by Ella Denney

Multigenerational households have risen in recent years, driven by diverse cultural traditions, financial stability and caregiving for aging family members. Regardless of the reason, families unite to live under one big roof. Multigenerational homes are households that include children, parents and grandparents—and sometimes aunts, uncles and cousins as well. Unfortunately, living with relatives with significant age gaps may cause contention between family members. To avoid such problems, it is crucial to set a precedent of open and honest communication to ensure safety and harmony in the home.

While having an entire family under one roof may not always seem ideal, it often comes with overlooked benefits. Sharing a home encourages families to spend more time together, strengthening relationships and deepening bonds. Adult daughters are more likely to spend time with their mothers when proximity allows it, and grandfathers gain more opportunities to bond with their grandchildren. This closeness draws hearts together. As these bonds grow stronger, many individuals experience greater emotional support, which often leads to improved mental health. Multigenerational homes naturally create support systems that help all members feel loved and seen.

Not only are there various emotional advantages, but also financial benefits. Purchasing a home in modern-day America costs at least $500,000. Sharing a home with family can significantly reduce expenses, as costs are divided among household members. Utility bills may be cut in half, while childcare expenses often disappear entirely—since older relatives are more willing and able to care for young grandchildren, nieces or nephews. In multigenerational homes, families work together to support one another and meet life’s daily demands.

Living in a multigenerational home has a plethora of advantages, but also its downsides. Sharing a space with so many people may lead to violations of privacy. Sharing can sometimes be too caring, with family members disregarding personal space. Additionally, many individuals in these homes feel frustrated when there is a lack of respect for private beliefs and opinions. The varying ages of relatives may result in drastically different outlooks on how children should be parented, political beliefs and roles in the family.

To avoid overheated tension, it is essential to establish solid boundaries. Parents and grandparents must clarify child-rearing rules. Parents must decide whether they want the grandparents to aid in disciplining children. Additionally, adults must establish clear household rules for children to follow. The children, in turn, need to respect the boundaries and rules set by their elders while reinforcing their autonomy and personal privacy. However, adults need their privacy too. Families should establish private places for each member to have quiet solitude.

With these boundaries also comes safety. Young children need physical boundaries in place around caution areas such as sharp table corners, cleaning supplies and electrical sockets. Additionally, medication should only be located where adults can access it. Similar to physical safety, children should be protected from hurtful words or conflicts that may damage their mental well-being. Children must be raised outside of fragile strife to feel stable in their home and life.

With intentional boundaries to ensure privacy and security, multigenerational homes can be a place of stability. Open communication and honesty allow guardians from different generations to balance traditional and modern parenting styles to raise well-rounded children. Additionally, all members must manage shared responsibility of tasks to support the family and maintain the home. To preserve emotional balance, immediate families and spouses also need intentional time together to strengthen their bonds outside of the larger household.

Thankfully, the modern age provides various tools that families can use to aid in communication. Family group chats can provide quick and easy ways to stay updated and connected with household needs. Additionally, shared calendars keep everyone aware of tasks and activities. Still, when life gets too busy, it is vital for the whole household to have dedicated time to spend together. Game nights, movie nights and family dinners are fun and easy ways for relatives in the household to stay connected across generations.

Raising kids in a multigenerational home takes intentional love and effort from each member involved. Although difficult, it is not impossible. As families work to prioritize clear boundaries and healthy safety measures, balance will flow through the home. An environment will be created where children can be nurtured with love, wisdom and support. Multigenerational households help raise strong, self-aware children who are better prepared to face a chaotic world, guided by the diverse perspectives that support them through life’s challenges.