Multi Generational Families



Adults are living longer than ever which means grandparents are able to enjoy more relationships with grandchildren. Fewer kids per family has made the grandparent role more distinct.

Grandparent involvement is related to grandchildren’s prosocial behaviors, such as wanting to help others. Children’s perceptions of emotional closeness to their grandparents is related to reduced acting out behaviors (sexual promiscuity, drug abuse, and delinquency).

Elder Neil A. Maxwell calls the extended family the Family National Guard. He describes the grandparents as sitting back to allow their adult children to live their own lives. When an emergency happens, they get more involved and help out. Adult children may even live with their parents for a while. When things get back to normal, they back off and allow their children to run their own lives independently again.

We have lived out the exact example that was mentioned above. My husband and I lived with my parents during my husband's last semester of college and while I was pregnant with our first child. It was a very busy and hectic time our lives, but our stress was much reduced because of the economic benefit of living with my parents. It was also a blessing that my mom was able to help me with my first child for the first few months of her life. 

Church leaders have stated that family members should provide for disabled family members. It is an important aspect of the Lord's commandment to honor they father and mother. It all comes full circle. 
A new baby is cared for by loving parents. Assuming this family maintains a good relationship, the children should then return the favor and take care of elderly parents as much as possible.


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