Covid 19 is having severe commercial and emotional effects. Many experts expect that the economic stress will be greater that the financial turmoil of the late 2000s. As a result, many adult "children" have had to move back home. Consequently, you may no longer have an empty nest. It is important to set boundaries that are clear and mutually reasonable before your son or daughter moves home.
Begin by remembering that when you pack your bags to move home, health care providers tend to warn that travel spreads coronavirus across the county and younger adults can put older adults at risk. This may not be the time to hop on a plane if you can avoid it. This could be the best time to stay where you are.
While living with your family may be comfortable, it is also a social trade off. Parents and children will have varying expectations that will cause stressful moments. Temporary refuge can be catastrophic. Moving home does not guarantee stability. This is frightening but, as the number of virus cases continues to rise, the urge to return home may be even more fearsome. Covid 19 has tangled how we lead our lives.
If you decide to ignore the confusion about combining households, at least set boundaries. Consider the following:
1 Set rules about overnight guests.
2. Discuss preferences for background music.
3. Clarify your feelings about bad language.
4. Discuss religious practices.
5. If rent is an issue, bring it up.
6. Keep in mind that curfews are not generally appropriate for adults.
7. Make it clear that intervention may be an option if drugs, alcohol or mental illness are problems.
8. In general, trust you adult children to make wise choices.
10. Resist giving advice.
HAVING A PLACE TO GO IS HOME. HAVING PEOPLE TO LOVE IS FAMILY, HAVING BOTH IS A BLESSING.