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If you’re lucky to be blessed with a big family, you’ll know it can be nice to have them living nearby so you can spend happy occasions together. This is why many Asian families still embrace the trend of multigenerational living, and it’s still common to see grandparents, parents, and kids all living under the same roof. The trouble is, day to day life can be tough when you all share the same space, so is it possible to live together in harmony?
It’s on the rise
For many years, Asian families who moved to countries like the USA tended to follow their new country’s social norms, with adult children leaving home and even moving to different states. However, a combination of factors such as high student loans and increasing property prices means they’re opting to return home, and around 19% of houses in the USA are now multigenerational. That means that it is becoming less unusual to live with family, especially in multicultural cities.
Sorting out the legal issues
While most multigenerational households come about because grown children move back home, there’s also a trend for family members to buy property together. This can have many advantages, especially in expensive areas, as it means you can live in a safer neighborhood or find a much bigger property than you’d usually get. This kind of transaction can be trickier than buying a home alone, and you may wish to speak to a Charleston family lawyer who can advise you on the potential pitfalls and what you need to do to protect yourself if you were to find yourself needing a divorce.
Creating separate spaces
Spending time as a family is great. However, it’s very easy to get tired of being around people and to want to be alone. Married couples who move back in with family can also find it difficult to spend time as a twosome, and you may miss things like simply sitting on the couch and watching TV in peace. Designing a multigenerational home means paying attention to both communal and separate spaces. It can be nice to have open plan areas where you can spend time as a family, but you may want to consider having your own living area too, even if it’s just a corner of your bedroom. Extra features such as door locks and en-suite bathrooms can also help.
Resolving conflicts
You may love spending time with your family, but no matter how close you are, eventually there are going to be conflicts. One issue with different ages living together is the generation gap, which can be prominent in Asian families where there are traditional grandparents and grandkids who’ve grown up in a more liberal environment. Be honest with each other and try to resolve conflicts rather than letting them fester, so they don’t lead to explosive arguments.
If you’re considering letting your adult children move home, or are thinking of living with family, then it’s important to know what you are getting into. However, if you can cope with less privacy and more noise, then you can save money and discover how living together can be a lot of fun.
