WHEN BOOMERS' KIDS BOOMERANG BACK HOME ...

Here's my "therapeutic take" on the Boomerang Generation:  when 20-somethings rebound back home.  This socio-economic phenomemon has unsettled the "empty-nesters" and caused psych units to swell as throngs of parents abandon their domiciles and seek sanctuary at Norristown State Hospital.

But seriously, when adult children boomerang back to the family nest, parents' money, patience and sanity fly out. When these young adults come 'a knockin' -- or for some -- 'a crawlin' back home, what is a mother or father to do?

Consult with your YAYAtherapist!

I say:  "The only way  for parents to make it is to 'STAKE IT'!  Boundaries, boundaries and more boundaries!  Returning home is a temporary layover--not an 'ultimate destination'. Young adults need to understand that Mom and Dad are there to extend -- temporarily -- a helping branch, and not BE the "'ENDLESSLY-GIVING TREE!'"

As a mental health professional who has counseled many frazzled parents about where and when to draw the line, let me assure you,  I ''feel your pain." I am the flummoxed parent of TWO adult children who have bounced back!

Here's my therapeutic opinion: Parents cut yourselves some slack; nearly 30 percent of young adults are on the parental dole, and with the recession/depression, that percentage will spike even further. Their returning home is due to a growing socio-economic trend, and not to bad parenting. So, do not shoulder any unnecessary guilt! 
And remember, "boomerang kids" who come home to roost this spring, may need to be nudged -- or for some -- shoved out of the nest next fall.
 
For more on how to stay SANE in a CRAZY, world, click on next week for another dose of YAYAtherapy!

Therapeutically yours,
Michele Iaia (YAYA)