Living in a multigenerational home is something that is not new in the Filipino household. For some other countries, it is not something that they are accustomed to as they opt for independency. Most of the Asian countries prefer this type of living arrangement and is a common practice for them. But some people do not understand the concept of living in a multigenerational home or living with extended family members under one roof. In this article, get to know more about living in multigenerational households and why is it practiced up to this day.
What is a multigenerational home?
It is generally defined as a household that has two or more adult generations living under one roof. Multigenerational living usually has the grandparents, parents, and the kids living together in the same house and lot in Cavite.
Benefits of Living in a Multigenerational Household
Straying away from the norm that living in a multigenerational home is for those who don’t want to live independently, here are some ways to understand the benefits of living in a generational home.
Creates a close-knit bond with family members
Being in one household creates more opportunities for the family members to bond on the day-to-day basis. You get to see each other and have quality time during holidays and even just the regular days. Even during normal days, you could bond over meals or even watching TV.
Improved finances
Since most members of the family are at home, you can equally cut and share expenses with each other rather than having to shoulder larger amounts on your own. You can contribute to the living expenses and monitor your expenses to become cost-efficient. It becomes easier to provide for the needs of each family member since you are able to share what you have as well.
Living in a multigenerational home is environmentally-beneficial
When a family is living under one roof, you cut consumption and share your resources.
One of the challenges in living in a multigenerational home revolves around navigating generational differences in practices, attitudes, values, and cultural norms. Millennials may prioritize individualism, while baby boomers may emphasize following the accustomed traditions and following a hierarchy. Through this arrangement, you learn to bridge the gaps and become more aware of how things are seen and followed today. But to be able to do so, this requires empathy, respect, and a openness to embrace diverse perspectives.
Being flexible is key to accommodate the varying lifestyle preferences and adapting to evolving family dynamics. Recognizing the values of each generation’s contributes to a fostering culture of inclusivity and mutual respect. Embracing generational diversity enriches the family experience, fostering creativity, innovation, and personal growth.
Establish Expectations
Clear boundaries and expectations are crucial for maintaining harmony and mutual respect within a multigenerational household. Establishing ground rules regarding privacy, shared spaces, and household responsibilities helps mitigate conflicts and promote a sense of order.
Respecting individual practices and beliefs while fostering a spirit of cooperation is essential in balancing the needs of all family members. Assigning specific roles and responsibilities based on each individual’s strengths and preferences promotes accountability and reduces the burden of household chores.
Cultural and Generational Awareness
People who live in multigenerational homes mutually learn a lot from each other. The number of traits that they pick up, both old and new are absorbed. Living with family members from different generational groups let you know their history and practices which can be compared to how things are today. Even the elder members of the family will be able to pick up new language slangs and habits that are practiced during modern times. You get to have a piece of both history’s that were experienced by the generations and be able to pass the stories on for the future generation.
Being aware of cultural and generational beliefs and practices makes you become more responsible with how you act. It leaves out room for being insensitive and culturally unaware of others experiences aside from your own.
How to better understand living in multigenerational households
Understanding the dynamics and benefits of living in a multigenerational home is essential for various reasons. Firstly, it provides insights into the interplay of relationships and roles among family members spanning the different generation gaps. Understanding fosters a sense of empathy, communication, and mutual respect. Secondly, it recognizes the advantages of shared resources in a home, reduced environmental footprint, and emotional support. It can also help individuals appreciate the unique strengths of multigenerational living arrangements.
Furthermore, understanding the challenges, such as conflicts over living space or differing lifestyle preferences, prepares each individual to navigate potential issues proactively and find mutually beneficial solutions.
Care for each family member in the household, near and far
Be able to show care for each family member in the household. That way you will be able to have a more harmonious home. But the key thing to remember is to always communicate. Whether they’re near or far, be able to talk to them. An open home lets you understand each other without facing many challenges while living under one roof.
Embrace Technology Driven Ways for Communication
In order for communication to continue to flow, all generations have to learn to embrace technology driven ways for communication. For example, smart phones (video calls, online messages) and even through your smart CCTV at your house and lot in Cavite. You may be able to talk to your family through the CCTV or through its mobile application.
When you are adept to these new ways of communication, everything flows faster. It is convenient and allows you to connect wherever your family is. Whether they’re at home or away doing errands.
Living in multigenerational households may take some time getting used to. But it is one of the most practiced living styles of Filipinos. Growing together under one roof brings a family together, making it home that has plenty of stories for you and the generations to come.
