The tough economic times keep on coming on. If the downturn hasn't hit us directly, it may have hit our kids. They may need a safe harbor while they job hunt, reassess their life's plan, pull their post-college lives together. No one has the magic formula for making the move back home work. But here's some realistic advice--most of it the usual stuff-- from a recent blog:
Starting with attitude, there's this reminder: "When the kids come back home, there's no doubt that there's an adjustment for everyone. Parents suddenly have a full nest. Kids don't really want to be back home, but need to be - at least for awhile. Individual roles shift and conflicts occur."
Seven Tips to Remember:
Recognize that the situation is only temporary (if it is).
Set some mutually agreed upon guidelines and parameters for successful cohabitation.
Share chores and expenses.
Consider each other as friends / roommates and behave accordingly (as much as humanly possible).
Spend some quality time together to build on the positives in the relationship.
Share your lives with each other to build trust and understanding.
When conflicts and/or resentments start to build, talk them out in a cool and rational way. Above all – treat others as you would like to be treated."
