Living with the In-Laws

Living with the In-Laws

"Everybody Loves Raymond" is a comedy TV show where a couple lives together and their in-laws spend most of the time at the couple's home. In reality, people may think that there is nothing funny about having to share a home with the in-laws. However, living with the in-laws is a situation some married couples face. Sometimes it is early in the marriage until the couple gets on their feet financially. Other times it occurs when parents get older and need care. Whatever the reason is, living with the in-laws can result in lack of privacy, but at the same time can offer positive effects like building a grandparent-grandchild relationship, and relieving some financial stress from the married couple as well as from the in-laws.

Lack of privacy is one of the reasons why couples do not like to live with in-laws.

This can cause marital problems. For example, if the couple is having an argument the mother-in-law will try to interfere between the couple to defend her son or daughter. She might give her opinion when no one has asked. In-laws can be over protecting of their grown-up children. In addition, this deprivation of privacy can result in children disliking their grandparents. Many grandparents like to discipline their grandchild in a different way than the child's parents do. Also, if the grandparents own the house where the family lives, grandpa or grandma may have some set of rules that the child is not accustomed to. However, one positive effect is that the family has to share a kitchen, meaning that mom and mom-in-law can share the cooking. If the dishwasher needs repair and dad is not home, grandpa can fix it. Even though, privacy is an important privilege everyone wants to have, it is nice to have someone who can help with the everyday chores around the house.

One positive effect is the relationship that children can build with their grandparents. By living in the same house, children can have the chance to receive more love and affection from their grandparents. Children feel secure to have someone in the house at all times. They will never feel alone when both parents are working. Grandparents can help the children with homework as well. Parents can rely on the in-laws to take the kids to any sport event the children may have after school. Toddlers can have someone to cuddle with and read a bedtime story if both parents are working late. The child can also learn to accommodate and respect older people. In addition, grandparents are very patient and good teachers. If the parents are from different cultural backgrounds, grandparents can teach the child a different culture. Children with strong relationships with their grandparents have a good sense of family and security, do better at school and feel comfortable with older people.

Another positive effect of living with the in-laws

...