Joint family is a family in which more than one generation lives together under one roof. For example parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts, children altogether.
Some of the advantages of raising kids in Joint Family structure are;
- We do not put our kids in day care, neither do we hire maids to take care of our kids. Grandparents and relatives take very good care of them. The love and care which grandparents can shower on kids cannot be compared with care of any day-cares or maids.
- Since the entire family stays together the expenses are shared too. No one is burdened with the expense of the entire household.
- There are a usually a few kids in the house so the sharing of clothes and toys reduces the expense on the kids too.
- The child grows on to become a strong individual both physically and emotionally. Physically, because there are people who will keep a keen eye on her, protecting her from any probable accidents. She receives so much love and warmth from everyone in the house that she becomes emotionally strong too.
- The child learns the virtue of sharing because she sees that each and everything in the house is being shared by everyone. This also curtails the arrogance in the kids.
- As a parent if I go somewhere for a couple of hours then I don’t have to worry a bit because each and everything would be taken care of. My child would be as happy when I return as I had left her. Properly fed, rested and entertained.
- The kid learns to adjust to every situation in life. When you live with so many people adjusting with each other is a virtue you have to master.
- The kid learns to respect elders.
- The kid learns a lot from all the elders in the house. Her grandparents tell her about their pasts and cultures of the family.
- There is never a dull moment in life. There are so many people to play with her that she never feels alone.
- If someday I am feeling sick or unwell I don’t have to worry at all. Not only will my daughter’s needs be taken care of but simultaneously I would also be pampered till I have healed completely.
- The child learns about her culture and festivals. Every festival here is celebrated with great fanfare.
These were some of the benefits of living in the joint family system which are rampant in India.
The family which lives together, stays together.
I agree, as both of my grandmothers moved in with us when I was 5 and 7 respectively due to being widowed. However you forgot to list some of the cons, though granted they are outweighed by pros. Such as grandparents trying to tell you what to do with the child, and sometimes overstepping boundaries lol. Or maybe that’s just with us Sicilians 😉
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That’s the other side of the coin dear… But the benefits outnumber the problems.. As i have mentioned in the article too, it helps kids to adjust – which is an important virtue too..
Thanks for your comment dear😊
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Wow this is such a wonderful family situation! I am so used to doing things on my own, with family an 8hr drive away. I bet your family is incredibly close. Thanks for sharing!
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You are most welcome dear jennak.. Yes its fun with all😃
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I love this family dynamic, but doubt it could ever work with my family.
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This is the Indian culture, we are proud of!!!! We believe in “unity in diversity” dear Ebby😄💑👪
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And I love that about the Indian culture! I’m over wishing my family could be more like that, especially now that I’m a working Mom.
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I pray that one day your wish comes true🙌😌
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Thank you : )
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I abolutely love it!
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Thank you so much dear.. It means a lot to me😃😃
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I love everything about close knit families! Amazing culture!
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Yes dear it is an amazing culture… We are proud Indians😃😃😃
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How wonderful your family seems! I do love caring for my granddaughter so very much, although am not living with my daughter, I do live nearby.
We did live together once but our culture here has the odds stacked against single moms. It does seem that is the case in most countries, but perhaps the mommies would be absorbed more efficiently. Beautiful post.
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Thank you so much dear.. It means a lot to me😊
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You’re very welcome. I love my family so much – it is so heartwarming to see yours.
I strongly believe I lived in India maybe several of my incarnations. Definitely at least one.
Namaste.
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Oh wow.. Namaste dear🙏🙏🙏🙏
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It’s hard to be far from family, and my children often say how much they miss being closer to their grandparents, auntie, and uncles. Children can benefit from the family living arrangement you’ve identified. As long as there is mutual respect and an appreciation for what each member contributes to the family. It’s hard if egos and hurt feelings are not dealt with in a timely manner. Honesty and an ability to accept differences in parenting styles and communication is important to ensure everyone feels included, loved, and valued. How wonderful for children to observe this level of mature interactions!
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Yes i dear i totally agree with you. Being in a close knit family requires effort from each and every member then only peace can establish in the house. In India we are used to this set up so it is easier. Each member tries from their side to respect each others space. The trend is changing here too but still their are many families like ours who believe in “Unity in Diversity.”:))
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