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Grandma in the House

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Marian Robinson will move to the White House with the First Family. Photo: Tim Llewellyn (from Flickr)
Marian Robinson will move to the White House with the First Family. Photo: Tim Llewellyn (from Flickr)

When the Obama’s move into the White House tomorrow, the new president’s mother-in-law is moving in with them.

Marian Robinon, 71, mother of Michelle Obama, has already been taking a lot of care of her granddaughters, Sasha and Malia, while the Obama’s campaigned. Now, it’s official: the grandma, the mother-in-law, is to be in the house. Fulltime.

And it turns out, that is happening in more and more American homes. Grandparents helping parents raise kids – often under one roof. This hour, On Point: when the in-laws, the grandparents, move in.

You can join the conversation. Do your in-laws, or your parents live with you? Do you envy the Obamas having Grandma in the house to help out? Or not?

Guests:

Stephanie Coontz, professor of history and family studies at Evergreen State College, director of research and public education for the Council on Contemporary Families, author of "Marriage, a History: From Obedience to Intimacy or How Love Conquered Marriage."

Joshua Coleman, clinical psychologist and expert on families, parenting, and relationships; author of "When Parents Hurt: Compassionate Strategies When You and Your Grown Child Don't Get Along."

This program aired on January 19, 2009.

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