One of the best things about being a Latina, and Latino culture in general, is being a part of a multigenerational household. Growing up I had assumed everyone had an abuela lighting rosary candles around the house just like I had assumed everyone had a house that smelt like Fabuloso. Imagine my shock when my friend told me she only saw her grandparents on holidays and her parents used Lysol. The horror! What was she going to tell me next? That no one else kept rosary beads in the car?
While multigenerational housing has been more noticeable during the pandemic, it was already on the rise. I myself have been mentally preparing since last year when my dad had a series of strokes called a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA). What made my dad’s situation a bit trickier was that he was still taking care of my grandmother and his sister. So we’re not just inheriting our parents, but we’re also sometimes inheriting entire households as people are now living longer than ever before.
What Are The Benefits?
Living in a multigenerational household can definitely have its benefits for all members of the family, but especially a Latino family. When we share resources, we rise together and we all benefit. When more family members are working in a household, you can pool resources that will help advance everyone who lives there.
When you’re able to afford to live in a more affluent neighborhood, your child has a greater chance of receiving a better education. This is partly due to higher property taxes, which is what funds our school districts. When a school district can afford to retain its top teachers, and pay for additional programs, the educational opportunities are endless. Social capital is one of the most important ways that we as Latinas and Latinos, can influence our earning potential. With a higher earning potential, you can also put more money back into your community and invest in your family.
Things To Consider
If you think that you’re ready to consider a multigenerational household or find yourself currently trying to navigate one, you’re not alone. There are a few things you can do to help ensure your time together is as smooth as it is beneficial to you and your loved ones.
Consider Where You’ll Be Living
If living with your parents (or vice versa) is a way to help you live a better quality of life, find a community that can help move you forward. Some signs of a neighborhood with greater social capital include school districts with a high rating, public transportation that is readily accessible, and multiple grocery stores that can help prevent a food desert. As someone with a lot of health issues, I also suggest making sure there are adequate medical providers close to your home to help with healthcare.
Decide On A Way To Split Expenses
Sometimes splitting expenses 50/50 isn’t the best solution to lower living costs. Instead, find ways that make sense and are sustainable for you and your family members. A grandparent who can take over childcare would save the household thousands of dollars annually. The money saved can go towards a down payment on a newer home, or if you already own a home you love in a great neighborhood, you can look into refinancing your mortgage to lock in a lower rate.
Lower rates mean a lower overall payment and a chance to build equity in your home a lot faster. I find that a lot of companies are offering competitive rates due to the housing market but I am becoming a fan of Refily. They are able to help you find a lender who might be able to offer you a better rate. Comparing lenders doesn’t require you to enter your social security number and in the Latino community, this is a huge relief. A lot of working families have legal status yet lack the social security number is what keeps us out of traditional banking tools.
Discuss Boundaries
Just because we all live together doesn’t mean we have to do everything together or agree. If you’re raising young children, you’ll want to discuss childcare and rules. Our parents can be from a different time or just want the opportunity to spoil their grandchildren. If you’re in a new relationship, you might want to find a place that doesn’t have paper-thin walls and allows for space away from your parents. Other areas of discussion could be helping out around the house, what to do if an unexpected bill should arise and who cooks when.
Living in multigenerational homes can be hard at first and time-consuming. It can take lots of love and patience until you find your flow. But it can also help you and your family thrive in ways you never imagined. The benefits are endless when the familia is in it together.
