My in-laws bought the house 2 doors down from us. Our kids love it, but setting boundaries has been tough.

Living next to one's in-laws can be a blessing, but it is not without its challenges. Sydney Allen shares her experience of having her in-laws move in next door to them five years ago. While her family has greatly benefited from their proximity, especially when it comes to caring for their children and helping with household chores, setting boundaries has proven to be quite difficult.

The couple purchased their house in 2019, and it was soon discovered that it would be put up for sale two years later. Their in-laws bought the neighboring property after acquiring permission from the couple. Sydney feels that living two doors down from her in-laws has been generally positive, especially in terms of having grandparents close by for the children. The kids love spending time with their grandparents and have their own playroom in their house.

However, the benefits come with drawbacks. The family had to establish a set of rules, affectionately referred to as "The Accords," to maintain healthy boundaries. These rules include knocking before entering each other's homes and discussing major decisions together, such as writing this article. Despite these boundaries, the in-laws are always ready to help with childcare when needed, which is crucial for the couple's work schedules and well-being.

As a reporter, Sydney had to learn about property lines and the limits of daily communication with her in-laws. She now informs her kids that they can't just walk to their grandparents' house without asking, and she has also set a new boundary for herself by not constantly checking in with her in-laws about their availability.

While establishing boundaries and finding autonomy has been a struggle, Sydney and her husband believe that living close to their in-laws has been a valuable experience for their family. They appreciate the help and support they receive from their in-laws, which has allowed them to navigate the challenges of full-time work and raising young children.