POV: I’m about to be my mom’s caregiver. How do I find balance?

November is Native American Heritage Month, a chance to recognize the original inhabitants of New Hampshire and the Abenaki culture that continues today. The Abenaki, known as the “People of the Dawnland,” have lived here for more than 12,000 years. Their communities—including the Penacook, Winnipesaukee, Pigwacket, Sokoki, Cowasuck, and Ossipee—built seasonal villages along rivers and lakes, relying on fishing, hunting, and farming guided by the rhythms of the land.

Upcoming events:

Nov. 20, 6 p.m., Lane Memorial Library (Hampton)
Anne Jennison presents “How 500 Years of Colonization Has Impacted the Abenaki Peoples of New Hampshire and the Northeast.”

Nov. 25, 7 p.m. (virtual), Groton Public Library (Groton)
A virtual version of Jennison’s presentation for a wider audience.

Learn more from New Hampshire Environmental Educators and check out these places:

The Abenaki Indian Shop and Camp in Conway highlights a long tradition of basket making.

The Abenaki Trails exhibit at the Monadnock Center shares stories through language, canoe-building, and craft.

The Abenaki Arts & Education Center offers programs to help keep culture and history alive.

Indigenous New Hampshire Collaborative—a grassroots movement that provides educational tools.

Here’s what else we’re covering today:

❓ I’m about to be my mom’s primary caregiver. How do I balance taking care of her with the rest of my life? Grace, our advice columnist, tackles the question.

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🗳️ John E. Sununu’s changing take on tariffs, as he seeks Trump’s endorsement

“Two years ago, John E. Sununu said that President Donald Trump showed bad leadership on trade because of tariffs. Now that Trump is back in office, Sununu’s tone appears to be changing.” — Granite Post 

🍎 Republicans renew effort to eliminate NH Office of Health Access and environmental justice program

“New Hampshire Republicans are again trying to eliminate a series of programs across state government they consider to be part of diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. During the last legislative session, lawmakers debated eliminating the state’s Office of Health Equity and the Department of Environmental Services’ civil rights and environmental justice programs, as well as forbidding the governor from ever re-creating the now-disbanded Governor’s Advisory Council on Diversity and Inclusion.” — New Hampshire Bulletin

🍎 NH adapts to changing student population as state adequacy aid hits highest per-pupil level

“The New Hampshire Department of Education (NHED) on Friday released its official statewide student enrollment data for the fall of 2025, showing a continued decline in student enrollment throughout the past several decades. According to the new data, there are now 160,323 students enrolled in New Hampshire public and public charter schools compared to 162,660 at the start of the 2024-2025 school year. For comparison, there were more than 205,000 students enrolled in New Hampshire public and public charter schools 20 years ago during the 2005-2006 school year.” — Manchester Ink Link

Eight Democrats—including New Hampshire’s two senators—crossed the aisle to help reopen the government this week, ending a tense Washington standoff. But the deal came without the health care subsidies that keep insurance affordable for millions, and some Democrats say their party gave up too much to break the impasse.

Republican leaders, despite holding the majority in both chambers, have continued to pin the shutdown on Democrats. And with the continuing resolution funding the government only through Jan. 30, 2026, the country could be staring down another shutdown in just a few months.

So, this week’s question is…

Did New Hampshire’s senators put people over politics—or cave too soon on the shutdown?

Welcome to our weekly advice column, courtesy of Grace: She’s the big sister who shares her own mistakes so you can avoid making them, the coworker who builds you up to ask for the raise you deserve, and the friend who is always happy to listen.

We all need someone like Grace in our corner. Submit your own questions here.

Dear Grace,

My mama is going to have surgery soon, and I will be her primary caregiver, so what is the best way for me to handle taking care of my mama, her house, myself, my dog, and still have time for my friends on social media?

— Getting Ready for a Big Change in Jacksonville, Florida

Dear Getting Ready,

First of all, your mama is so lucky to have you as a daughter. Caregiving is a big job, and one that so many women do for their family members across the country while still juggling their own responsibilities, other family needs, and the many tasks that keep a household running, all without pay or much support. It makes sense that you feel anxious about balancing this new responsibility with everything else going on in your life. I don’t know the details of your situation (how long you will be caregiving or what you have to give up in order to do it), but I do know this: Families and caregivers deserve support. No one who is stepping up to care for a loved one should have to sacrifice their well-being (financial or otherwise) to do so.

Here are some ideas for how to set you up for success…

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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Katy Savage with stories from Galvanize Together. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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