12 Top Tips for Parents Of ‘Boomerang’ Adult Kids Working From Home
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The landscape of work has changed drastically over the past few years, and many adult children are now working from home. Whether they’ve moved back in or are living with you for convenience, the transition to remote work can be an adjustment for both parents and "boomerang kids". While the situation offers some unique opportunities for bonding and support, it also comes with its own set of challenges.
If you're navigating this new normal, here are 12 top tips for parents when your adult child works from home to help foster a balanced and harmonious living and working environment.
1. Set Clear Boundaries
Having a conversation about boundaries is crucial. Establish guidelines around work hours, private time, and house responsibilities. If your child is working remotely full-time, they’ll likely need a space to focus and quiet time to get tasks done. Respecting their boundaries (and having yours respected) can prevent misunderstandings and foster mutual respect.
2. Create a Dedicated Workspace
While not always possible, try to help your child set up a designated workspace. This could be an unused bedroom, a corner of the living room, or even a section of the kitchen if that's all you have. Having a clear “work zone” helps your adult child separate professional tasks from personal life and keeps the house from becoming a cluttered, chaotic workspace.
3. Respect Their Schedule
Respecting your child’s work schedule is key to maintaining a peaceful home dynamic. Understand when they need to be in meetings or focus on important tasks and avoid unnecessary interruptions during those times. Similarly, respect their breaks and try to create a peaceful atmosphere during the workday to allow for productivity.
4. Avoid Over-Parenting
It’s tempting to fall back into old habits and try to “parent” your adult child when they’re working from home, but remember they are adults now. Allow them the space to manage their work and personal tasks without hovering. Offer support when they ask for it, but avoid micromanaging their schedule, work-life balance, or daily routine.
5. Maintain Open Communication
Communication is the foundation of any successful living arrangement. Check in regularly with your child about their needs, stress levels, or any adjustments that need to be made. This helps create an environment of mutual understanding and support, making the transition smoother for everyone.
6. Offer Emotional Support, Not Just Practical Help
Working from home can be isolating and stressful, especially when juggling multiple responsibilities. Be a source of emotional support by checking in on their mental health and offering encouragement. Sometimes all it takes is a quick chat, a cup of coffee together, or simply asking how their day is going to let them know you care.
7. Encourage Work-Life Balance
When your adult child works from home, it can be hard to “switch off” from work. Encourage them to take breaks, step away from their workspace, and enjoy their free time. Whether it’s a walk around the block, a hobby they love, or simply time spent together as a family, promoting work-life balance is important to prevent burnout.
8. Respect Their Need for Privacy
Even though your child is living at home, they’re still entitled to privacy. This includes keeping their work-related discussions confidential and not snooping on their personal or work materials. Setting boundaries around privacy and respecting each other’s space is vital for maintaining trust and independence.
9. Share Household Responsibilities Fairly
Working from home doesn’t mean your adult child is free from household chores, but it also doesn’t mean they’re entirely responsible for everything. Discuss fair divisions of labor for cleaning, cooking, and other household tasks. Make sure you’re all contributing, but be understanding if they have a particularly stressful week or demanding workload.
10. Make the Home a Relaxing Space
As their workplace is now your home too, consider how to make the living space conducive to relaxation as well as productivity. Create quiet zones for focus and recreational spaces for downtime. Having areas that help them unwind, such as a cozy living room or outdoor space, can make a big difference in how they handle stress and maintain balance.
11. Respect Their Need for Socializing
If your adult child works from home, they may feel disconnected from their peers and the outside world. Encourage them to maintain a social life, whether it’s through virtual meet-ups, outdoor activities, or safe socializing with friends. Keeping connections outside the house helps them feel more supported and less isolated.
12. Offer Practical Help If Needed
Your child might need help with things that aren’t directly related to work but affect their ability to stay organized and focused. Offer help where needed—whether it’s helping them create a more efficient home office setup, assisting with groceries, or even taking on some household tasks temporarily. The goal is to make sure they can focus on their work without added stress.
Final Thoughts:
Having an adult child working from home can be a rewarding and sometimes challenging experience. With clear communication, respect for each other’s time and space, and a shared commitment to maintaining harmony at home, it’s possible to make the arrangement work for both parents and adult children. By following these 12 tips, you can foster a supportive, respectful, and productive environment where everyone thrives.
Remember, it’s not just about managing the logistics of working from home—it’s about supporting one another and finding balance in this new shared living and working space.