Survey: More Wisconsin Children are Caring for Family Members

Did you know? Millions of kids across the country, including thousands of Wisconsin children, are quietly serving as caregivers for family members? A recent survey shows they are often helping parents, grandparents, or other loved ones manage serious medical needs while still trying to succeed in school.

Dr. Connie Siskowski, founder and president of the Association of Caregiving Youth, talks about her concerns with Greg Bach, host of Mid-Mornings with Greg Bach. She also shares why the responsibilities of these students often remains unrecognized, yet their caregiving can directly affect school attendance, focus, and mental health. 

“These are real jobs,” Siskowski explains. “These jobs are being performed by children whose brains and bodies are still developing.”

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Listen to an interview with Dr. Siskowski here:

[podcast src="https://civicmedia.us/shows/matenaer-on-air/2026/01/06/kids-as-caregivers-and-its-impacts-hour-2"]

Siskowski’s advocacy grew from her own personal experience. 

She cared for her grandfather when she was just a middle school student. It was a time when childhood caregiving and trauma were rarely acknowledged.

Years later, research reveals how widespread the issue has become for many families. 

The Bloomberg School’s study for the Journal of Adolescent Health estimates more than six million children under the age of 18 are providing care similar to adult family caregivers. It also reveals these kids are frequently untrained, lacking support, and have little to no policy protections. Their responsibilities often include managing medications, assisting with mobility, translating medical information – and that’s all on top of the constant worry about the loved one’s health.

Siskowski says the Association of Caregiving Youth is working directly with schools to identify these students and offer long-term support in the classroom. This can range from mentoring, academic assistance, and family services. Siskowski calls the recognition of kids as caregivers the first step toward meaningful solutions.

“When we support caregiving youth,” she says, “we’re strengthening families, schools, and communities — not just for today, but for the future.” 

And given the trend of an aging population — Wisconsin’s numbers are higher than the national average — the number of older adults requiring help from family members is expected to grow. Siskowski calls it a time of urgency to build more support and stronger policies for children who are caring for adults.

RESOURCES:

Learn about support from Wisconsin organizations here.

Find a number of national organizations offering support here.