For some parents of adults, the trip to visit their offspring is a lot shorter than they had expected it to be when their kids were small.
According to a 2021 study done by PEW Research, there are significantly more multigenerational homes throughout the U.S. The most common reasons for adult kids – we’re talking about those aged 25+ – to continue to live with or move back in with their parents are financial reasons. Rent and housing prices are soaring, student loan debt has gone crazy, wages remain stagnant, and we’re all worried about that nasty little 11-letter word that starts with an “I” – yep, we’re talking about inflation.
In 1971, only 9% of American households saw adult children living with their parents. In 2021, that number has risen to 31% with the majority of those offspring not having a college degree.
In 2014, a similar study was conducted in 28 European countries. They found that about half of Europe’s young adults were living with their parents. The reasons behind the high percentage were primarily economic – the EU was going through a five-year economic crisis.
In Oregon, we’re also seeing more homes with multiple generations living together. It used to be solely about farm living where the more hands available made for better outcomes, but that’s not the only case anymore.
Summer Activity: It is possible to teach your kids while doing fun activities. Case in point – covered bridges.
Made with covers as a way to protect the wood from sun, rain, and snow damage, the average covered bridge lasted five times as long as an uncovered bridge back when people were a bit more spread out and easy bridge repair was just a pipe dream. Even with their expected 100-year life span, only one in 10 survived into the 20th century. Three of these bridges are in Benton County, waiting for you to walk through with the kids – remembering, of course, that shouting mid-bridge is a lot of fun.
And if it gets to hat in the bridge, Visit Corvallis has information and maps available to help you find these gems.
Zumba for Backpacks Fundraiser: Next Friday, Aug. 5, you can help raise funds for back-to-school backpacks for youth in the Corvallis area by participating in a Zumba class on the Oregon State University campus.
Taking place at the Kaku-Ixt Mana Ina Haws cultural center, located on 311 SW 26th St., you can join your fellow Corvallisites for an evening of fun movement and raising support for low-income families in the community preparing for the upcoming school year.
Taking rapid COVID tests prior to attending the event is encouraged. For questions and/or accommodations, send an email to corvallis_hearts@gammaalphaomega.com.
U-Pick Blueberry Coupons Now Available: If you and your kiddos enjoy picking blueberries during summer, the Corvallis Benton-County Public Library (CBCPL) has a special treat for you.
While blueberry season lasts, kids and teens can go to the CBCPL to pick up a coupon for Blueberry Meadows, a family-owned and -operated farm situated just three miles north of Corvallis at 3860 NE Hwy 20.
The coupons are good for a whole pound of U-pick blueberries, and are also available at the CBCPL’s branch libraries in Philomath, Monroe, and Alsea. Just be sure to call ahead for availability!
CHS Recognized for Excellence: Corvallis High School Health/PE teacher Lorin Reed and student Kaylee Pickering were both acknowledged for their youth suicide prevention work this month as part of the Sources of Strength Oregon program. This program encourages and celebrates adults and students working together to create belonging and connection in their schools.
Sources of Strength looks for:
- Youth-adult connectedness
- Peer Leader’s school engagement
- Peer Leader’s referrals of suicidal peers to an adult
- Positive perceptions of adult support for suicidal youth and the acceptability of seeking help
The goal is to go beyond just suicide prevention to include prevention of violence and addiction through a focus on how to deal with strong emotional resilience to anger, anxiety, and depression.
The CHS Sources of Strength group grew from 18 students to 30 over the course of the school year, as these young people learned and shared messages of hope, help, and strength through the use of art, music, influence, and activity. The goal is to celebrate “students, young people and adults working to create belonging and connection in their schools and communities.”
By Sally K Lehman
