What's Your MGL Experience?

Almost eight years ago, due to financial circumstances in our life, we embarked into the world of multi-generational living. We thought it would be a temporary situation while we got back on our feet. My parents generously welcomed my husband, four year old daughter and me – six months pregnant, into their two bedroom condo. You can imagine how dire our situation was that that seemed like a great idea to everyone at the time.

We brought our daughter home from the hospital and somehow the 6 of us made it work in those two small bedrooms. I know there are people in other countries that would do anything to have that much living space, and a roof, and windows and running water; however in North America in 2002 I am sure you could have found homes with nurseries that had more square footage than that condo. But you make lemonade!

By the time my husband and I thought we were financially able to get our own place again, we were all enjoying our new living arrangements so much we decided we would all move into a larger place. So what started as a last resort became a first choice solution for our new family.

Our youngest daughter has only known a family with “four parents” as she describes it. During a time when many kids have only one parent, or one at a time, we feel fortunate and blessed. Over the years we have learned a lot and have discovered there are challenges with living with your in-laws, but for us the benefits greatly outweigh the trials.

If you have started multi-generational living or are thinking about it, I would like to hear from you.

We have developed our living arrangement on the fly and through growing pains and stretching comfort zones have settled into what has become normal family life for the six of us. But I wonder, what works for other people. What does multigenerational living look like to you? Do you have an “in-law suite”? Does Granma come live with you when she is not in Florida? Is your home split or do you completely share everything?

I am hoping to get an exchange of thoughts on what works and what doesn’t for people experiencing the benefits and challenges of multigenerational living.