Could You Handle Living With Grandma?

April 15, 2008 Posted in Buzz, Other Stories

I read an interesting article today about young people living with their grandparents after college graduation. Not only is it saving them thousands of dollars in rent, but their elderly relatives and extended family get a sense of security having someone else in the house. I’d bet a few home cooked meals every week probably aren’t too bad either.

But could you do it? I have two surviving grandparents who live approximately 1,300 miles away. While I love them to death, I tend to get frustrated when either one comes to visit for longer than a week. It could be one Grandma’s church sermons on DVD or the way her clothes smell like moth balls and White Diamonds. My other Grandmother usually enlists me to start ghostwriting her cookbook. We get about 2 pages in before she lays down for a nap and forgets about the project.

I think the novelty of sharing memories and getting buddy-buddy in the TV room would wear off pretty quick. No more loud-parties, early bed times and a digital divide as wide as a Grand Canyon would irritate me to no end. But if you’re thinking about giving it a try, the article’s author has a few tips:

1. Have clear expectations and express them in writing before taking the plunge. Both you and your grandparent should know exactly what you’re getting in to.

2. Get an additional phone line and separate televisions. This will prevent lots of arguments and frustration.

3. Don’t forget your tape recorder or note pad. Your grandparents are chock-full of old stories and family history. Who better than you to take it all down?

Has anyone ever lived with a grandparent or considered it? Give us the scoop on what it’s like!

83613 CommentsCould+You+Handle+Living+With+Grandma%3F2008-04-15+13%3A30%3A23CC+Staff on "Could You Handle Living With Grandma?"

jes says:
Tue, 15th Apr 20085:00 am

Actually, I've lived with my grandfather for the past 2 years, and its been the most peaceful home in my life. (including my own apartment)

I moved in with him after my Grandmother passed away from cancer unexpectantly, and we actually do really well together. Granted, I work all day and go to school at night, so we dont get on each other's nerves, but it's really nice to be able to spend time with him. (Especially after you've already lost one family member.)

We disagree on politics and even religion, but we respect each other and it works out well.

I think it all depends on your personality types adn situations though… I wouldn't want to live with a senile old lady for sure. lol

SL says:
Tue, 15th Apr 20089:17 am

I've actually lived with my grandparents since I was 5 years old (I'm now 19!), in a large house, with them on the bottom floor, and me and my parents on the top few floors. I love that they're in the same house, as I can go downstairs in the evenings to have a long chat with them – something I do fairly reguarly now when I come back from university for holidays – and I often go out for lunch etc with them as well. The best part is definitely hearing their stories… it's fantastic to hear all the family history, and they know so much!

Steff says:
Wed, 29th Jul 20094:36 pm

I hate it. My grandma spreads false stories about me to the rest of my family and then completely denies having done so. She has completely taken over caring for my cat and proceeds to make decisions regarding her welfare and my own without checking with me despite the fact that i am 21 years old. She also gets mad when I go see my boyfriend for a few days or if I don't watch TV with her.

Tell us what you're thinking...

Notify me of follow-up comments via email.

Notify me of new posts via email.