Multigenerational living may seem daunting to any family used to having their own space and the freedom to come and go as they please, however, multigenerational households can provide a unique living experience to individuals of all ages. If you’re ready to take the plunge and invite Mom, Dad, your grown children or even grandchildren to live under your roof, it’s important to make sure everyone’s ready.
The following tips from AARP will ensure that your multigenerational household provides a positive experience for everyone.
-Whether you’re making room for your parents, grown children or even grandchildren to move in, take everyone’s needs into consideration. While needs will differ depending on the age of the individual, there are steps you can take to ensure that everyone is both safe and comfortable.
-Bring the entire family together before you’re all under the same roof to establish guidelines that everyone is comfortable adhering to. By talking about potential problem areas beforehand, you’ll avoid confrontation once everyone is sharing the same living space.
-While the kitchen and living room will undoubtedly function as shared space, it’s crucial that everyone have their own space as well. Living with extended family can be a great experience, but it’s important to remember that family members still need privacy.
-If you’re in the process of opening up your home to your parents, be sure to give them the opportunity to do things on their own. Filling their schedules with activities that you love may be overwhelming, so carve out time for them to make their own plans.
-As your household continues to grow, it becomes increasingly important to stick to a schedule. By establishing a sense of consistency with a normal routine, you’ll ensure that everyone is on the same page when it comes to the daily routine.
-Don’t get so caught up in your day-to-day routine that you neglect to let everyone interact. Schedule time for everyone to do things together and you’ll be on your way toward creating family bonds that will last a lifetime.
-When living in a multigenerational household, there are bound to be some bumps along the way. Instead of trying to plan for every possible situation, start off with a solid game and then tweak it as you go.
Source: AARP.org
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