How to Remain Independent While Living with Your Parents

The reasons why an adult child may still live with her parents vary. Maybe someone has fallen on hard times or is working their way through school and needs to save on expenses. It could also be a case of where the parent is ill and needs the care of his adult child. Whatever the reason it does take a balancing act because parents always seem to view their children as just that children, no matter how big they get. While you on the other hand, know you have grown beyond being their “little one.” You are going to want your independence, and they might not understand. Here are some tips on how to remain independent while living with your parents.

Instructions

1. Negotiate the house rules before moving in. This means you and your parents have to sit down and talk about everything from doing the chores to you staying out late at night.

2. Once the rules are established stick to them. If one of the rules is for you to call if you are going to be out late or sleeping over at a friend's place, do so. This really isn't so much an issue of your parents trying to control you, but more about reducing their stress and worry. It's also the same thing you would do with a spouse or roommate.

3. Pay what you can and pay your fair share. Relying on your parents for all your financial needs will only put you back in the category of “their little baby.” Make sure to pay your own expenses.

4. If you are unable to contribute financially, find other ways to pitch in. Do the laundry, cook or whatever needs to be done. The goal is to get your parents to see you as a responsible adult.

5. It’s best to have sleepovers at your partner’s home. While your parents might know that you are sexually active, they might not be comfortable with it at their home. It’s one of those things that should be discussed before moving in, then you would have an idea of what is and isn’t appropriate.

6. Act like an adult when you and your parents disagree. Yelling and getting angry is only going to make them see you as an immature kid throwing a tantrum.

7. Finally, depending on the situation set your budget, create a target move-out date, and do your best to stick to it. Having goals to work toward will keep you sane.