There’s a phenomenon sweeping the nation much to the chagrin of parents. It’s called the “boomerang” phenomena, and it happens when adult children move back home. There are times when moving back home with your parents is acceptable and times when it isn’t. If you’re an adult child who is considering moving home, here’s how to know when it’s a good idea and when it’s simply the wrong choice:
When It’s Okay to Move
Home
Your Parents Need Your Help:
If your parents are in failing health, it is more
than acceptable to move home to help them out. Whether you move home to be the
primary caregiver or just to offer a bit of assistance, it is always okay to
help the people who brought you into this world.
You’re Going to School:
If you are going to college, either on campus or
online, moving back home is acceptable. Living at home while you are in school
can save you money on rent and utilities. Living at home will allow you to use
the money you save to pay your tuition and avoid racking up student loan debt.
Do make sure that you at least offer to stock the fridge now and again.
You’re Saving for a Home:
If you’re sick of paying rent for an apartment
that will never be yours, moving back in with your parents can afford you the
opportunity to save money for a down payment on your own home. The more money
you can save for your down payment, the less you will spend on monthly mortgage
payments.
You’re Job Hunting:
If you’ve just graduated and are looking for a
job, it makes more sense to live with your parents than to rent your own
apartment. Should you find a job that causes you to relocate, you don’t want to
be tied into a year-long lease on an apartment or condo.
When It’s Not Okay to
Move Home
You’re Looking for a Free Ride:
If you are under the mistaken impression that
your parents were put on this earth to support you, you need to carefully
rethink your values. It is no longer reasonable to expect your parents to carry
you once you’ve graduated from college.
You’re Not Ready to Live on Your Own:
Are you considering staying at home with your
parents because you think you aren’t ready to live on your own? Your
unwillingness to grow up and take responsibility for yourself is not a valid reason
for living with mom and dad. We all have to grow up sometime and your time is
now!
Your Parents Can’t Let Go:
Some parents truly have a difficult time letting
their adult children leave. If you are thinking of staying home, or returning
home, out of a sense of guilt, don’t do it. Your parents will make the
adjustment eventually and come to realize that you have your own life to live.
Living with mom and dad makes sense for some
adult children. In fact, it can be one of the wisest decisions that a child
makes. If you’re going back to school, looking for a job or saving for your own
home, moving back in with your parents can give you the opportunity to meet
your goals. There’s nothing wrong with living under your parents’ roof if
there’s an end in sight!
Rosemary Henderson is a freelance blogger with an
adult son living at home with her. If you're looking to move back home,
Rosemary recommends taking the opportunity to go to graduate school for the
best online mba program you can find.
