Return to depression era tactics with extended families increasing

Carol Forsloff - In 2010 experts tell us more and more single parents are moving back
home.  Called boomerang kids, but some have kids of their own, which experts
say creates special issues, both good and bad, increasing extended
families.

Research finds that extended families with a grandparent are better than

just living alone raising a child.  But more than that, they provide
for a range of emotional and financial survival mechanisms.

What has been found is that single moms get support
from parents during times of stress. The support can be emotional or
financial. The November 2009 Journal of Family Issues showed children
raised in families by single moms do better when there is a grandparent
around. In fact it has been found these children are far less likely to
have to live in poverty. This is reminiscent of those good old
depression days when families supported each other literally and
figuratively.

This research is underlined as very important because of the
considerable economic crisis. The lead researcher of the study done at
the USC Davis School of Gerontology maintains,"Multigenerational
co-residence will likely be a strategy used by many to deal with
financial hardship caused by the loss of a job, house or retirement
savings.”

These are the specifics of the research
findings. The presence of just one grandparent living in the home with a
single parent raising a child makes the odds of living below poverty
80% lower than for children living just with a single mother or father.
Having a grandparent is an advantage with two grandparents an even
greater advantage.

One reason has to do with increased economic stability since on average
the income of a family with two grandparents is double that of a
single-mother household without grandparents ($63,635 compared to $27,
619) It’s a trend anyway. More and more families are moving into extended family status in order to save money, prevent losing homes and generally be able to take care of finances and lives more efficiently.

Still there are rules for living with parents
when you’re grown and have a child, folks say, that can make a
difference. For one thing each person needs private space. Secondly,
people have to work out who will discipline the child. And finally,
financial and housekeeping details must be examined to determine who
pays for what.

Research reveals, moving home if you’re single with a child to raise
appears to be a good idea, and likely worth the effort to make it work
out well. It also helps supports grandparents in their physical crises
as well as young adults who need financial supports, if they lose their
homes or need help with childcare.

The depression principles of the extended family are making a slow, but
certain return in some parts of the country, but with the modern
problems created by jobs and geography, there will be those who will be
left out.