<p>You have all been quite helpful over the years and perhaps you could once again work your magic. I know that the trend is for college graduates to move back home with their parents given the staggering burdens shifted to the middle class in the past few years. My questions are:</p>
<p>1) What might you suggest for making the good long-term savings option of the parent home an experience which is not only tolerable but based on mutual respect? </p>
<p>2) How would you advise your child on striking a balance between pursuing their interests and a desire to be fairly proximate to their family?</p>
<p>3) Needless to say, I would rather not return home but, understand the tradeoffs. I guess, I'm just asking perhaps for some stories of those who went back home, went to different cities [but not necessarily different coasts] etc. Any gems of wisdom? I do think I have my two choices of path down to political journalism and higher ed maybe admissions or some such, so any experts would be great!</p>
<p>If you temporarily move home after college for a transition time, show an adult level of respect for your parents rules and standards- like clean your room, clean up your dishes, clean you bathroom- do all of these things more often and to a higher standard than you would if you lived on your own, make mom happy.</p>
<p>Respect that it is their home and no matter how silly/crazy they are, they have a right to be that way, you are asking to share their home- respect their wishes. When my D came home between UG & grad school she was marvelous about letting me know when to expect her home and all that, no we did not have a curfew per se, but she texted my every night what to expect and that was great. At 21 she should not "have to" but her volunteering to do that was greatly appreciated.</p>
<p>Show that the time there is well spent, that you are paying off the CC, saving money, whatever the goal is in being there.</p>
<p>Avoid sleeping all day and watching TV all night, if you are not ready to embark on your career find something productive to do each day.</p>
<p>Think of yourself as part of the adult family, help out with bigger chores- do some yard work, vacuum the house, sweep the floor, sweep the garage, whatever, just see yourself as part of the team repsonsible for the home maintenance and pitch in rather than acting like a hotel guest, completely absorbed by your life.</p>
<p>None of these are mandatory, but my, oh my, will your parents be impressed with your maturity if you can find a way to be that unselfish person.</p>