TODAY’S POLL

LAST POLL RESULTS

50.6% of you voted It works well depending on the circumstances. in yesterday’s poll: What are your thoughts on multigenerational living (multiple generations of a family living in the same household)?

“In today’s economy, if everyone pulls their weight, it helps a lot financially. Also, with older parents, it keeps them at home longer when someone is there to help!”

“Many families (including my own) have had to move in with parents because of a lack of finances for rent, food, college debt, etc. On the plus side, the children are often helping with tasks, chores, and repairs that aging parents are having difficulty accomplishing.”

“MY PARENTS LIVED WITH ME WHEN THEY COULD NOT BE ALONE.”

“Depending on the situation and what’s going on, and if everybody’s been honest about what’s going on, it can be a good thing. It can strengthen bonds between father and son, father and daughter, or mama and son, and the kids get to see the grandkids. But if they’re not honest, it can lead to a lot of problems. My son’s father-in-law wanted to move but didn’t have enough money. He was honest — he doesn’t have, and will not have, the money to move into an apartment. He won’t be able to afford the rent and bills. He lives on disability and Social Security, and it’s not enough, so he is stuck in their house forever.”

“I think this one’s about everybody coming to a mutual understanding regarding rules, money, the living situation, and company, with everyone being upfront about it. I like that about it. It could work if they have a set time — whether they’re going to stay for a week, two weeks, three weeks, whatever it may be. Then it can work out.”

“I have seen where multigenerational living together has worked, especially when the terms are established beforehand. I have also seen failure in such arrangements when the rules are abused by people who insist on having the final word.”

“As long as everyone is on the same page, it works well.”

“I would imagine it would work well if everyone was on board, and communication was open and trusting.”

“Everyone has to be kind to make it work.”

“It would not work well for me, but I hear others do it without issues.”

“Our home has had as few as two and as many as 10 family members (+pets) living together over the years. It has been a solid foundation for kids growing up and a welcoming refuge when circumstances changed. It’s been a loving place for our elderly to live out their days and a joyous place to welcome our new family members. It’s our heart and our solid foundation, where we can all feel welcomed and safe no matter what. I love it that way.”

“Both my parents lived in multigenerational households growing up. They loved it. The working adults pooled their money and looked after the children. It got a little crowded at times, but it worked out.”

“In the seventies and early eighties, I managed a ranch, and we had many people who lived there part of the time. Maybe we weren’t ‘the conventional family,’ but we worked as a family unit. It was really satisfying to see all of us spending time together and benefiting each other. Everyone just did what they saw needed to be done, and playing to their strengths benefitted us all. A big, strong family.”

“If every tenant is mentally healthy, it can work well. For four years, I lived in a cooperative living situation with 20 individuals of all ages. It was a magnificent time in my life.”

“I have been living in a multigenerational situation for a few years. Not all are related, but all have some connection to the house.”

“❌ I live with my parents ✅ I live in my ancestral home.”

“I personally would like it, but I know that it’s not for every family. Stereotype: Americans? No. Italians? Yes.”

“What a great and complicated question. I think the benefits can outweigh the drawbacks. Raising children truly takes a village, and the wisdom and support of older generations are incredibly valuable. Of course, that can come with less privacy. Ultimately, it depends on your values and culture. In the United States, we tend to prioritize independence, but in many cultures around the world, multigenerational households are completely normal.”

“It is also cultural, so in some communities it is an important aspect to consider when planning affordable housing options.”

“I come from a culture that is very comfortable with multigenerational living (Filipino). Personally, I couldn’t do it, but I understand why some do. Regardless, I always suggest young adults in these families try living away from home for a few years. It’s so important to learn who you are as an individual apart from your family, and as circumstances change, you can always go back.”

“I’m neutral on this one. I think it depends on the situation. Caring for an elderly parent or grandparent is completely understandable. Young and/or disabled children are also understandable. Temporarily helping a relative out until they get back on their feet again is understandable as well. But I’m still trying to figure out when things changed from the time I was young to now, where kids in their 20s and even 30s feel entitled to live at home off their parents’ dime and not get out into the world. When I was 18, I couldn’t wait to get out on my own. Nowadays, children are pacified by getting a free ride by living at home. It makes no sense to me. How will they learn the tough lessons in life?”

“Not all families are meant to live together.”

“It depends on how well the people get along.”

“Depends on the family members.”

“It’s easier to stay out of everyone’s business when living separately.”

“I have no experience with this, but these days my parents drive me crazy, so I can’t imagine living with them again.”

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