HOW TO SURVIVE LIVING WITH MOM AND DAD

The economy has forced many of us to make changes in our lives. For some of us, those changes have included moving back home with mom and dad!

If you’re currently living with your parents, or about to, here are some ways to make the living arrangements easier …

Talk about expectations. Be sure to discuss one another’s needs and expectations up front to avoid friction. Problems could arise if you don’t have your goals spelled out in advance (including an approximate timetable for getting a job and moving out).

Build in privacy. If possible, everyone should have at least some space of their own.

Share household expenses. Pay your parents some rent or help with bills, if you can. If not, take over chores like cleaning the bathrooms, doing dishes and mowing the lawn.

Be realistic. If the living arrangements aren’t great at your parents’ place, moving to a cheap, temporary apartment will ease tensions. You can always find a better place later.