Surviving Adult Children Living At Home

It's a scenario that more and more parents find themselves facing: adult children who never seem to leave home. Whether it's due to financial constraints or a lack of motivation to strike out on their own, this trend of adult children living with their parents has become increasingly common. While it can be challenging for both the parents and the adult children involved, there are strategies that can help families survive and thrive during this phase of life. In this article, we will explore the realities of living with adult children, the potential challenges that may arise, and provide tips on how to navigate this situation successfully.

Understanding the Situation

Before diving into the strategies for surviving adult children living at home, it's important to acknowledge the factors that might lead to this setup. In many cases, adult children are facing financial difficulties such as high rent prices, student loan debt, or struggling to find stable employment. Additionally, societal changes have played a role in shaping this trend, with changing attitudes towards independence and an emphasis on family cohesion.

Surviving Adult Children Living at Home: e-Reader Edition

by Christina Newberry (Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	276 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	73 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

The Challenges Faced

Living with adult children can present a range of challenges for parents. It can strain the relationship dynamics and potentially hinder the parents' own desire to enjoy an empty nest. Additionally, parents may feel a sense of responsibility and guilt if they believe they have failed to adequately prepare their children for independent living. For the adult children themselves, feelings of dependency, lack of privacy, and a delay in taking responsibility for their own lives can be difficult to navigate.

Survival Strategies

While the situation might seem overwhelming, there are strategies that can help both parents and adult children navigate this phase successfully:

1. Establish Clear Expectations and Boundaries

Open and honest communication is essential. Sit down as a family and discuss expectations for living arrangements, responsibilities, and financial contributions. Setting boundaries will help maintain a healthy balance between support and fostering independence.

2. Encourage Personal and Financial Development

Support your adult children in gaining financial independence. Encourage them to find employment, create a budget, and save money for future goals. Providing guidance in money management can empower them to take control of their own finances.

3. Foster Personal Growth and Independence

Help your adult children develop life skills and set goals for their future. Encourage them to pursue education or vocational training that can lead to meaningful employment. Support their exploration of hobbies and passions to foster personal growth.

4. Respect Each Other's Space

Create a living arrangement that allows everyone to have their own space for privacy and personal time. Setting boundaries related to shared spaces and establishing routines can help create a sense of harmony in the household.

5. Seek Outside Support

Don't be afraid to seek outside support if you find yourself struggling. Therapists or support groups can provide guidance and advice to help navigate family dynamics during this transitional period.

While having adult children live at home can be challenging, it's important to approach the situation with understanding and open communication. By setting clear expectations, encouraging independence and personal growth, and respecting each other's space, families can thrive in this unique living arrangement. Remember, it's a phase in life that can lead to a stronger bond and a deeper understanding of one another. With the right strategies and a supportive mindset, surviving adult children living at home can become a positive experience for all involved.

Surviving Adult Children Living at Home: e-Reader Edition

by Christina Newberry (Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	276 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	73 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

*Note that this e-Reader edition does not include the 8-page contract template or budget calculator that come with the paperback edition*

If you're faced with the frustration of dealing with adult children moving home - or kids who never left - even though they are in their late 20s, 30s, or even 40s, you need to know you're not alone.

While it's nice to think that families with adult children living with parents can always get along like they do on TV, the fact is that having adult children return home - also called boomerang kids - can put a ton of stress on you, your partner, and the rest of your family.

As an adult who has successfully lived with her parents after leaving home - twice - author Christina Newberry has learned a few key strategies. She's taken these winning strategies - along with a few mistakes - and combined them with proven communication tools and in-depth research to develop this step-by-step guide to surviving (and thriving!) when your child returns.