About 45% of people between18 and 29 years of age are living at home according to a 2023 Harris Poll for Bloomberg. According to the poll, the primary reason that young adults return home is to save money. Moving back home also can give adult children an opportunity to figure out their next steps in their career, relationships, schooling, etc. When adult children move back home, it can be a significant adjustment for the entire family. For instance, it may take time for
parents to get used to no longer having an “empty nest” and for adult children to get used to having a parent around again after a period of independence. Here are some helpful tips for parents who may be experiencing this transition:

1) Set Clear Expectations: Establish mutually agreeable expectations regarding
responsibilities, household chores, finances, and personal space. Rather than falling into “old” patterns, create new roles and responsibilities that fit the present situation.

2) Talk. Open and healthy communication can help avoid misunderstandings and
conflicts.

3) Encourage Independence: While offering support, encourage your adult child to maintain a sense of independence and autonomy. Encourage them to actively pursue their goals, whether it’s finding a job, furthering their education, or saving money for their future.

4) Respect Their Privacy: Recognize that your adult child is no longer a teenager. Respect their privacy and allow them to explore their own interests and social life.

5) Be Supportive: Understand that the transition back home may come with
challenges, worries, and uncertainties for your adult child. Be your child’s
cheerleader as they navigate these challenges and work toward their goals.

6) Maintain Healthy Boundaries: Establish and maintain boundaries (e.g., with
finances, respect, house rules) to ensure a healthy balance between your own needs and those of your adult child. For instance, you may expect to be notified whether your adult child will come home after a night out, but you may not need to set a specific curfew.

7) Enjoy the Time Together: Use this time as an opportunity to strengthen your
connection with your adult child. Try to spend quality time together (e.g., shared
meals, weekend adventures, and/or even binge watching a show together) and find new ways of relating to one another as adults.

With patience, understanding, and flexibility, having adult children move back home can be a positive experience for all involved.

Kelly Theis, Ph.D.
Licensed Clinical Psychologist