They say it takes a village to raise children. Whether or not that’s true or possible today, most kids love spending time with grandparents. They get to do that a lot if you live in a bigenerational home.
Pew Research recently noted that many young adults in the U.S. now live in multigenerational households with their parents. The surge is notable among 25 to 34-year-olds.
An intergenerational home can make your feelings fluctuate from a need for privacy to a desire for harmony. Structural and decor changes like sound-dampening wall tiles and designated private areas can create a happier living space for everyone.
The Rise of Bigenerational Living: What’s Driving It?
Financial issues are one reason for this trend. Affording a house has become more daunting than ever, even more so if you have children and student loans to pay off.
However, it’s not only about saving money. As the world gets more connected, the influence of other cultures exposes us to new things. For example, population scholars note how multigenerational households are most widespread in Asia. Many Americans now appreciate the benefits of co-living they have seen their Asian friends and colleagues follow.
Living in a bigenerational or multigenerational house can help adults combat loneliness and isolation. The American Psychological Association finds that generations are coming together to tackle unforeseen challenges, from climate change to health anxiety.
Regardless of why you’re considering this living arrangement, prepare for mixed feelings. Here are concrete steps to appreciate your living arrangements and make the most of it:
#1 Soundproof Selected Areas of your House
Intergenerational homes must regard everyone’s varying tolerance of noise. Your four-year-old may have given up daytime naps and now spends afternoons monkeying around the house. But their antics can keep your elderly parents from getting a restful siesta.
Try a cost-effective solution by placing soundproofing curtains and rubber mats at the desired locations. They can reduce the noise from your child’s room or the laundry area with a loud washing machine.
For more effective noise reduction, consider soundproofing tiles. They are easy to install for larger areas like your living room or your parents’ bedroom. Your teenager will also appreciate this intervention when they sense the difference in their gaming session!
A longer-lasting noise-management solution is better for house owners who seek sustainability and tranquility. For example, you can choose PET materials made from recycled plastic. Felt Right notes that such tiles and panels can be highly durable and affordable. Moreover, you can select colorful patterns that match your interior decor.
#2 Establish Distinct No-Entry Thresholds
Living in a bigenerational house mustn’t mean giving up your private space. You know that feeling of returning to a quiet, empty house and falling on the couch with a bag of chips? It should still be possible if it matters to your mental wellness.
A simple way to assert your need for privacy is to establish no-entry areas. No one must violate these rules, i.e., enter without knocking. Don’t perceive these boundaries as walls; they are merely a way to maintain your identity and keep the family dynamics harmonious.
Case in point: a grandparent that interferes with your parenting style, leading to frequent unrest. Physical barriers can avoid such problems. Sometimes, doors and bolts become essential to assert your independence.
Besides bedrooms, you can also make other areas fit this description. For example, you may not want disturbance in your study or work area. Even if you aren’t behind a closed door, elements like a room divider and a polite but funny “Don’t Enter: People at Work” can dispel the temptation to intrude.
#3 Create a Communal Kitchen
For centuries, the kitchen has been the focal point of the house. The aroma of fresh coffee lures everyone in. Delicious chili in the pot makes your mum nostalgic about your dad’s recipe. A bigenerational house can benefit from a communal kitchen where everyone comes together to cook, chat, and connect.
Bon Appétit magazine observes that communal kitchens can be a brilliant way to manage skyrocketing prices and reduce food waste. Many senior citizens are exploring shared living arrangements to benefit from easier, diverse cooking. It also beats loneliness.
Building a shared kitchen can be straightforward. Sit together and plan pantry ingredients. Designate shopping responsibilities according to the weekly menu. Build smaller nooks for individual needs. For example, have a smoothie corner for your health-conscious spouse and a herbal tea station for your father. You may have to arrange extra storage, cabinets, and cutlery.
Another advantage of a shared kitchen is the chance to explore new recipes and have conversations. You may also find people likelier to take responsibility for chores like washing the dishes and wiping the counters.
Living with your parents, grandparents, or other adults can be beautiful for its emotional benefits. The sense of community is a blessing in these difficult times. However, not drawing the line where necessary can spoil your enjoyment of these benefits.
Guilt has no place in decisions to balance privacy and harmony at home. Living together needn’t mean everyone must always be in your business! Let’s remember that the point of an intergenerational house is support and empathy, not interference and judgment.