The Gift of Living Close to Family: A Foundation for Connection and Belonging
In our fast-paced, mobile society, the idea of staying near family might seem quaint. Many of us have been encouraged to spread our wings, travel, and settle wherever opportunity calls, even if it’s far from home. Yet, there is something deeply grounding, even sacred, about staying connected to the family and place that shaped us. For some, being close to family may feel like staying put in a fast-moving world. But the blessings of proximity to loved ones can provide a foundation of support, stability, and a sense of identity that no other community can quite replicate.
Walker Larson's insightful article, Living Close to Family: Why It Matters, speaks to this powerful sense of connection and highlights some of the timeless advantages of close family ties—from practical support to a deeply rooted sense of home and history. Let’s explore a few key benefits of living close to family and why it might be one of the most powerful decisions for cultivating a meaningful, connected life.
1. Building a Strong Foundation of Support and Connection
In a world that often prioritizes independence, living near family can offer unique support systems that are hard to find elsewhere. There’s a closeness that emerges not just from shared family events but from everyday experiences—the daily, casual moments that create lasting bonds. Whether it's sharing family meals, helping with house projects, or stopping by after a long day to catch up, these small, simple interactions strengthen family ties.
As Larson notes, close families often experience “the very rhythm of life” together. These are the moments where authentic conversations and memories form, fostering trust, deepening relationships, and creating an enduring sense of community. Family members become some of the closest friends and most reliable allies, sharing not only memorable occasions but also the seemingly mundane events that enrich the experience of belonging.
2. Rootedness: Where Connection Meets Identity
Our identity is shaped not only by our personal beliefs but also by our family’s traditions, values, and history. Proximity to family helps us remain connected to these parts of ourselves, giving us a sense of continuity and rootedness. According to a 2023 study from Brigham Young University, adolescents who were more familiar with their family history had a stronger sense of personal identity. This connection to family history supports the idea that understanding our roots can positively impact our sense of self.
For many, family embodies traditions, values, and shared memories that provide comfort and familiarity—traits essential for feeling rooted in today’s transient culture. Knowing who we are often begins with knowing where we come from, and being close to family can provide a natural framework for discovering and maintaining that sense of self. It’s in these connections, in seeing ourselves as part of something bigger, that we often find our place in the world.
3. Passing Down Values and Building Generational Legacy
Family is often the bridge through which values and beliefs are shared, shaped, and preserved. Families who stay close have the opportunity to actively participate in each other’s lives and pass down core values that might otherwise be diluted across generations. This shared closeness strengthens not only individual families but the fabric of society as well.
Larson points out that family bonds help sustain a common culture, one that can even benefit the cohesion of an entire nation. By remaining connected with family, we can help pass down principles of respect, kindness, and resilience to future generations, offering them a foundation from which they can grow and navigate life’s challenges. These shared values help create a sense of belonging, reminding us of the larger network of relationships that guide, shape, and support us.
4. Transforming “Home” into a Place of Purpose
Beyond being a place of rest, “home” often becomes a center of love, shared purpose, and legacy when family is close by. Larson writes about the generations that have lived and loved in the same house, a place his family calls “The Farm.” This connection to place and to each other is a testament to the kind of “generational rootedness” that creates lasting memories, fosters accountability, and instills a profound sense of belonging.
Close-knit families often experience the deeper benefits of having a shared home—a place that embodies family stories, a legacy of love, and the accumulation of treasured moments. When we share our physical lives with family, the walls of home become more than just a backdrop; they become a part of our story and our purpose.
Creating Closeness Beyond Physical Proximity
It’s true that not everyone has the opportunity to live near family, and there are countless valid reasons why people move. However, The Family Collective believes that, wherever we are, we can still intentionally cultivate the principles of connectedness, support, and mutual growth in our relationships. Family closeness isn’t always about physical proximity; it’s also about being intentional, staying engaged, and making an effort to connect on a deeper level.
The benefits of closeness—both physical and emotional—remind us that family is a source of strength, resilience, and identity. Whether we’re physically near or far from our loved ones, we can continue to foster meaningful relationships by staying connected and nurturing the values that hold us together.
Finding Support, Stability, and Identity in Family
In times of division, prioritizing family bonds can be an essential way to rebuild a sense of trust, empathy, and connection in our communities. As we nurture family relationships, we also strengthen our connection to our roots and to each other. Living close to family, or even choosing to cultivate deep connections from afar, can provide the support and stability we all need to navigate life’s challenges.
To read more on this topic, check out Living Close to Family: Why It Matters by Walker Larson. His article beautifully captures the importance of staying connected to family, even in a world that often pulls us in different directions.
The Family Collective understands the transformative power of strong family connections and is here to support individuals and families in creating meaningful, healthy relationships rooted in love, respect, and purpose. Explore our resources to discover how you can strengthen your family bonds, no matter where you are.
