Cohousing-L Mailing List: Re: Integrating middle-aged kids into community

[Sharon Villines (sharon]

On Oct 22, 2004, at 1:36 PM, Shelly DeMeo wrote:

> Any input on middle-aged kids in cohousing would be helpful, either 
> positive or negative.  We are twenty-eight units on around 30 acres 
> with a neighboring cohousing development next door, across a sports 
> field.  With all the stresses in our life at the moment, the last 
> thing I want to hear from my older boys is "this sucks" daily...

It will be fine. They will love it. Particularly the freedom of roaming 
30 acres which I assume they do not have now. Kids this age NEVER want 
to move, but in a couple of years from now, it would be impossible.

One suggestion I would make is not to make a big deal of it now before 
they have to really deal with it. Don't make the year an agony of 
anticipation. What might seem to you like a focus on transition may be 
for them a long goodbye. Be clear that you are moving and drop it. The 
plans for moving will be evidence enough.

And assure them that when you do move, their old friends will be 
welcome to visit (and they will be envious).

Sharon
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Sharon Villines
Takoma Village Cohousing, Washington DC
http://www.takomavillage.org