When multigenerational families live together, they frequently develop strong emotional bonds that they might not be able to do if they lived apart. Living in an extended family enables family members to spend their free time together and get to know one another’s everyday routines. In a home with an extended family, the adults can discuss their concerns, burdens, and obligations with relatives like their parents who sincerely care about their well-being. This frequently creates a strong family support system, which in turn lessens stress and fosters happiness. Families, including those of expats, frequently place a high value on the need to maintain and preserve family cultures and traditions across multiple generations. In a home with an extended family, family members can collaborate to introduce their kids and grandchildren to some of the customs, foods, and languages that they would encounter back home. However, this is not just true for expat families; many non-expat families also discover that when their children live with many generations of their family, they have the chance to absorb different values and develop a deeper awareness of customs. The ability for family members to spend a lot of time with their loved ones is another benefit of living with an extended family. Living close to family and simply knowing that they are close by frequently heals any loneliness-related thoughts for some family members, particularly elderly parents who may grow lonely and isolated when they live alone.
