கூட்டுக்குடும்பங்கள் போன்ற ஒரு அழகு வேறு எதிலுமே இல்லைங்க.. ஆளுக்கு ஒரு வேலையைச் செய்வது, பிரச்சினை என்று வந்தால் மொத்தமாக கூடிப் பேசி தீர்வு காண்பது, சந்தோஷத்தை மட்டுமல்லாமல், துன்பத்தையும் பங்கிட்டுக் கொள்வது என்று அடுக்கிக் கொண்டே போகலாம்.

அப்படிப்பட்ட கூட்டுக் குடும்பத்தின் தாத்பர்யம் குறித்து அழகாக நமக்கு விளக்குகிறார் வே. ஜெயந்தி.

A joint family is a traditional and valuable system where several generations live together with love, respect, and cooperation. In today’s modern world, this lifestyle still provides many benefits, especially for children.

Advantages of a Joint Family

1. Emotional Support

Children grow up surrounded by grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins. They share their thoughts freely and develop strong emotional bonds.

2. Healthy Childhood

Instead of spending long hours on phones or watching TV, children play together, learn games, and enjoy real-life interactions. This helps in reducing screen time and improving social skills.

3. Learning to Adjust

Living with many family members teaches children to adjust, compromise, and respect everyone’s needs. They develop patience and cooperation naturally.

4. Confidence and Bold Character

Daily interaction with elders and cousins strengthens a child’s confidence. They become bold, expressive, and comfortable in social situations.

5. Kindness and Helping Nature

Joint families follow the tradition of caring and sharing. Children observe elders helping one another, which builds kindness, empathy, and a helpful mind.

Disadvantages of a Joint Family

Although joint families are wonderful, there can be a few challenges:

Less privacy due to many members living together

Occasional misunderstandings due to differences in opinions

Shared responsibilities sometimes feel uneven

Why a Joint Family Is Better for Children

Despite the drawbacks, the advantages for children are far greater. The love, protection, values, and real-world learning they receive help them grow into strong, kind, and responsible individuals. A joint family is not just a living arrangement it is a school of life.

(About the Author: V. JAYANTHI , Graduate teacher, Chengalpattu district)