Against odds, Stanfield Road clan succeeds at making three-generation households cool again — boiled Brussels sprouts odour notwithstanding

G Papa Tango
Jun 26
4 min read

In an era where multi-generational living arrangements have often been dismissed as outdated, one family has defied the odds and brought them back into vogue. The Stanfield Road clan, known for their resilience and unconventional approach to life, has not only embraced but celebrated the concept of three-generation households, proving that familial bonds can flourish despite the challenges.

Led by matriarch Margaret Hedge, the Stanfield Road clan has turned their home into a vibrant hub of intergenerational connection. Margaret, a seasoned advocate for communal living, believes that the wisdom of elders, the energy of youth, and the stability of middle generations create an enriching environment for all involved.

Their journey hasn't been without its hurdles. Among the quirks of communal living, perhaps the most notorious is the lingering scent of boiled Brussels sprouts—a culinary choice that has become synonymous with the Stanfield Road household. Despite initial skepticism from neighbors and even family members, the Stanfield Road clan has embraced their signature odor as a badge of honor, a symbol of their unapologetic commitment to their values.

But it's not just about the sprouts. The Stanfield Road clan has woven a tapestry of shared experiences, from lively debates around the dinner table to impromptu jam sessions in the living room. Their home is a testament to the power of connection, where laughter echoes through the halls and generations intertwine seamlessly.

What sets the Stanfield Road clan apart is their unwavering dedication to authenticity. In a world that often values conformity over individuality, they stand as a beacon of defiance, proving that living life on your own terms is not only possible but immensely rewarding.

Their story serves as inspiration for those seeking to forge deeper connections within their own families. In an age of fragmentation and isolation, the Stanfield Road clan reminds us that the bonds of kinship are worth preserving, no matter the challenges we face.

As the popularity of three-generation households continues to rise, thanks in no small part to the Stanfield Road clan's influence, it's clear that they have sparked a movement—a movement rooted in love, laughter, and yes, the occasional scent of boiled Brussels sprouts.

FURTHERMOREOVERKILL

G Papa Tango, can you trace the historical dissolution of the 3-generation household in North America? And what are your thoughts on the possibility of a return to this as a norm in the coming years?

The dissolution of the three-generation household in North America is a rich and multifaceted story shaped by industrialization, social policy, housing trends, cultural shifts, and economics. Here's a brief historical tracing followed by thoughts on a possible return:

📜 The Historical Dissolution of the 3-Generation Household

1. Pre-Industrial Era (17th–18th centuries)

Norm: Extended families—parents, adult children, and grandparents—often lived together or close by, especially on farms.
Reason: Economic necessity and land-based labor demanded cooperation. Elder care and childcare happened within the family.

2. 19th Century: Early Industrialization

Change Begins: Young people, especially men, began leaving farms for work in urban factories.
Housing Impact: Crowded tenements replaced multi-generational homes. Proximity to work became more important than proximity to family.

3. Early 20th Century: The Rise of the Nuclear Family Ideal

1920s–1940s: Economic mobility and suburbanization gained steam. The ideal of the nuclear family (two parents and kids) started being promoted as a symbol of modern progress.
Policy Role: New Deal-era housing policies and postwar GI Bill benefits enabled young families to buy single-family homes, often away from their parents.
Technology: Washing machines, refrigerators, and other domestic conveniences reduced the perceived need for multiple adult women in one household.

4. Post-WWII Boom (1950s–1960s)

Peak Nuclear Family Era. Suburbs exploded, and car culture allowed geographic dispersion.
Cultural Shift: Autonomy and privacy became core values. Living with parents or adult children came to be seen as backward or undesirable, especially among white middle-class families.
Elderly Care: Institutions like nursing homes became more prevalent; social security enabled more older adults to live independently.

5. Late 20th Century to Early 2000s

Continued Fragmentation: Rising divorce rates, shrinking family size, increased individualism, and longer life expectancy reinforced the nuclear model or even solo living.
Urban Housing Costs: Growing cost-of-living in cities ironically began to nudge some families back together—often temporarily—but stigma and lack of structural support remained.

🔮 Return of the 3-Generation Household?

Possibility: Increasing. Normalization? More complex.

Drivers of a Return:

Affordability Crisis: Soaring housing prices and inflation have made it hard for younger generations to live independently.
Student Debt: Millennials and Gen Z carry large debt loads, often delaying marriage, home ownership, and independence.
Childcare and Eldercare Costs: Many families are realizing that intergenerational living reduces expenses and strengthens support systems.
Cultural Diversity: Immigrant communities—many of whom retain multigenerational norms—are growing in number and influence.
Post-COVID Rethinking: Lockdowns made many reevaluate the value of proximity, care, and emotional support.

Barriers to a Full Return as Norm:

Housing Design: Most homes aren't built for multigenerational use (e.g., no separate entrances or private quarters).
Zoning Laws: Some municipalities discourage or prohibit “accessory dwelling units” or multi-unit conversions.
Cultural Resistance: The idea of independence is still deeply baked into North American values, especially among white middle-class families.
Caregiving Stress: Without institutional supports, multigenerational living can place heavy burdens on the “sandwich generation.”

🧠 Final Thought:

A widespread return to three-generation households won’t look like the past—it will likely be more hybrid, flexible, and adaptive. Think of “in-law suites,” co-housing models, or “granny flats,” alongside shared digital calendars and remote caregiving.

In short: Yes, multigenerational living is quietly making a comeback—out of necessity, out of care, and out of cultural rebalancing. But whether it becomes the new norm may depend on how society rethinks housing, caregiving, and independence itself.

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