Benefits of Multigenerational Living
I love that many other cultures live with multiple generations under one roof. Yes it happens in the United States but not nearly as a routine standard practice. I love the idea that there is exposure of many generations together. When I was a child I lived next door to a polish family – grandma was in her high 70s, the daughter in her 40s and kids ranging from 8 – 22. Meals were prepared with grandma’s assistance, and all of the kids learned Polish to be able to communicate with grandma. But it was more than an essential communication skill. It was a transfer of ideas, of ways of doing things and a transfer of culture.
As I look at the America of my childhood there were more homes that had multiple generations under one roof. The biggest memory I had of that era was how we honored the oldest generation – they were the wisdom class. The younger generations protected the oldest, honored their customs and ways. Sometimes it was something simple like teaching an old recipe from the old country so that they could create memories and transfer the knowledge to the next generation. Visiting my neighbors I ate some amazing Polish delicacies and learned a small amount of their language. It enriched my life too. But the grandma was held in the highest esteem, even as her health declined.
Quietly I often wondered what it would have been like to spend my younger years living with my grandmas. They each immigrated from Europe as late teenagers with a trunk of clothes and a very small amount of money. My maternal grandma understood and spoke 3 languages which made it easier to settle in to America. It would have been interesting to learn more about their adventures coming to the states, and settling in to a community, marriage and family. English was not a strength for either of my grandmothers. Sadly I knew very little Russian to communicate with them. Somehow I think it would have been amazing to have them under my roof.
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