a woman surrounded by clutter in her house
The author, not pictured, lives in a crowded household.
  • I live with my mother, husband, daughter, and granddaughter in one crowded, chaotic house.
  • It's difficult to adhere to everyone's dietary needs and keep the house clean.
  • I stay sane by cleaning and dreaming of an easier future for all of us.

I never expected to be living under one roof with four generations. My middle-class upbringing taught me that children grow up and move out of their homes to attend college, find jobs, and start lives of their own.