How to keep the peace if your child boomerangs back home

CAMILLA FOSTER GETS EXPERT ADVICE ON LIVING HARMONIOUSLY WITH COMEBACK KIDS

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THE high cost of living means more young adults who have flown the nest are being forced to move back in with their parents than ever before - a phenomenon which has seen those in their 20s and 30s dubbed the “boomerang generation”.

A recent survey commissioned by NatWest highlights this growing trend, revealing that nearly a quarter (23%) of UK parents have had their adult children return home, typically for a period of about two years.

The research, conducted by Yonder Consulting and based on responses from 2,000 UK adults, found the average age of those moving back is 26.

In addition, 42% of mothers surveyed said they would be happy to welcome their children back as adults, as would just over a third (34%) of fathers. However, the financial aspect isn’t overlooked - as 60% of parents said they either do charge or would consider charging rent.

Here, family psychotherapist Fiona Yassin, founder and clinical director of The Wave Clinic, highlights some of the potential challenges that can arise in this living situation, and shares advice on how to navigate this transition.

How can dynamics change when older children move back home?

“Although it can be very rewarding, living with adult children isn’t something many parents have practice in, so it can take a lot of navigating,” says Fiona. “One of the challenges of having an adult child at home is that they now have their own developed viewpoints and opinions, and they won't necessarily match the parents.”