When I mention the term “commune,” a flood of images might rush to your mind: free love, communal kitchens overflowing with simmering pots, children and adults alike wandering barefoot in a haze of empowerment, flower crowns, and perhaps even a few worryingly stocked firearms. It’s a lot to take in, isn’t it?
But let’s take a moment to ponder this concept. Picture this: you’re yearning to escape the monotony of endless science projects and the weekly rotation of baked chicken and crockpot ribs that dictate your meals. Now imagine gathering six or seven of your closest family friends, collectively throwing caution to the wind and rejecting modern societal norms. You pool some funds, secure an old farm or even an abandoned shopping mall from the ’80s. What’s next? How do you make this dream a reality?
Could your family of five thrive in a renovated Benetton? Could you transform the old food court into a vibrant community kitchen? Absolutely! However, the challenge will lie in ensuring everyone has enough personal space. Even in a commune, no one wants to feel crammed together—unless, of course, that’s your idea of a good time.
You’ll need designated areas for each family, play zones for the kids, hangout spots for adults, and surely some help from nannies to allow the grown-ups their much-needed downtime. And let’s not forget a dedicated space for education, as your little prodigies deserve a place that nurtures their brilliance, free from the constraints of traditional schooling (at least during the hours of 8 AM to 5 PM, because, let’s face it, adulting comes with responsibilities).
Speaking of responsibilities, you’ll likely need to keep some form of income flowing to support your commune lifestyle. Someone will need to cover the bills for your gluten-free kitchen, and perhaps you could sell your kids’ artwork or even turn their imaginative tales into a hipster comic series. Or, you might find someone who needs to work outside the commune. There’s plenty to hash out.
Then there are the essential discussions about the commune’s values—will free love be a thing? Will you cultivate cannabis? You’ll definitely need a community garden because, let’s be honest, that’s as essential as the air we breathe in commune culture. But don’t fret; you can grow whatever you like (except pot if that’s not on the table, although let’s be real).
One thing to keep in mind is that you can’t cultivate Trader Joe’s salted chocolate almonds or artisanal grapefruit vodka in your garden, so some arrangements will need to be made for those treasures. You might even want to consider whether anyone has the ambition to recreate those items; it’s all up to the collective will of the community.
Before diving into these intricate details, you’ll need to convene and tackle the bigger picture. You’ll need to decide on a location, budget, and possibly explore the tax benefits of establishing your commune as a religious entity. Finding a time when all families can meet will involve some serious planning—akin to aligning celestial bodies.
Once the stars align and the meeting happens, the real fun begins! Living together means no more HOA fees, no PTA meetings—just friends, kids, and the lingering scents of past culinary adventures. However, if the thought of coordinating all those schedules feels overwhelming, you could always opt for renting duplexes on the same block. Call it Commune 2.0 and pen an online manifesto about the joys of relaxed communal living, including the freedom to leave your trash cans out as long as you please. You can still run around barefoot, enjoy a communal garden, and indulge in vats of delicious stew—or simply partner with the nearest burrito place for catering.
It sounds feasible, right?
If you want to dive deeper into the world of communal living and parenting, check out this insightful blog post for more ideas. And if you’re considering at-home insemination options, Make A Mom provides reliable insemination kits to help you on your journey. For comprehensive information on pregnancy and home insemination, Wikipedia is a great resource to explore.
In summary, the idea of starting a commune is filled with excitement and potential, but it also requires thoughtful planning and collaboration. Whether you choose to fully embrace the commune lifestyle or simply create a close-knit community of families, the possibilities are endless.
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