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I don't think the OP meant in mid-proximity because he wrote about depending on one's kids for shelter. But to answer the OP's question, it would make sense if the parents are near-destitute and cannot hang onto their home financially, what with property taxes, repairs, etc. Otherwise, I don't understand it either and it seems a recipe for strained relationships. Maybe the parents feel very loney living on their own, and this could be a second reason.
Location: We_tside PNW (Columbia Gorge) / CO / SA TX / Thailand
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AH Ha, I think the OP means that parents are without a home, and spend their time at each kid's joint, rotating between the clan.
Hard to say, but I can think of a hundred reasons why, and a hundred why not to do this. All families and situations are different and certainly the dynamics are as well. I actually see great value in having a 'mother-in-law' cottage or apartment in everyone's home. Times could get rough for all parties, and one could rent the apartment to a 'caregiver', nanny, or homeless relative or friend.
While I'm very into 'individualism' (having been kicked out of the house at age 16), then having to do elder care for 32 yrs for a parent that despised me and my family... There is a lot to be said for nurturing relationships. As it so happens, that is where the elderly I have assisted retreat to (with varying degrees of success / acceptance.)
It does the grandkids a lot of good (in many ways) to have access to some 'rational' adults besides their parents
Got it. Sociologists might say that as the new economic reality emerges we might be going back to a period where multiple generations live together.
The man's house is vacated but not sold yet. This retired man that I know is living in a small apartment with his dtr, SIL and 2 kids. It looks very cramped. He is now at his son's in Houston and will go live with a dtr who lives in Dallas after that and then presumably back to San Antonio. It seems like a shabby way to live to me.
Location: We_tside PNW (Columbia Gorge) / CO / SA TX / Thailand
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wehotex
...It seems like a shabby way to live to me.
Yep, but it probably beats living under a bridge. That is very common for single older men in my part of the country. I have helped and fed may of them, and they would be grateful for a cramped apartment.(even in TX)
I would hardly call '1' person you know 'as many'. I don't know anyone who does that even those who get very little $ from SS. Many seniors like to be close to relatives 'just in case' something happens to them they have family near by to help. I live close to my daughter but I don't rely on her for anything. I have my own house, car and $$. The only time she has had to do anything for me was driving me to the doctor twice and home from the hospital after eye surgery.
Some children do want their parents to live with them and then there are the parents that don't want to live with their kids.
Some children do want their parents to live with them and then there are the parents that don't want to live with their kids.
Count me among those. I can't imagine anything worse short of the home.
Last edited by Keeper; 03-20-2011 at 09:35 AM..
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