OPENING

Many people live in multigenerational households. Such living arrangements have both advantages and disadvantages. What are they? How to make sure that multigenerational households work?

ACT 1

The most obvious benefit of multigenerational households is saving money.

For example, not everyone can afford to buy a new house.

That’s why some adults decide to buy a house with their parents and split the costs.

What’s more, they can take care of each other. Your grandparents might not be in the best shape. If they live with your family, you can take care of them. Similarly, they can take care of you and your younger siblings when your parents work!

ACT 2

Unfortunately, multigenerational households face a few disadvantages.

One of them is the lack of personal space. It’s nice to spend time with your relatives, but sometimes we just want to be alone. When you live in a multigenerational household, this might not be possible.

Furthermore, every family member needs to adjust his or her lifestyle. For example, maybe an older relative goes to bed early. It means that you and your parents cannot watch loud TV or listen to music in the evenings. This can be a big problem.

ACT 3

How to make a multigenerational household work?

The most important thing is to talk about it with your family. Every family member should agree to live with grandparents or other relatives.

Then, your family needs to set some rules. For example, you can agree not to make noise after 8 p.m.

It’s also important to create personal space for family members. You should always have a place where you can be alone.

EPILOGUE

As you can now see, multigenerational households have many benefits but they also have some disadvantages.

That’s why each family should think hard before they decide on this living arrangement!