Multigenerational families feel right at home
ROCKFORD, Ill. - The two-bedroom house that Tracy Pixler has rented on Allington Avenue for the past two years is a full one.
The 46-year-old Pixler shares 1,400 square feet with what is technically a 12member household — seven people and five animals.
“I wouldn’t have it any other way,” she said.
Pixler and her daughter Shaylin Madsen, 9, share a room on the main level. Pixler’s other daughter, Cassidie, 21, and Cassidie’s fiance, Jordan Quandee, share a bedroom on the second story with their son, Kaiden Quandee, 1. Pixler’s son, Tory Rebelak, 26, lives in the finished basement with his fiancee, Tina Phouthavong. Rounding out the bunch are cats, Oliver and Shadow; Louie, a 110-pound German Shepherd; and two snakes, Natas and Bronco, who live in a large tank that takes up a good portion of the living room.
The family is among those who live in a multigenerational household, which the U.S. Census Bureau defines as “consisting of three or more generations of relatives, such as a householder living with his or her children and grandchildren.” According to a Census Bureau American Community Survey, there were an estimated 4.5 million multigenerational households in the U.S. in 2015, the latest year for which the statistic is available.
An August 2016 Pew Research Center study found that multigenerational living increased dramatically after the Great Recession of 2007 to 2009 and is still steadily on the rise.
Cassidie, Jordan, Tory and Tina split rent four ways while Pixler covers gas, electric and groceries. She also watches Kaiden during the week while Cassidie and Jordan are at work. They spend their days together playing, reading and going for walks or to the park. Kaiden has become so comfortable with the arrangement that he isn’t fazed when his parents leave for the day. Instead, he gives them a hug goodbye and goes back to riding his mini-camouflage four-wheeler — “like Evel Knievel,” Pixler said, laughing — looking to her, his “Gammy,” for approval of his newest moves.
“I want him here with me,” Pixler said. “He’s my world.”
The family recently purchased a threebedroom, 1,900-square-foot house to which they plan on moving in July.
Pixler said their primary reason for living together isn’t financial.
“They could all easily go out on their own,” she said. “They’ve all got each other’s backs. … It’s like (Kaiden) has six parents. He has a lot of people who love him. He’s got a wonderful support system.”
There are benefits and drawbacks for those who live in a multigenerational household, said Lisa Pieper, regional vice president of Children’s Home & Aid and a licensed clinical social worker. Pieper stressed, when faced with life’s trials, reliable adults in a child’s life can make the difference between his or her ability to cope and going down a more destructive path.
“Not that day cares don’t do a good job … but I think it gives children that sense of