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

[Shelly DeMeo (shelldemeo]

Hi--

My husband and I are finally moving into Rocky Hill Cohousing in Northampton, 
Mass. in July.  Well, that is the date they say is our move in at this point.

Like many other cohousers, I became interested in this as much for my children 
as for myself.  Developing cohousing has taken time and my children have aged 
considerably in the process.  Now that the home is almost complete, at ages 9 
and 11, they have decided they do not want to move.  The community is about an 
hour away so requires a change in schools as well.  We also have a newborn 
(good family planning!) and she has no problem with the move.  Needless to say 
this is a bit stressful for us.

Have others found ways to help ease their children's transition into cohousing? 
 There are many children in this community although my two boys are on the 
older side of the spectrum.  My boys have stated, "there are too many babies."  
There is a cohousing development next door, as well, and they do have several 
mid-range age children.  I have been told that the kids roam in packs there and 
it would be fine once we get there.

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...

Thanks for input.

Shelly DeMeo
Rocky Hill Cohousing