For the last week or so I’ve been seeing Instagram reels from a few specific people in my feed that feature what they call “the family compound.”
These are urban and suburban folks who’ve made the decision to move as extended family (grandparents and adult siblings with their own kids) onto a larger piece of land in the country or on properties next to each other. Each family has their own house (or tiny house in some circumstances), thus creating a shared family compound.
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In doing so, they’re sharing the land, meals and the joy of living together as a larger family unit. They’re also thrilled to be sharing their journey online in hopes of inspiring others to consider doing the same.
Of course, they’re basically returning to doing what a lot of farm families have done for centuries. Rural folks know the upsides of having family close and sharing land, resources and time.
There’s plenty of space for the kids to run and room for tree houses, play sets and gardens. Adults take turns watching the kids, making a dish for the occasional potluck dinner and covering each other when needed on child care, youth sports and doctors appointments.
This is how I grew up — and I know I’m lucky to be able to say that. I honestly can’t imagine a better way to do it. Eighteen of us lived on over a 100 acres of contiguous property.
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We ran with our cousins through the woods, ate lunch in whatever kitchen was closest and knew the ins and outs of each house like it was our own. Grandparents took care of us kids and eventually we helped take care of our grandparents as they aged.
Family roles developed according to everyone’s skill set. Uncle Joe is the handy one you call when the electric or plumbing needs a look, my mom is the best to have on hand for any unexpected medical issue. Katie cut everyone’s hair and I am the unofficial family veterinarian.
Sharing tools and properties are awesome, too, since not everyone needs one of everything. My brother hasn’t owned a weed eater in a decade. He just comes over to the farm shop and borrows ours once a month or so.
My aunt has chickens and more eggs than they can eat — so they’re up for grabs for everyone. Our grandparents treated the family by putting in an in-ground pool in their backyard a few decades ago.
Of course, there are challenges in living so closely, too. You’re all up in each other’s business, everyone has an opinion about everything and one cousin’s annoying habits can become an issue for everyone.
But overall all the positives outweigh the challenges. Almost everyone wants to come back after college, the military or living and working away for a while.
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This is evidenced by the number of farm families I know who are actually maxed out on the number of houses they can have on the family property, due to zoning or septic restraints. They are lamenting the fact some people won’t be able to build on the farm.
That’s when the family compound takes on a larger presence by stretching itself down country roads over a few miles, as extended family members buy and build all over town.
I can’t drive from one end of our town to the other without passing a cousin, great uncle, second cousin or a family friend’s place every quarter mile.
In fact, one time during a nasty thunderstorm with tornado warnings in abundance, I tracked my commute to work by which driveway I could pull into and sprint into the house for cover if needed.
It was needed — and I skirted into Uncle Phil’s kitchen looking like a drowned rat at 7:30 a.m. We ate toast together until the storm cleared and I could get back on the road.
I love this about where we live. And while I also love to travel and see the world, my home base will always be here.
Long live the family compound.
Source: https://t-tees.com
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