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Family, family, family — that’s what we want most in life, right? Well, it may not be so simple as that. Having a big extended family can bring many benefits with it, but there are some hidden downfalls as well, which we’ll cover in this article. Read on to learn more about the benefits of having an extended family and the challenges that you may have to face if you choose to go this route.
Advantages of Extended Family
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Extended family members
are usually very close in proximity to one another, so they can provide support
in times of need. It's easier to make decisions when the extended family is on
the same page. Extended families provide a sense of security and belonging
because they are a tight-knit group that looks out for one another. Extended
family members have a shared history with one another, so they often have
similar values, beliefs, and traditions passed down from generation to
generation which is great for maintaining culture and heritage within a family
unit.
1. More people to rely on
An extended family is a
group that extends beyond the nuclear family, consisting of grandparents,
parents, children, grandchildren, uncles, aunts, cousins (and more). Extended
families can be beneficial because they offer more people to help with
childcare and eldercare. They also offer more opportunities for support and
companionship.
2. A built-in support system
An extended family is a group
of relatives, most often living in different households, who can help each
other out with childcare, cooking or running errands. The advantages are that
you have a built-in support system to help with the day-to-day tasks that come
with being a parent.
3. Shared traditions and values
Extended family gatherings
allow for the sharing of traditions and values across generations. They are a
place where people can develop relationships, learn about their history, and
create memories with loved ones. Extended family also provides support during
difficult times such as illness or death.
4. A larger network of people
The extended family
provides a larger network of people to rely on in times of need. For example,
grandparents can provide childcare while the parents are at work. Extended
family can also serve as a source of guidance for raising children. Children
who grow up with their grandparents or other members of the extended family may
learn values and customs that would not be learned otherwise.
5. More people to love
The more people you have
in your life who care about you, the more opportunities you have to share the love. Extended family members may be able to provide financial support or
emotional support when needed. As the child of an extended family member, there
is a better chance that someone will know what it feels like to be in your position.
Extended families can also serve as a way to keep cultural traditions alive by
teaching their ways to new generations.
Disadvantages of Extended Family
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Extended family can be a
blessing or a curse. While it is wonderful to have the extra help, extended
family can also bring in their own set of problems. Extended family members
often have different expectations than your immediate family, which can lead to
conflict when each person doesn't get what they want. Extended family members
may not feel like they are contributing enough or could be doing more work
around the house, making them feel resentful.
1. Lack of Privacy
Having an extended family
can be a great thing. You have more people to share memories with, your
children will have more cousins to grow up with, and you're likely to spend
less time alone. There are some disadvantages though, not the least of which is the lack of privacy. It's hard to feel like you've got your own space in a house
where there are so many other people living with you. It can also be
challenging if you don't get along well with all the members of your extended
family.
2. Emotional Dependence
A disadvantage of the extended
family is an emotional dependence on other family members. For example, when
you are married to someone who is not your sibling, your children will be more
attached to their grandparents than with their parents. This can lead to
difficulties in the marriage because the children will be less interested in
spending time with their parents and depending on them for support.
3. Resentment
The advantages of extended
family can be seen in the way they lend a helping hand when it is needed most.
They are an extra set of hands to help with things such as child care, cooking
meals, or even just someone to talk to when you are feeling stressed. On the
other hand, I find that resentment can grow quickly between siblings when one
is given a more prominent role than the other.
4. Guilt
A recent study conducted
by the U.S Census Bureau found that close to one-third of all Americans live in
a multigenerational home, meaning they reside with at least one grandparent or
parent. While extended family members can provide a sense of security, they
also have the ability to cause feelings of guilt. Multigenerational homes are
often time-consuming and disruptive to individuals' personal lives, while
simultaneously making them feel guilty for not spending enough time with their
loved ones.
Read Also: 10 Advantages and Disadvantages of Joint Family
Read Also: Advantages and Disadvantages of Nuclear Family
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