Additional Coverage:
- My 56-year-old mom lives rent-free in our house. She contributes by doing chores and childcare, but communicating expectations can be hard. (newsbreak.com)
**Emylee Williams’ Family Adapts to Multigenerational Living**
*Caption: Emylee Williams, her mother, and her daughter enjoy a spontaneous pool day.*
Emylee Williams and her husband decided over a year ago to have her 56-year-old mother move into their home. Although her mother does not pay rent, she contributes by taking care of household chores and helping with her granddaughter. Initially meant to be a temporary arrangement, the family has found a comfortable routine living together.
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It’s been over a year since my mother moved in with my husband, our elementary-aged daughter, and our cat, Pepper. My mom moved in at 55 after transitioning to a part-time remote job due to the rising cost of living, making it difficult for her to afford her rental townhouse nearby.
Even though my mom now works full-time, our living arrangement continues to benefit both her financial goals and our childcare needs.
**We’re lucky to have the space**
We are fortunate to have a spacious home that accommodates this setup. Our four-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bathroom house allows us to live together comfortably.
Early on, my husband and I decided which rooms my mom would use, and we agreed not to charge her rent. I gave up my office space for her to work from home, shifting my work to coffee shops and the couch.
Mom moved into our guest bedroom and uses our bonus sitting room as her living room, allowing us to have separate areas and maintain our personal space. Despite my initial concerns, we often go hours without seeing each other, which suits our introverted natures.
**Our unique approach**
From the beginning, we agreed not to charge my mom rent but instead have her contribute in other ways. She helps with household chores, like laundry, cleaning, yard work, and organizing. Most importantly, she provides backup childcare, allowing my husband and me to enjoy occasional date nights.
We didn’t have detailed discussions about splitting costs before she moved in. She buys her specific groceries and pitches in during big shopping trips.
When her job became full-time, my husband’s parents and my dad and stepmom, who live nearby, also started helping out. We have not needed to pay for childcare.
**Logistics**
Adjusting to my mom moving in involved a learning curve, especially regarding storing and organizing belongings. After a year, we decided to forgo the storage unit, and now our basement holds the remaining items she didn’t want to discard. Initially thinking the move was temporary, she considered it a two-to-three-year plan, but it seems the arrangement will continue as it benefits all of us.
**The ups and downs of multigenerational living**
Despite some challenges, the advantages of living together far outweigh the cons. Conversations about how we want things done can be uncomfortable, and finding time to spend together like we used to is harder now. However, the special moments my mom shares with our daughter and the backup childcare she provides are invaluable.
**What I wish I’d known**
Communication remains the toughest part. Owning the house and making decisions can feel awkward when it involves directing my mom.
We should have outlined tasks and expectations more clearly from the start. If considering a similar arrangement, I recommend valuing the tasks done in lieu of rent to avoid building resentment.
Ultimately, having my mom live with us has positively shaped our family dynamic and provided a unique experience for my daughter. It truly takes a village, and my mom is a crucial part of ours.
Read the original article on Business Insider.