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The Boomerang Generation describes the generation of young adults born during the 70s and 80s. The term refers to the children of baby boomers who are finding it tough to make it on their own so they are landing back in the baby boomer’s empty nests.
Some have begun or finished college. Others can’t find jobs. Some have jobs, but want to save money. Others may have young families and can no longer swing the monthly finances it requires to keep a family in tact. Some have credit card or college loan debt they can’t seem to pay off.
Empty nests are filling up, and in some instances, becoming crowded. Join baby boomer women who talk about these challenges in the BoomerWomenSpeak forum conmmunity.
Should you find yourself in this situation, there are definitely advantages and disadvantages. With proper planning all parties may be able to benefit.
Before they arrive at the door with clothes, furniture, sporting apparatus, and all the electronics, try discussing an appropriate period of time for them to live at home. Alert them to the fact that this is not a permanent situation. If they are moving home to save money, help them with a budget that will allow them to move out within your schedule.
Some families find it beneficial to write contracts to keep everyone on track. Here are the top ten topics for the contract:
- One must be actively seeking employment, if unemployed
- One must save x number of dollars per month
- Curfew time, if any
- The coming and going of friends at all hours of the day and night
- The expectation to call if not returning home that evening
- Music and TV audio levels
- Job sharing – food shopping, cleaning, cooking, laundry, etc.
- Financial responsibilities – car, gas, car and health insurance, food, etc.
- Who has first preference on the main TV in the home
- What is a practical move out date?
Some of these may sound silly, but it’s important for the younger generation to know precisely what’s expected of them upon their arrival home. Topics such as curfews and music can become argumentative if not discussed ahead of time. That is why it’s important for parents and children to communicate before the kids return. Planning ahead makes for happier living.
Boomerangs are old enough and have enough life experience to know that living situations work best when everyone is getting along and sharing responsibilities. Young adults and parents living in one nest can work. If you find yourself in this situation, why not use it as a time to draw nearer to your young adult child and enjoy one another’s company. After all, this won’t last a life time. One can only hope.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
During these tough financial times, it does not suprise me that adult children are finding they need to move home for financial reasons. having some rules and guidlines is a very good idea. Many times an adult child will revert back to becoming very dependent on the parents who take them in, and in some cases also somewhat demanding. Mutual respect is crucial to build a relationship that will keep the household running smoothly.
Bobby,thanks for stopping by. How true that adult children can revert to their old ways of trelating once back in the nest. This can be a good or bad thing. I agree that mutual repsect is crucial. Do you have any boomerangs?
We had one for the year after he graduated from college. We told him that if he was going to live here he had to save most of his income. Fortunately, he listened and bought a home when he left. Happy ending.
The tough times were when he went out on weekends and came in very late. I didn’t get much sleep those nights! Life goes on…
Good article and advice Dotsie. I’ve had a boomerang twice. Yipes! I will say that I set the boundaries from the get-go. Never had a problem either…except for the late night thing you mentioned. Youth…sigh
I never recall staying up as late the the 20-somethings do today. Never. Of course I never slept in so late either.