Families For Life | Why multigenerational homes make sense
Many Singaporean households today are multigenerational homes, where there can be grandparents, parents and young children living under one roof. Despite the shared living space and the occasional loud commotion, the beauty of living together lies in the familial bonds that grow stronger each day. With much help, love, and joy to share around, a multigenerational home can make the busiest days feel meaningful! Read on to discover the joys of a multigenerational home, and how you and your family can make it work too.
Sharing household responsibilities
With more family members in the house, the household chores can be divided among everyone. Between cooking, cleaning and caring for the young, chores and responsibilities get easier and quicker to handle when there are more people to help out. Grandparents often take care of the children while the parents are working, and everyone can help to keep the house clean, while those who can cook can take turns preparing family meals. By sharing responsibilities, no family member feels overwhelmed with keeping the shared living space in order.
Easing financial burden
Amidst rising living expenses, living together can help ease financial pressures on everyone. For example, with grandparents caring for the younger children, parents can save on childcare costs, while grandparents get companionship and care without the high costs of senior care services. Those able can also split household costs like groceries and bills. Everyone can also gain peace of mind knowing that their loved ones are cared for in the comfort of their home.
Improving health and mental wellness
Having family members close means help is nearby when you need it. Parents who feel overwhelmed can seek guidance, support and comfort from other family members. Children and the younger members have each other to play with and share. Grands gain a renewed sense of purpose, staying active and engaged with the family’s daily life, while curbing feelings of loneliness or of being left behind. The result is a healthier, happier family, where care flows naturally across every generation.
Bigger, memorable family moments
When everyone in the family is present, no family event ever feels small. Birthdays, milestones, and festive occasions become grander when shared across generations! Not only that, everyday moments like dinner or TV time can be filled with more joy and shared memories. These moments are magnified by the presence of loved ones, becoming treasured chapters in your family’s story.
Stronger familial bonds
Needless to say, there are various opportunities for everyone in the family to form loving bonds with one another. Whether you are doing chores together or celebrating a family member’s birthday, these moments are the building blocks to forming stronger, warmer connections with each other, built on common family values and shared experiences.
How to make multigenerational homes work
With more people under the same roof, it’s important to instill understanding, patience and care so everyone can live harmoniously. Here are some tips to encourage a positive living environment with everyone:
Set rules and boundaries, and respect them
To ensure that everyone has some privacy and personal space, ensure to establish some ground rules that everyone follows. For instance, if a family member has a closed room door, make sure to knock first before entering.
Communicate your thoughts, needs and feelings openly
Conflicts between family members are inevitable. They may rise from different expectations, perspectives and personalities. It’s important that everyone feels heard about their needs and feelings so no negative feelings grow below the surface. Take the time and effort to check in once in a while and have open discussions of how living arrangements can be improved.
Make bonding a priority
Creating strong intergenerational bonds starts with intentional moments to understand each other better. Sometimes what is needed are not big sweeping gestures but small moments where your family can have fun and unwind. Try gathering everyone for a movie or game night, or preparing snacks that everyone can enjoy together.
Home where every generation belongs
From easing financial worries to strong family bonds and unforgettable celebrations, living under one roof reminds us that family is our greatest source of strength. When every generation contributes to creating a home full of joy, understanding, and love, a multigenerational home can feel much larger than life!