by TD Small

Created on: March 23, 2009   Last Updated: April 09, 2009

You feel like you're backed into a corner. The rent is past due. There's no food in the frig. Your car is about out of gas. The cable was cut off months ago and there's talk of another round of layoffs at work.
Wouldn't it be great to be able to return to simpler times? Back when you lived at home with your parents and there was food on the table, clean clothes in your closet, and you could usually get a few dollars out of old Mom and Dad with a good story.

For many young adults today moving back home with their parents is a real possibility. According to the 2000 census 4 million people, or 10%, of the U.S. population between the ages of 25 and 34, are living with their parents.
If you are considering moving back home, there are a few things you need to think about.

What is your relationship with your parents? Do you get along or will you be at each others' throats again all too soon? Family dynamics tend to stay the same over time, if your parents were controlling when you were in high school they probably haven't changed.

How has your parents' life style changed? Have they downsized their home to the extent where they really don't have room for you? Have they adapted too well to the empty nest, or do you have other siblings currently living at home? If you have brothers or sisters that are still at home, the change might not seem so drastic to your parents. If they are still in the "parenting mode", one more "kid" around may not seem so unappealing to them.

What can you offer your parents to sweeten the deal? Are you willing to do the lawn maintenance, shovel snow, or take turns cooking and grocery shopping? Can you offer to do some home maintenance jobs that your parents might have to pay someone else to do?

What changes will you have to make with your life style? Living with Mom and Dad usually isn't quite the same as having roommates. Are you willing to give up some freedom? Be aware that your parents may be willing to let you move back home, but there may be some stipulations. They may place a time limit on how long you can stay, enforce curfews, and list acceptable behaviors under their roof.

What is your 5 year plan? Can you present a plan to your parents outlining how you will be saving money, working toward a degree, and/or generally just getting your life back together with a little help from them and their patience?

Have you really tried to make it on your own? Do you control your spending? Have you looked at possible second job options or offered to pick up extra hours at your current job to help increase your pay check? Have you considered getting a roommate to help with the rent?

Most people expect to move out of their parents' house and only come back for visits and holidays. But in the current economic times, moving back in with your parents can be a life saver. Feelings of failure and depression are common among people choosing to move back home, but by becoming a contributing member of the family unit these feelings will lessen with time.
All of us run into road blocks throughout our lives, just make sure that your return to your parents' home doesn't detour their life journey.

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