Multigenerational living makes a comeback

Multigenerational living was once commonplace in American culture. Today it's making a comeback -- thanks to the economic recession.

Unable to make ends meet, more and more adult children are moving back in with mom and dad. It's estimated that one-third of Americans between the ages of 18 and 34 are now living with their parents or in-laws.

The financial benefits are hard to beat. But, as reporter Nikki Tundel found out, some still worry about the stigma associated with returning to the nest.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• minnesotapublicradio
• mpr
• recession
• multigenerational living
• boomerang children
• adult children living at home

[smedheat]

working at a grocery store is fine. why 2 kids if your career won't support that?

[buddybleau]

Why doesn't he do as most "MEN" do? Get a second job. Tell your wife to get off her ass and get a job! Grandma will watch you little mistake for you. I never heard such bullshit in my life!

[sunlover5000]

The poor young man has a wife that doesnt work! No wonder!

[lordblazer]

@AttunedFlux

I'm african american that's our culture.. its either you're gonna goto university or you're gonna get a job and help support the family, but of course right at 18 you're sure as hell aren't going to establish yourself from nothing. That's an unrealistic view. Thats one thing I feel bad for the dominant culture about. Because its bullshit. Some people do it, but really? I doubt its worth it. People don't realize how much time a crappy job can waste if you need to build yourself up.

[lordblazer]

@AttunedFlux

ooo yea I wasn't even addressing that.. But I think its idiotic, and it tells you how out of control American culture has taken the term "rugged individual" It was quite normal throughout most of America's history that young adults lived with their parents. It wasn't until the Baby Boomers did that change, and in a lot of instances for a lot of families it never really changed. if they weren't in the same house they lived on the same block, same neighborhood. 

[AttunedFlux]

@lordblazer

Yes..i understand all of that, but how does the actual term "adult children" sit with you? To me, it operates on the premise that adulthood is only attained when you are 100% self-sufficient, and almost no one is, whether they still live with their parents or not.

[lordblazer]

@AttunedFlux

its a combo of increased immigrant population, change in culture, the economy, and well people don't take into account the adult child is helping their parents out with bills etc. a lot of shit happened. civilization almost collapsed. In times of uncertainty family has to stick together. BAck at home. I was living with my grandfather, my mom, and it was me, my sister is on the west coast, and my little cousins are always over. we have more money cuz we pool it together.

[AttunedFlux]

I am going to suggest that the term "adult children" to describe people who have to go back and live with their parents is degrading.