Your practical guide to navigating the challenges of multi-generational living
Have you considered the benefits of multi-generational living? More Kiwi families are considering moving in with their extended family, particularly in the wake of skyrocketing housing prices and growing cost-of-living pressures.
According to The OneChoice Kiwi Family Report 2021, 27.9% believe that our ‘respect for the elderly and a willingness to look after them’ is unique to New Zealand families. Plus, 24.9% believe that ‘often living together or close by larger family groups’ is another unique trait of Kiwi families.
However, the same research found that 75.6% agree that a multi-generational living arrangement can place additional pressure on family dynamics. At the same time, a similar proportion (77.6%) think that it can have a positive impact on children.
If you’re considering a multi-generational living arrangement, keep reading to discover four ways to overcome the challenges that come with it.
The state of multi-generational living in New Zealand
Kiwis across the country are considering the switch to multi-generational living arrangements. In fact, there are a number of new housing developments geared towards supporting this family dynamic.
In Papakura, a new project supported by the Ministry of Pacific People’s Housing Initiative has seen five houses built, each made for multi-generational living. Think: four or more bedrooms, large bathrooms, spacious kitchens and accessible design features (such as ramps and wide hallways).
At a larger scale, the ‘Boomerang adults’ trend has seen adult children moving back in with their parents due to cost-of-living pressures—demonstrating the role multi-generational living can play in addressing affordability challenges for younger generations.
So, why are families across generations choosing to live under one roof?
- Housing affordability concerns: According to The OneChoice Housing Trends Report, three-quarters (77%) of Kiwis say home ownership in New Zealand is unaffordable. By pooling resources and sharing household costs, Kiwis are able to gain housing security through multi-generational living.
- Boosting connectedness: By bringing family members together, it’s easier for extended relatives to foster a greater sense of connection and purpose to combat loneliness and isolation, particularly for older family members.
- Common cultural practice: For Pacific people, multi-generational living tends to be the norm and has even been shown to foster higher levels of family wellbeing, too.
Four tips to make multi-generational living arrangements work
Living in a multi-generational household does pose its challenges. But being patient, flexible and adaptable as well as fostering open communication among family members is key to successfully integrating diverse generational values and customs.
Consider these four practical tips to foster a harmonious multi-generational household.
Tip 1. Clearly define household roles and responsibilities
If left unchecked, disagreements over cooking, cleaning and housekeeping responsibilities can cause significant stress and tension among family members—particularly in a multi-generational household.
To avoid conflict and arguments, consider:
- Creating a roster of household tasks and make this clearly visible on the family fridge
- Holding each other accountable with regular check-ins for completing household chores. You can even get the kids involved with an encouraging chore reward system!
- Outsourcing tasks that are unmanageable for family members, such as booking a professional cleaner to deep clean once a month
Tip 2. Set boundaries and respect others’ privacy
Lack of privacy is one of the biggest concerns many people have about multi-generational living. But by setting boundaries and clearly communicating with each other, it’s possible to build a connected, but respectful household.
In practical terms, this involves:
- Ensuring everyone has enough personal space, including individual rooms for each family member (wherever possible)
- Establishing household rules that respect each family member’s values, needs and preferences, such as standard bedtime or quiet hours after 9pm
- Communicating your parenting preferences and ensuring children are receiving consistent messages from all adults in the household
Tip 3. Create written agreements for financial matters
Money can be a delicate subject, particularly among family members. When setting up a multi-generational household, it’s important that everyone is on the same page about property ownership, household expenses, and how much money each adult/family is expected to contribute.
To avoid money-related misunderstandings, consider engaging a professional to create agreements between family members. These documents should clarify who owns the property, how mortgage repayments or rental payments will be split, how household bills will be shared and what happens in the event of maintenance issues or urgent repairs.
By ensuring all family members review, sign and agree to these terms from the beginning, you can do your best to lower the risk of conflict or disagreements down the track.
Tip 4. Foster shared hobbies and leisure activities
The ultimate goal of building a multi-generational household, is to bring your family closer together. With extended relatives living under the same roof, this offers a unique opportunity to enjoy games nights, movie marathons and social gatherings on a regular basis.
By scheduling in family-wide activities, you can reap the rewards of living together and staying connected as an extended family.
Looking for kid-friendly activities to enjoy with the whole family? Dive into our guide to 5 free activities to do with the little ones at home.
Keep your family financially protected
Life insurance could help to financially protect yourself and your family should you pass away or suffer a terminal sickness. Request more information about OneChoice Life Insurance here.
20 Sep 2024