Millions of Kids Now Care for Aging and Disabled Relatives — And Their Numbers Are Expected to Rise

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A New Generation of Caregivers: Children Stepping Up at Home

In households across America, millions of children and teenagers are quietly stepping into adult roles — becoming primary caregivers for parents, grandparents, or other loved ones facing chronic illnesses or disabilities. With potential cuts to Medicaid looming, experts warn that the number of child caregivers will likely grow in the years ahead.

Joshua Yang: Student, Son, and Caregiver

In St. Paul, Minnesota, 18-year-old high school senior Joshua Yang began caring for his mother at just 15, after a devastating car crash left her with Parkinson’s disease, triggered by traumatic brain injuries. As the oldest sibling in a household with two younger sisters and a stepfather who works nights, Joshua quickly became his mom’s primary caregiver.

“I had to let go of sports, debate club, and even saw my grades drop,” Yang said. “Everything fell on me.”

For a brief time, Yang received some relief. A personal care nurse provided equipment and guidance, and he was able to earn $1,000 a month through a caregiving agency. But that support ended when insurance changes cut off his mother’s benefits. He soon found himself calling Medicaid from the back of class, navigating a bureaucratic maze just to access basic care.

The Impact of Policy on Young Caregivers

More than 5.4 million children in the U.S. are estimated to serve as caregivers. If proposed federal Medicaid cuts move forward, experts say the number will climb, putting additional strain on young people who already face serious emotional, physical, and educational setbacks.

“Home- and community-based services are on the chopping block,” said economist Andrew Olenski of Lehigh University. These programs, though less costly than institutional care, are not federally required. If eliminated, families will have little choice but to rely on unpaid help — often from the children in the household.

The Emotional and Academic Toll

While some young caregivers report increased maturity and confidence, the majority face harsh trade-offs. Studies show that they suffer from higher rates of anxiety, depression, and poor physical health, often due to poor sleep, irregular meals, and chronic stress. Academically, caregiving students spend less time in school and on homework compared to their peers.

A national study revealed that high schoolers who care for a sick or disabled family member spend 42 fewer minutes daily on education and 31 fewer minutes in class.

Schools Begin to Respond

Some school systems are starting to recognize and support these hidden caregivers. In Rhode Island, nearly 29% of middle and high school students said they care for a family member — a statistic that led the state’s education department to mandate caregiving policies in every school.

At Apprenticeship Exploration School in Cranston, Principal Lindsey Tavares was stunned when nearly half of her students identified as caregivers. Now, her staff proactively checks in when students miss class or fall behind, knowing caregiving may be the cause.

“We can’t fix every situation,” said Tavares, “but we can offer flexibility, resources, and support to help these students graduate.”

National Programs and the Need for Awareness

Organizations like the American Association for Caregiving Youth are helping fill the gap, offering emotional support, caregiving training, and resources such as overnight camps for student caregivers. Over 700 students participated this year in the association’s Caregiving Youth Project.

Dr. Julia Belkowitz, a pediatrician and caregiving researcher, emphasized the importance of visibility: “Kids need to know they’re not alone. And policymakers need to know these children are doing real work that impacts their lives.”

Looking Ahead

For Joshua Yang, the decision to attend community college was a practical one — staying close to home allows him to continue caring for his mom. But he’s hopeful. His younger sisters, now 12 and 13, are beginning to help more.

“They’re growing into the role,” he said. “We all know we’re the most important people in our mom’s life — and that means we help each other, too.”