How to Deal With Grown Children Living With Parents
Many parents expect that after raising their kids they'll have some extra time and money to travel, try new ventures and even save for retirement. Economic realities, however, may force kids to return to the nest. The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that unemployment rates for young adults remains high. Kids who don't earn enough money to live on their own, or who can't cope with independent living while paying back student loans, often move back in with their parents. Parents who prepare for their adult kids returning home can turn a potentially difficult situation into a positive one.
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Instructions
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Sit down as a family and review the situation. Discuss expectations and ground rules. Talk about division of chores and other house needs. Set out guidelines regarding friends' visits (including visits of a boyfriend or girlfriend) and financial responsibilities.
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Encourage the child to define her goals in moving back home. Find out if she plans to look for a job, save money, catch up on her debt or continue her education. Talk about a time frame that will allow your child to live at home for awhile while she pursues the tools that will move her towards independent living.
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Plan periodic family discussions to assess the situation. Don't allow resentments to fester. If you feel that your child isn't pulling his weight, either financially or by assisting with the physical needs of the house, discuss it in a calm manner. Clarify your expectations regarding your child's contributions to the household.
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Prepare to insist that the child leave if you feel that she's not putting forth the necessary efforts to progress towards independent living. If your child uses you to coast, put a halt to the behavior and tell him that it's time to move on.
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References
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