The More the Merrier

TOPIC: Ideal Family Forms

SOURCE:  Living in a household with extended family. 

RELATION: “Families in other societies may be composed very differently (Anthro 111).” 

DESCRIPTION: I went through two different experiences in my life where my family lived with my father’s parents, my Oma and Opa (that’s Dutch for grandma and grandpa).  The first was the summer between second and third grade.  My family demolished our house and during the process of rebuilding it we moved in with Oma and Opa at their house in Mission Beach.  All I can remember from that time was good memories.  I was so happy to have my grandparents around all the time, plus, it was right near the beach.  My sister and I would be out all day playing on the boardwalk with our neighbors; my little brother sometimes would tag along too.  At night I would help my Oma cook dinner and my Opa would wrestle with us until we cried.  I have to say that the summer I spent living with them was one of the best in my memory.

The second experience was after our house was complete and, sadly, my grandparents decided to sell the house on the beach.  Then they moved in with us.  This time around I was at the beginning of my teenage years and, at first, I was not quite sure how I felt about it.  It was during the time when I treasured nothing more than my privacy and more people in the house did not help with that.  I can’t even say how many years they lived with us but it was for quite a few years, until they bought a house boat on San Diego Bay about 3 years ago.  I remember in the mornings my Oma would make delicious Dutch pancakes and my Opa would sit and read the paper, drinking coffee.  Every Thursday we would watch Survivor and eat Beef Stew and bon bons for dessert.   

COMMENTARY/ANALYSIS:  Going from living with just my nuclear family to having extended family move in with you was an interesting experience that I overall enjoyed.  I liked being able to see my grandparents more often than I did before.  It was a great way to get to know them better and it gave them more of a chance to share their stories and knowledge with us.  I believe that families who live with their relatives tend to have a stronger bond.  You not only have your mother and father for advice or help, but your grandfather and grandmother, or aunt and uncle are there too.  Although it can become overwhelming having so many people in a house, I think that it has rich benefits with keeping families close.  Unfortunately, now I get to see my family even less than I ever have before, but that is was makes me appreciate it more.