steps to make this transitional time a bit easier. On a recent Tuesday, I received three text messages in a row: two from my daughter and one from my dad. For many of us, this is our everyday — sandwiched between our parents and our kids, and suddenly balancing both. Our parents are navigating big life transitions. So are our kids. In this sandwich generation , with little time and a lot on our plates, here are a few things our parents have done that have really helped our family navigate this tricky time of life.