What happened to the good old days, when the Entire family lived in and around us and we could smother our children with constant love and praise, while giving them the benefit of not one or two adults but many, making the children not only happier and more secure, but more well-rounded? The world is in a very sad state of affairs.

My best friend and her husband and their two young boys, ages 9 and 4, recently moved to New York State, to live just 2 doors down from my husband, son, and myself. We are taking a year to pay off debts and save a sizable amount of cash to be used as a down payment. We plan to buy a huge farmhouse in a rural setting and make a safe haven for our 3 boys.

Some have asked why we would do this. Others assume we are being deviant along other lines, which, I can assure you we are Not. We' re not hippies or swingers or anything along those lines. We simply want what is best for our kids.

The simple fact of the matter is this:  kids need more than just Mom and Dad. Mom and Dad need more than just the kids!! If you trust someone enough and are able to help one another along, co-habitation is a viable solution to many trifling problems. Not only do the children And the adults have the benefit of someone to talk to and laugh with, but there is always at least one adult on hand for boo-boos, hugs, and general care of the kids. There are more adults in-home who can bring income into the household group and no one suffers for anything whatsoever. There are a minimum of 2 working vehicles, so there will never again be a missed appointment.

There are some minor drawbacks, but they can be easily dealt with if the lines of communication are Constantly open. We already have begun a new tradition, calling it Conference Time. The adults sit together 'round a table and discuss the latest financial obligations, remark on the latest developments with the kids, find working solutions to discipline issues and so forth so we are ALL on the same page and the kids have consistency, and we make decisions along a myriad of other lines. As long as you talk to one another, the issues never become insurmountable. It's all about that Communication. Never leave home without it!

Some traditions were never meant to be overlooked and swept to the wayside. Just my opinion.