A couple weighs the benefits of inviting their mother-in-law to live with them
My mother-in-law recently lost her husband. While she’s independent and healthy, we believe living together could be beneficial. This setup, called intergenerational living, has its advantages.
In many countries, it’s pretty common for families to live together. The UN found that in 67 out of 100 countries, older folks often live with their families instead of alone. When I was in Japan, I noticed young adults often stayed with their parents well into their 30s.
Having different generations in one home helps families stay close and can save young adults money on rent while they kickstart their careers. It’s not just a foreign concept; about 18% of Americans lived in multigenerational households as of 2021.
Sure, sharing a home with parents or grandparents can be tricky. Sometimes, people crave their own space. But for many, living together is a smart way to save money and keep family ties strong.
A few years back, we moved to a bigger house, and sometimes it feels a bit too spacious. We have an extra bedroom and plenty of bathrooms, so there’s room for my mother-in-law. She’s not looking to mooch off us; she’s even offered to help with household expenses.
I won’t charge her a ton, but having another adult around to share the bills would be nice. Research shows that families living together are less likely to struggle financially. More people means more hands to help with costs, making life a bit easier.
We really like having my wife’s mom around. Even though she’s enjoying retirement and doesn’t need to move in, we think it would be great. Our kids are teens and won’t be home much longer, so spending more time with their grandmother sounds wonderful.
What’s the point of family if not to support each other and enjoy time together? Life is short, and we should cherish moments with loved ones. We’re still chatting about the idea of her moving in, but if it works out, it could create some happy memories and bring us closer together.
