Adult Children Living at Home

This tip brought to you by our Relationship Guru Barbara Gibson on Oct 14, 2008

If your adult child is planning to return home, talk first to avoid big problems later. Here are some things to hash out before the move in.

How will moving home make a difference? Talk with your boomerang kid about specific goals that will be advanced by the move. One of the most common goals is saving money. Using that example, discuss related plans, for example, if your adult child is working, is there a budget in place that reasonable allows her to reach savings goals? If he is not working has he identified a job search strategy?

When and what kind of company is okay? Every household is different. Talk together to learn what works best for everyone. For example, are overnight guests okay?

How will chores be handled? Ideally, everyone will pitch in to keep the house in order. Decide what works before you have a sink filled with dishes.

How long will the living arrangement last? Don't be afraid to establish a deadline upfront.

How, if at all, will your adult child contribute financially to the household?

Keep the conversation going even after your adult child moves in. Your relationship has likely grown and changed since your child left home and returned. This can be a really great opportunity to rediscover each other in ways you never imagined.