The Joys and Challenges of a Multi-Generational Household
I always thought that once my kids grew up they would all move out. Well that hasn’t happened. I have 5 adult children ages 21 to 30 Two of them still live with me along with my daughter-in-law, 4 year old and almost 2 year old granddaughters. Needless to say there is never a dull moment. This is the second time my son and his wife have lived here. The first time my youngest was 10 she is now 21 and she has moved out. We have had quite a bit of drama in the house but I think most families have their issues. I really could make this a long post if I wanted to, but I think I will save that for another time.
Although sometimes its really crazy here I have to say that the benefits outweigh the challenges. Yes sometimes I would like the house to be quiet. Its seems that the 4 year old thinks night time is play time and I keep telling her its my time, but she doesn’t seem to grasp the concept. I’ve had to put my foot down and let them know that my living room is off limits after 9 pm. So far this is proving to be a challenge. I will continue to remind them (My son & daughter-in-law, or the married couple as I refer to them when speaking to my husband).
The Joys and Challenges of a Multi-Generational Household
Having babies/small children in my home again is really a delight for me. I love babies, that’s why I had 5. It’s seemed for some reason the babies kept growing up and then weren’t babies anymore and I wanted babies. I loved spending time on the floor with my kids when they were small, so I thought that spending time on the floor with my granddaughter would be so much fun, well until I got on the floor and realized just how far down the floor was. It’s not so easy to get up off the floor at my age. Hey when did I get old? My mind still thinks I’m 30 something!
They lights up my life. When people ask me about them all I can say is they are soooo delicious! Words can’t really describe the feeling of being a grandparent for the first time. We now have 2, how delightful. Leah is 4 and Melody is almost 2. Melody is really starting to show some personality. I was wondering how I could possibly love another one like I love Leah. I was actually a little worried about that at first. But the love is there, and she’s just as special to me. The heart grows as the family grows. I remember having those same feelings when I was having my kids.
The Joys and Challenges of a Multi-Generational Household
It’s the most awesome feeling when you come home and you open the door and you hear Gamma, Gamma as my granddaughters runs up to me and hugs me. Recently my husband took a trip to Las Vegas. We were gone for a week and when we came home the little one just smiled and smiled and hugged me and wouldn’t let go of me. She wanted no one else and the whole day. She was with me every where I went with a big smile on her face. So nice to get such a welcome.
Children have a way of getting to me. Sometimes the girls tattle on their parents when they don’t get their way or they get in trouble. They coming running to me thinking I’m going to somehow fix it. Both Leah and Melody come to me to ask for things before they go to their parents. I try really hard to make sure that I go ask my son or daughter-in-law before I give them a treat or something especially if it close to dinner time. The girls like to put me in the middle sometimes because Grandma’s a pushover.
The fun parts for me is just holding them and rocking them, or singing them bedtime songs like I used to do with my kids. I also love reading to them, which I don’t do enough, but if I start they keep bringing me more and more books. I can only read so many…:)
I’m really glad they all live here. I get to spend so much time with my granddaughters that I would miss out on if they lived in their own place. I get to help out my son & his wife with the girls and I think that I have a stronger bond with the girls because I get to be part of their everyday lives. I get to witness all the firsts and I get to impart some of my values into their lives.
When my Mom was young it wasn’t uncommon for families to have multi-generations living together. Remember the Waltons…maybe some of you are too young to remember the show. But I think its good for families to have grandparents living with grandchildren. It benefits the grandchildren, it makes families stronger. Everyone helping everyone…
OK maybe sometimes there are disagreements, but all families have them. I love my family. I love all the hugs and kisses I get. I love seeing the girls first thing in the morning. There’s nothing like being a grandma and getting to have them with me. I am truly blessed and I will always cherish this crazy time.
Deirdre Powell (Dee)
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I loved your story and this post. I have no idea what it’s like to raise kids, let alone 2 generations. Awesome post Deirdre.
I grew up just like that. Until I was six years old we lived with my grandparents. I still have fond memories of those times. Thanks for sharing.
Great post Deirdre…I don’t have grandkids yet but looking forward to when I do. I’m waiting for my 26 yr old son to get a wife first. 🙂 I can remember my husband’s grandma telling me that she thought he (my husband) was the greatest thing on earth…until our son was born…then my husband lost his place. lol. So I guess that goes for great-grandkids too.
Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for commenting Sherry, You will love being a grandma some day…nothing sweeter! Grandkids have a special place in the heart no one else can fill.
Awesome blog post!Loved it
Thanks Lisa, and thanks for commenting.
You remind me off my mother in law. We lived with her for a while. We also have two girls 7 & 2. Every thing you wrote reminds me how important grandparents are!! Thanks for sharing!!
Thanks for commenting Katie, I guess you really know what it’s like then…:) Yes I think Grandma’s are important. I was very close to mine and I like to think I’m following in their foot steps.
You are so correct, I always tell people that if I had known how much fun grandchildren were I would have adopted adults. Our daughter and our 2 yr old granddaughter live with us, and Papa loves it. My daughter can move out, but Anna is staying house rules. Great Content Deirdre.
Thanks Robert. I know the feeling I tell my son and daughter-in-law that too. The girls call my husband Papa too…I love it. Thanks for commenting.
Deirdre, I relate to every work you said., We also had our youngest son and his wife live with us while they were having their first two children. It was such a joyous time. There is nothing like a hug from one of your granchildren, We have 6.
Thanks for commenting Ann. I’m enjoying ever minute. Can’t get this time back. Nice to know someone else knows the feeling too!.