The Sandwich Generation

Even the Waltons had arguments and such with their grandparents living so close. A word to the wise: its not all peaches and cream when family is sandwiched into close quarters.

I wish my sister and I were closer, been here over 2 weeks now, and she hasnt even contacted me, I tried her, but so far nothing back. Im not even that bothered, sad but I expected this sort of thing

I believe there is much to be said for multi generational family units. But, I can see where there can be some problems.

It is good but it also leaves us torn and exhausted. Everyone needs us and we often put ourselves last.

No parents alive and no relatives living with us, never was never will lol.

Yes I do agree the close families are lucky.

I want out of my sandwich! I actually like to have the family around, but wish they would keep the house cleaned. Then I have people who look down on us because so many live here like it's a bad thing that we are a close family---you know, especially the ones that think some are taking advantage of our generosity, not knowing what really goes on.

I see sandwiches like this amongst the people we know. I sometimes envy these multi-generation families and households as they have a convenient network going that I don't have. For some of them, like you said, it is a cultural thing. Even though my parents live 10 minutes away, they are very independent and want to keep it that way . . . my mother in law is 10 minutes the other direction from us - she needs some help but is still mostly independent . . . we don't have that network but I know if any of us needed that kind of help, we'd all be there for each other. Maybe we would be considered an open faced sandwich .

This happened when I was a young girl. The parents moved in with married children. My grandparents lived with us. No more in our days, due to the high costs of rents, many children stay in the house of their parents when they are in their late 30's and renounce to marry.

I live within walking distance of all of my family, with the exception of my brother. I like being near them.

I agree. As we get older we do need to care for our family members more than before.

yes.There is some thrill in it.

We are in the middle of the family sandwich but work considerations make the three generations stay far away from each other. I keep worrying about my parents and go to see them often as possible.

it has its advantages and disadvantages... we gotta know what we can and can't live with.

I know what you mean... but I like being independent... and having good relations with my family ... and visiting with them... and care about them... from a distance... I would not like to live with any of them... but would of course help out if they needed it....