B1: Read the article and tick A, B, or C.

While multi-generational living is normal in many cultures, in some countries such as Britain and the US, it isn’t very usual. However, homes where grandparents live with their children and their families in the same house are becoming more common in these countries because of the economic climate. Here, the members of one extended family explain how it works for them.

Georgina – Anna’s grandmother

I was really pleased when my son wanted to move back home. I love spending time with Anna, my granddaughter. She’s a lovely little girl at the minute – so happy and affectionate – everybody who meets her likes her. It will be wonderful to watch her grow up. I think even my unsociable husband is enjoying it! We eat together twice a week and, once a month, we have a family conference – my husband and I, my son and his wife – to discuss how things are going. We try to respect each other’s space. Having my son here makes me less anxious about the future, too. At the moment, we’re healthy, but in a few years we’re going to need more help.

Esther – Anna’s mother

Actually, it’s all working out well! My mother-in-law remembers what it’s like to have young children, so she’s very patient with Anna and sympathetic to me when I’m tired. She often just says: ‘Go and rest. I’ll look after her’. I think she wants to give advice about what Anna eats and what time she goes to bed, but she usually says nothing! And occasionally I ask her opinion and find her ideas are really sensible. We are all learning to be quite honest with each other, which I think is a good thing.

Chris – Anna’s grandfather

I prefer a quiet life and a tidy house, and I think young people should be independent, but my wife loves having the family here. From a selfish point of view, it’s good for me too because Georgina is quite talkative and now she can chat to her daughter-in-law. I think it’s a very satisfactory situation for everyone concerned!

Alan – Anna’s father

I was worried because my mother can be bossy, but actually, she is being sensitive and we’re lucky to have a reliable babysitter in the house! My dad is sometimes moody, but he’s very affectionate with Anna. We’re planning to buy our own house in a couple of years, but I think we’ll stay near my parents because the relationship between Anna and her grandparents is so special.

Example: More people are living in extended families in Britain than before.

A True cü B False c C Doesn’t say c

1 Georgina thinks that Anna is charming.