As a multigenerational family, we are “learning as we go.” This is an area of life that has certainly occurred many times in families over the centuries, but there aren’t very many how-to manuals to consult.
While we certainly aren’t experts on this subject, we thought it would be helpful to share with you some of what we are learning in our journey as families living together.
Pros:
Cleaning: “Many hands make light work.” I certainly can’t remember who said this or where I heard it, but it is definitely true. When a room needs straightened up or the kitchen needs cleaned up after dinner, we can knock it out in record time.
Companionship. There is almost always someone to talk with and work alongside of. As Faith shares, “There is always somebody to share a cup of coffee with.” As most would agree, relationships are the most important things in life.
Finances: While we didn’t come together for financial reasons, it definitely has been a positive thing. Sharing in the expenses has proven to be, “Ten can live cheaper than one–that is when considering a “per person” cost. (More about how we do this in a later post.)
Caregivers: With seven people being age 15 and older, there are plenty of helpers to watch the younger three. When either one of the families goes out of town, the other family is here to help with the three dogs, the mail, and putting out the trash. Plus, when you are feeling bad, there are others to pitch in to get things done and to help take care of you.
Cons:
Privacy: In a household of 10 people, this can be difficult. Most of us have found our “quiet, alone spaces.” For some it is our bedroom; for others it might be the back porch or the trampoline on a nice day. The two girls have their own rooms, Nanny has hers, and the married couples have their own bedrooms. The three boys share a 28′ x 18′ room that is divided in half with wardrobe closets down the middle which has worked out very well. We are teaching the children to knock before entering into someone else’s room and to leave upon request. So far, so good.
Groceries: Someone is always hungry! Feeding 10 people can be quite an undertaking. It has required many hours of planning, organizing, and shopping. Nothing we can’t handle, but this can be a big adjustment when families live together.
Housework: On a regular basis, there are usually eight people and three dogs always at home. That creates a lot of dishes and messes around the house. With training and sharing in the workload, we manage to get things cleaned up, but this can be a challenge sometimes.
Laundry: Currently, we only have one washer and dryer and really don’t have plans to increase these. We each have our own laundry days which helps keep order, but it can be hard on the appliances or when one of us is sick.
While this is definitely not an exhaustive list, it addresses some of the main areas that occur with families living together.
If you are considering moving in with other family members or even another family, what would you be concerned about? We’d love to hear from you about this.
Republished by Blog Post Promoter
Recommended Reading
View My Profile on LinkedIn
