Multigenerational Living - Month 1

This is the first month in which I will be living in what is termed a multi-generational or extended family home. In late July our middle daughter, son-in-law and three grandkids moved in. We divided the space so that they would have the upstairs and we occupy the downstairs. Each living space has its own kitchen and bath. This arrangement does afford more privacy than other extended family arrangements, something that I, who has a high need for privacy, am grateful for.

Prior to World War II extended family living was much more common, however, the trend, at least anecdotally, in having adult children and grandchildren under the same roof appears to growing in this economic climate. In our circle of friends there are at least two other couples who have had their children and grandchildren move in with them. According to the 2000 census, there were 2.6 million multigenerational homes with a householder, the householder’s children, and the householder's grandchildren. This constituted 65% of all multigenerational family households in the U.S. (see Family Fact Book ) I will be very surprised if the 2010 census data does not show an increase in the percentage of multigenerational living.

While there are obvious disadvantages to extended family living there are a significant number of advantages. First, are the obvious economic advantages of combining family incomes to pay housing expenses. Other advantages are increased relationship between grandparents and grandchildren; the opportunity to increase meaningful connections between family members; and an increased support system that can allow more job flexibility.

It will be interesting to see how I adapt to this arrangement. I have a higher need for privacy than do my wife and daughter and my wife is excited about the time she can spend with the grandchildren. My son-in-law and I get along very well and have mutual hobbies; video games, computers, blogging (he has yet to blog about this…. hmm) and guy movies. This weekend the “girls” were out of town and it was a simple thing to put the grandkids to sleep for the night and for us to watch a movie, which neither my wife nor daughter would have been interested in.

So far the only family members who appear not to approve of this living arrangement are the two cats. They have had their roaming privileges curtailed and being cats are communicating their displeasure at mere humans imposing such restrictions on them.