Home Plans Blog

When kids first leave the house and head off on their own, parents often feel sad, lonely and nostalgic.  They miss the days when their children were, in fact, children, playing around the house, depending on them for help, telling them their secrets, etc.  Soon, however, parents come to enjoy the freedom they rediscover after their kids have finally moved out.  They no longer are responsible for another human being (at least not to the same extent as before).  Parents may feel as though a burden has been lifted off of their shoulders, as though they can finally take up their old projects and interests again.

Sometimes, however, the nest does not stay empty forever.  Living alone can be difficult, and kids may not always be successful on the first try.  Parents may soon be surprised to find their children right back where they started ' reinvading their homes and changing the name of the household game yet again.
The dynamic of the house when kids have moved back in will surely be changed.  Whether a child has lived alone for five months or five years, he or she is sure to have developed new and different habits.  The same is sure to be true with parents as well.

So how can parents and kids learn to live together in peace again after time spent living apart?  The task can be difficult, but not impossible.  New guidelines must be set, new rules must be explained, and how things work in the house must be specified.

A good place to start is with simply going over simple schedules and boundaries.  Parents can hardly expect their grown-up kids to abide by a curfew, but it is reasonable for them to request to have forewarning.  Eating and wake-up schedules must be defined, and responsibilities for cooking, cleaning, laundry, etc. must be set out.  Taking a little time at the start to lay out plans will save lots of time in the future.

A big topic that must also be covered upon a child's return home is that of home security.  Though it may not be the most obvious point of discussion, but it is important.  Parents may have purchased a home alarm or installed a new home security system.  Children must be taught to use the apparatus and reminded of its importance.  Furthermore, young adults who have lived out of the house for a while may not always be the most home security conscious and may be prone to bringing back friends and acquaintances with faces unfamiliar to parents.  Boundaries must be set up about visiting hours, and valuable items that may not be in a dorm room but surely are in a house must be kept locked away.  Guidelines for locking doors, setting alarms and bringing visitors are key.

While the thought of having kids in the house again can be stressful for both parents and children, the experience can be enjoyable.  It may bring children and parents back together, strengthening relationships after time spent apart.

About the Author:

Home alarms can be tough to get the hang of. At ADT security, we'll be there to guide you along the way.

Author: Oswald Melman