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- My parents lived with my family of 7 after selling their house. There were challenges, but I’d do it again in a heartbeat. (businessinsider.com)
Family of Seven Finds Unexpected Gift in Grandparents’ Extended Stay During Pandemic
A local family of seven experienced the unique challenges and unexpected joys of multi-generational living when a mother’s parents moved in, initially for a temporary stay that stretched into more than two years. What began as a brief arrangement transformed into an invaluable period, heavily influenced by the global pandemic, which ultimately delayed the grandparents’ home construction. Despite occasional hurdles, both generations now reflect on their time together as a profound gift.
The initial move occurred two months after the family’s fifth baby arrived, a traumatic event involving a placental abruption, a preemie, and a NICU stay. The parents, who had sold their home and awaited closing on a new one, offered much-needed support during this tumultuous time. This first stay was brief, lasting only three months, but proved to be a “blessing in disguise.”
With four older children in school and fall sports in full swing, the mother found herself overwhelmed. Though both parents worked full-time, her mom’s presence in the late afternoons and evenings was a lifesaver, providing an extra set of hands for childcare and activities.
The grandmother also took on endless loads of laundry and even helped with early morning baby feedings, allowing the new mother precious extra sleep. Cherished memories, such as the baby’s first smiles shared with her grandma, were forged during this critical period.
After a brief move into a condo, the grandparents found themselves back with the family about a year later. Their plan to build a new home hit an unforeseen snag: the COVID-19 pandemic. The ensuing shutdowns, material shortages, and labor issues caused massive construction delays, turning a planned month or two into over a year.
This second, extended stay presented a different set of dynamics. With the baby out of the newborn fog and the mother working more, new challenges emerged, such as finding alone time for work or decompression.
Early mornings, once a quiet sanctuary, became lively conversations with an early-rising mother. There were also moments of grappling with the division of household chores.
However, the benefits were immeasurable. The youngest child essentially grew up with her “Papa,” enjoying morning snuggles and cartoons, while a son spent countless hours playing basketball with his grandfather in the driveway.
Family dinners became a nightly tradition, and the grandmother’s knack for doing dishes was an added bonus. The parents also generously contributed $500 monthly in “rent” to help with household expenses.
Eventually, with construction still stalled, the parents decided to move into an apartment, seeking more space for everyone. While the initial separation felt timely, the mother now confesses she would welcome them back “in a heartbeat.” She yearns for the shared memories, the invaluable help with chores, and candidly admits the extra $500 monthly would be a significant help for her family’s current financial struggles.
Ironically, the grandparents have once again sold their newly built home and are now living in her younger sister’s basement. Despite her heartfelt pleas for them to return, suggesting they could use her basement as a base for travel or a vacation home, they have so far declined.
For anyone considering multi-generational living, the mother offers a poignant piece of advice: it can be a truly wonderful gift for all involved, but establishing clear boundaries, especially regarding personal space and alone time, is key to a harmonious household.