More than 5 Million American Kids Are Caregivers Now

I have some doubts about the numbers. E.g. how accurate is the number 1.3 million from 20 years ago? Are the definitions of caregivers the same etc. etc.

Well, the U.S. population also grew from about 294 million in 2004 to 342 million in 2024 or about 16%. Based on this population growth alone, we would expect to have at least 1.5 million teenage caregivers now.

"Leo Remis goes to high school, plays videogames, and helps take care of his disabled mom. Three afternoons a week, he flexes his mom’s legs and arms to keep muscles from deteriorating and blood clots from forming. When her hands shake, he helps her eat and brushes her teeth. “It is my normal,” says Leo, a tall, lanky 15-year-old high-school freshman. There are an estimated 5.4 million children providing care to parents, grandparents or siblings with chronic medical conditions or functional decline, up from about 1.3 million nearly 20 years ago. That number is growing because families can’t afford or find in-home care, researchers say."

Millions of American Kids Are Caregivers Now: ‘The Hardest Part Is That I’m Only 17’ - WSJ An estimated 5.4 million children help care for relatives, as families can’t afford or find other in-home care