What Does Living With Your Grandparents Mean?

Arwin
Arwin

In a world that consists mostly of nuclear family systems, it might seem odd to have your grandparents live with you. But, if you've planned to live with them in their old age, it's useful to know: What does living with your grandparents mean?

It's full of lessons and benefits such as emotional and financial support. Most people believe grandparents to be a financial and moral burden, which is both unfair and incorrect. Below, we discuss why grandparents are a fantastic addition to your household!

1. No Need for Daycare or Babysitters

Most families these days need some parenting substitute during the day. This is usually because both parents are at work, which leaves kids without any supervision. Daycare facilities or babysitters are generally a standard option, but they lack the familial essence.

On the other hand, having grandparents to look after grandchildren is a perfect alternative. At this age, most grandparents prefer to stick at home instead of being out all day. They can look after their younger generation with their full attention. In an age where such essential services come at a price, grandparents are more than willing to do them for free.

2. Sharing Property and Finances

Contrary to popular belief, most people have saved up enough capital by the time they become grandparents. It may be retirement money, insurance, or even their own business income. Whatever source it is, grandmothers and grandfathers don't ever hesitate to contribute to the sustenance of the household.

Having lived nearly most of their life, they don't see a reason to save up for any 'rainy days'. As for their probable medical bills, many elders secure health insurance earlier in life. So, in most cases, having grandparents can actually ease the burden of earning a livelihood on young adults.

3. Stronger Family Values

The presence of grandparents in modern families also ensures that the family is united by some common values and beliefs. It could be the daily routine, occasional rituals, or any other family values. The positive family values naturally ensure stronger family ties and faith in the love and trust of family members.

This is also a reason why such families don't break down quickly. The members can always rely on each other and find protection even when they're facing the worst.

4. Grandparents as Mediators

There are often moments when the kids or the parents find themselves misunderstood or mistreated in a nuclear family. Since such family members are experiencing the ups and downs of life for the first time, it's rather difficult to feel a sense of direction. Such disturbances are common for all families, but there's a difference in how different families handle them.

In cases where grandparents are a part of the household, conflicts are relatively easy to settle. Grandmas and grandpas have already been there, and they have a clearer perspective of the matter at hand. They're most probably not directly involved in a fight, but they can intervene and mediate between other members of the family.

5. Their Experience Is Priceless

Student life, professional world, marriage, parenting, and all sorts of tragedies and victories. Our old folks have walked their walk through all those stages. They've repaid debts, started businesses, gotten over breakups, dealt with parenting blunders, and have seen thousands of colors of life.

Naturally, they're bound to pass down their life lessons to the generations to come. Grandparents speak and act from their experience. They may not be tech-savvy, but their experience of navigating through human life is golden. And if the offspring can get first-hand accounts of failures and successes, it's no less than a blessing to have your grandparents shelter you.

6. A Moral Compass for the Family

People sometimes tend to forget their roots when it comes to social and professional matters. Living life for the first time means you'll be making a lot of mistakes, and you'll be needing a lot of guidance.

After leading a busy life, especially from the twenties to sixties, the pace of life slows down. There's a lot more stability when it comes to contemplation and decision making. Your grandparents don't get the right to dictate your decisions, but they're quite helpful if you're stuck at crossroads.

Whatever issues the family individuals are dealing with, grandparents sure know their way around the ideal solution.

7. Their Parental Support

In families that consist of just parents and their children, the former often feel extremely drained and overburdened. This burden isn't just about household or financial responsibilities. It also comes from the usual dilemmas of life that make adults feel emotionally weighed down. When parents find no productive source of catharsis, they take it all out on their children.

In the alternate scenario, having grandparents in the house is a much better option. Parents can look up to their parents for an emotional and motivational heart-to-heart. This way, parents also find the comfort and reassurance they're craving. This encourages healthy family life by taking care of the parent's mental wellbeing.

8. Socializing for Children

Socialization in a postindustrial world has become quite fragmented. This means that kids in an average household inherit values from not only their family but also from their school, from their friends, as well as the media. Grandparents, in this regard, offer a safe haven for socialization and upbringing of kids.

They're unlikely to instill any bad habits or teach lessons that may prove to be harmful. Instead, grandparents love to narrate their life stories to the grandkids. Even if the parents are busy or preoccupied, the presence of grandparents ensures that kids are getting the quality family time they need.


There's no void in the love, care, and surveillance that a family should provide for children. As a result, children who live with their grandparents learn to be more tolerant, respectful, confident, and broad-minded in their lives ahead.