Welcome to the Forum Liz. Where I live this is beginning to catch on. America has an aging population and many of the aging are now finding themselves widowed or as widowers. As the survivor realizes the big house contains resources that could be liquidated and the house sold for it's equity, the move into a tiny home may be the best choice. After Grandad or Grandmother leaves this world one of the grand kids may want the Tiny Home for their own starter home while staying single. Thus the Tiny Home may be cycled thru several people.
In this the father and kids can learn the care and maintenance of the structure thus preparing them for the time they may own their own home of some kind. Thus the Tiny Home serving as a learning facility. When you think of it, this is how young people learn about the care and maintenance of their car. The car also serves as a learning platform.