Her sister’s keeper
The typical Peninsula student tackles roles such as an ambitious scholar, a caring friend, a loving boyfriend or girlfriend, a diligent student, a mature son or daughter. As the modern family evolves, however, students occasionally must take on the role of a parent or caregiver as well.
Spending an increasing amount of time at the office and on business trips, working parents strive to give their children the best education. However, in order to reach this goal financially, they may not always be available at home. These situations leave many students with the responsibilities of caring for their younger siblings or handling housework.
“My parents are out working a lot so I basically do everything around the house,” senior Anson Tsang said. “I cook for both myself and my little sister, clean around the house, do the dishes, etc.”
Tsang lives a normal senior life in many respects. She takes four classes each day, works part time at Honey Boba, participates as Vice President of Kiwin’s Club on campus, takes art classes and participates in art competitions. Yet she also bears the burden of taking a parental role by looking after her younger sister in her household as well.
According to research conducted by Northwestern University, “Nationally, 20 percent of families…regularly use adolescent care for an average of 9.9 hours a week… not surprisingly, adolescent care is most likely to be used in families where the designated parent is employed.”
Research has also shown that households with the designated parent working full-time “use adolescent care for longer hours” than in households in which the designated parent works part-time.
“It’s frustrating when I want to go hang out with my friends but I can’t because I have to stay home and take care of my little sister,” Tsang said. “It’s hard because I have to be good with time management and looking after her is a priority over going out with friends.”
Through the challenges she has faced by taking on a parental role in her family, Tsang expressed that her experiences taught her many valuable lessons.
“Taking on a parental role in the house taught me how to manage my time more efficiently and be more productive,” Tsang said. “It helped me be more independent and learn how to care for others and not just myself. I have to put aside extra time for my family but I love them and I’m glad to help out in any way.”
Tsang stated that she admires those who care for others more than themselves and commented on the difficulties of having to bear the burden of looking after someone else.
“I have to make sure that all of my work is done, like sending college applications, finishing homework, studying for tests, organizing for Kiwin’s, getting my hours in at work, and other things,” Tsang said. “But I also have to make sure my little sister has her work done and has had lunch and dinner, make sure the dishes are washed and the house is clean.”
With an steadfast sense of responsibility and an even steadier source of love from her younger sister, Tsang finishes her last year of high school standing balanced and proud on the tightrope of life.
