Families are taking a slightly different shape these days than they have in the recent past. In fact, families today are taking a cue from the past and living in arrangements that are similar to those of their ancestors. For the past century or so, many households were comprised of just a nuclear family – a set of parents and their children. The children would grow up, move out, and start families of their own in their own homes. While this is still the norm in most places, there has recently been an increase in the number of households that are comprised of more relatives than just mom, dad, and the kids.
Part of the reason behind the increase in multi-generational households is the sluggish economy. When two households combine, such as a set of grandparents moving in with their child and grandchildren, everyone saves money because there is only one home to maintain instead of two. Household duties can also be shared and grandparents are usually especially willing to help out by caring for their grandchildren. Also, it is easier for adult children to help care for their parents as they grow older if their parents live in their home. While having more people in the house may make for cramped quarters at times, it seems that there is much more to be gained than simple economics can measure.
In the past, multi-generational households were the foundations of strong families. As time passed and smaller households because more common, large family groups began to spend less time together. While relationships between extended family members are generally strong regardless of household size, it can certainly be said that the more time people spend together the stronger their bond will be. A child that grows up with grandparents in their home will develop a stronger bond than if they see them only a couple of times a year. Sometimes, ways of doing things that worked well for past generations can come back into practice and work just as well in today’s world. Living arrangements that include extended family members is one example of an “old way” that it makes sense to adopt as a “new way”.