by James Zipadelli

Created on: March 25, 2009   Last Updated: April 10, 2009

"Boomerang" kids moving home has benefits, too

Think you're the only one that is moving into your parent's basement after college? Think again. Anecdotal evidence suggests that men and women between the ages of 20 and 30, commonly referred to as "boomerang kids" who move back home to live with Mom and Dad is more common than previously thought.

"The Economic State of Young America," a report by the economic think-tank Demos says that in 2005, over half of men age 18-24 were living at home, compared with 46 percent of women. In the 25-34 age group, about 14 percent of men were living at home with their parents, compared to 8 percent for women.

Experts say it's hard to know how many men and women in their 20s and 30s are moving back home to live with their parents because of the economy, since a recession typically lasts between a year and 18 months. But Steven Lanza, executive editor of The Connecticut Economy and adjunct professor at the University of Connecticut, says one clue to finding out whether this is true is looking at the size of the household.

"In places across the country where the cost of living is relatively high, we tend to see an increase in household size," Lanza said. "Times have been tough since the recession began in 2007 and people are pinching pennies, so we would expect to find a significant increase in household sizes."

Brian Ahern, a counselor at Eastern Connecticut State University with 30 years of experience in private practice, has experience with this issue. Three of his four adult children, ages 40, 38, and 30 have moved back home at one point in their lives.

"You really need to solidify an identity as a grown-up," Ahern said. "Some parents have trouble shifting how they see their children as young adults. I see them go to college and grow into adults right there."

Ahern says having his children home was "a very positive experience. And my son was very appreciative."

Ellen Galinsky, the President of the Families and Work Institute, has experienced her two children and her niece moving home when they were adults. She says there needs to be mutual respect on both sides.

"Children are grown up and used to living independently," Galinsky said. "It's a good idea if this hasn't happened yet to talk about what issues you might face before you get into trouble. How much are they going to contribute to the rent? How much are they contributing to family work? Do they have to tell you where they're going?"

Moving back with Mom and Dad allows them to build relationships with their children as adults, Galinsky said.

"On Monday nights I would have dinner with my son," Galinsky said. "It was a really nice time to sit and talk with one another."

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