TM
strengthing families from within
POWERED BY FOUR BARREL FITNESS
By Adam &
Kristin Kleinert
THE FAMILY
COMPOUND:
WHY IT WORKS
FOR US
Our resident family explores
a close-knit life
W
e’ve mentioned before
that we live very near our
extended family.
The word “near” may be an
understatement in our case.
You see, in reality, it’s
something closer to “on top of” or even “all up
in the business” of that family.
Some of our friends think we’re a little crazy,
and some folks have even questioned our decision-
making skills, but the truth is, it may well be the
most sound decision we’ve made.
In any case, it’s become fundamental to our
entire way of life, and we feel certain that all
parties involved are reaping rewards. We field
questions about it so often we decided to share
why it works for us.
Our little slice of Southern Indiana heaven
holds four dwellings and four generations: great-
grandparents, grandparents, parents and children.
Together, we share the same address, the same
mailbox and the same driveway, though, of course,
the sharing runs much deeper than just simple
physicalities.
34 EXTOL : APRIL/MAY 2019
There’s always someone to hang out
with when your family lives next door.
Between us are deep-seeded understandings
and shared philosophies, common interests and
collaborated ideas.
This may sound rather utopian and unrealistic.
So, in the spirit of full disclosure, we’ll admit to
the struggles as well.
Obviously, there is very little privacy.
For instance, we all know who comes and goes,
and at what hour, etc.
Next, there are disagreements that naturally arise.
The inhabitants here are a group comprised of
particularly big personalities with strong opinions.
We are not always on the same page in every
matter, and this can be tricky at times.
And finally, as humans living in close proximity
will do, we annoy each other from time to time.
Things don’t always get put back in the proper
places, people aren’t always in the same mood as
the others around them, child-rearing strategies
sometimes differ. No, it’s not TV-sitcom perfection
100 percent of the time, but the benefits are so
vast, we never regret them.
The sheer logistics of being so near make it
wonderfully convenient. Say, you’re cooking a
meal and need an ingredient, doing a project and
don’t have the right tool, or moving something
heavy and need a hand. There are three other
households full of folks absolutely willing to help
out or lend an item at any time.
Next, immeasurable is the value of the village
in which we are raising our children.
In our quiver are eight adults who love our
kiddos and are able to shower them daily with
wisdom, discipline and time. There is never a
shortage of caring family members to share a
story, help with schoolwork or reign down a little
discipline. No bike tire goes unfixed, no injury
untreated and no indiscretion unnoticed.
When our Sydney received her driver’s permit,
she had many more opportunities and individuals
from whom to learn than her most of her peers.
Numerous occasions that warranted late night
ER visits have been made much less stressful
due to willing babysitters who could be there at
a moment’s notice.
And when the younger kids and their cousins
leave toys and sports equipment laying all over
the property, there is always a concerned relative
at the ready to teach a lesson and supervise the
clean-up.
Then, there’s the love between us, which
supersedes any and all discord that has ever
arisen here.
We don’t tolerate each other. Rather, we
appreciate one another. We know we’re blessed
to have this opportunity, and we choose to embrace
this life every day. We look forward to continuing
to raise our children in this manner, and, if we’re
lucky, eventually a grandchild or two. Hopefully,
we won’t drive the other family members on-site
crazy in the process.