By: Travis Harvey (Illinois State University)
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Moving back in with your parents for the summer is a challenge, one that can take some getting used to. But there needs to be a few ground rules for both parties… most importantly parents. Parents will always be the same, it doesn’t matter how old you are or how long you’ve been away, parents still have that “it’s my way or the highway” mentality.
I usually live at school for the summer, but on this rare occasion I came home for a visit only to be bombarded with rules and regulations. Did I not just live on my own for 9 months during the school year? Wasn’t I just fine there?
My parents act like I follow the rules they set for me while I’m home (which I don’t follow there either) at school as well. HA, I don’t come home by 1am on weekdays and I certainly don’t call them when I’m going to be late.
- Don’t let this be you..
I realize parents will be parents (stubborn and inflexible), but I think we have to at least let them think they’re making the rules.
[Note: these rules do not apply to kids in high school; you are already out of control…calm down.]
- When your parents ask you “Where are you going?’ don’t get defensive, just tell them you’re going out with a friend or something. Most likely this isn’t a lie, but it also doesn’t say “Hey mom and dad I’m going out to do hood rat things with my friends!’
- Don’t sleep into the late hours of the day, this makes parents angry and if you have nothing to do just wake up and try to make it look like you’re being productive… Parents, if you’re reading don’t dare wake your kid before 10am, that’s just cruelty.
- Do something nice for the parents so that way they won’t notice when you sneak in to the house late. Cook them dinner or clean the house, it’s little things that make them happy.
- Parents understand you’re growing up and it’s really hard for them to let go, so just deal with them babying you because one day it’ll stop and you’re going to miss being pampered.
- Ask your parents to sit down and relax with you… throw back a cold one and sit outside on a hot summer day. If that doesn’t open their eyes to the fact that you’re adult enough to not be hounded about whom you’re with and where you’re going…well I don’t know what will.
Hopefully your summer vacation at home is relaxing, but one more little piece of advice to take away from all this: if there is any way possible you can go visit your home away from home for a while…do it that will help you keep your sanity.
