When you move away to college, coming back home rarely crosses your mind. After all, there’s so much excitement around finding your own apartment and living independently that your mind shifts to the future. Then summer rolls around, your rent is up, and with a couple of months to yourself with no on-campus classes, it makes sense to head back home and check in with the family.
Of course, since you have moved out and had a taste of freedom, you can expect the dynamics with your parents to have changed in this time. It’s important to recognize this beforehand, as it can make all the difference in maintaining a positive relationship going forward.
Here are some tips for moving back home during Summer:
- Talk About Expectations
Before you even make the move, it’s important to set some ground rules. Your parents have missed you, and are excited to have you back home, but they might not have considered how things have changed for you since moving out. From their perspective, they are just expecting you to move back in with the same rules that were in place before you left.
Have the conversation beforehand and let your parents know of any rules you are hoping might shift upon your return and why. Give them an indication of how long you are planning to move back in for, and why you are moving back. Addressing all these factors is a healthy way to restart the relationship and enforces clarity on exactly what both parties expect.
- Set Boundaries
You’ve experienced the freedom of having your own room, staying up as late as you want, and enjoying privacy whenever you need it. Talk to your parents about your need for privacy back in the home, too. Of course, it’s important to remember this is a two-way street and they may have demands of their own. Let them set rules about who is allowed into your room. Once these rules are established, you can ask for privacy and earn their trust by following their rules as well.
- Be Prepared To Help
You’re an adult now, and if you are going to move back and ask to be treated like one, then it’s only fair that you also help out around the home. You could discuss an amount for rent each month, or chores you can do to help out instead. Just because you are home doesn’t mean you should expect your parents to do chores for you. Instead, be proactive and show your parents just how independent you now are.
- Respect Each Other
A satisfying home life comes down to respecting the rules and also respecting your parents. Sure, things have changed since you first moved out, but that doesn’t mean they can’t still work – just differently. Fighting, yelling, name calling and disobeying the rules will only lead to a tumultuous relationship. Remember, they are your parents for life, and if you want them to start seeing you as an adult, it’s important to act like one.
Even if your summer break doesn’t go as planned, you can take advantage of your return to school with apartments for rent. Peterborough, Ontario students are fortunate to have Severn Court Residence as an excellent option for off-campus housing, with fully furnished units perfect for Fleming College students.
