Your Adult Child Is Moving Home - Now What?

More and more adult children return to their parents’ homes after major life events like college graduation, divorce, financial difficulties, and other life circumstances. A recent Pew Research Center study shows that the number of 18–24-year-olds living with their parents has risen to 57%. This can be exciting and stressful for the parents and the adults moving back home.

If you are like most parents, you hope for a healthy, long-term relationship with your children and to be someone they can reach out to for support and guidance. How you and your adult child navigate important transitions, like moving back home, can significantly impact the future of your relationship.

As you adjust to this new living arrangement, reflect on several key areas. First, consider your evolving role - you're still their parent but no longer their primary caregiver. What does this new relationship look like? Think about the practical changes in your home life, from adjusting routines to maintaining privacy. Finally, examine expectations on both sides regarding household responsibilities, schedules, and financial matters.

If this transition (or even just thinking about it) stirs some upsetting or unsettling feelings within you, you may want to seek help from a counselor. Learning how to navigate your new parent role while maintaining a close relationship with your adult child can be difficult, and you’ve likely never done this before. Therapists with The Counseling Centers at PCHAS can help you explore your new role, problem-solve, plan, process your feelings, learn how to communicate with your adult child and build a loving, strong relationship to last a lifetime.  

In-person appointments are available in Texas in San Antonio and Cypress, and in Farmington, Missouri. Virtual appointments are available for all Texas and Missouri residents. Schedule An Appointment or call (833) 208-3201 for a free consultation.