There are some circumstances where intergenerational homes are both necessary and beneficial. If a young couple or an elderly person does not have enough income to really support themselves in their own place, living with family can become either a temporary solution to a housing problem or a permanent one. While a young person might not be able to afford rent, they are probably more nimble than their aging parents, able to fix things around the house and help out with cooking or chores. An older family member living with their kids families can help out by taking care of the kids while their parents are at work. Even the pleasure of an older family member’s company might be worth the inconveniences of another mouth to feed.

While some households house multiple generations happily, that’s not the case for all. Some people just simply don’t have the space to house their partner’s extended family for an extended period of time.