Boomerang Generation

1. What were some of family narratives mentioned (perhaps not overtly) in the article on the boomerang generation that you read? Did they come into conflict with the child moving back in with his/her parents?

Financial strains are the featuring explanation for a rising boomerang generation. College adults in their 20s, at times, encounter financial difficulties following unemployment, underemployment, or poorly paid jobs, which make it difficult for them to afford the independent lifestyle, where rents are high (Fishel & Arnett, 2017). From the articles, moving back in with parents does not pose many conflicts. However, in some cases, it increases financial strains among families, reduces privacy for both parents and the boomerang, and increases parents’ worry about grown-ups.

• What are some potential benefits of the impact of being part of the boomerang generation? Some potential drawbacks? Are they evenly balanced?

Being part of a boomerang generation bears several benefits. Individuals can attain financial independence easily since they are not spending their income on rent, and they get to establish close relations with parents (Fishel & Arnett, 2017; Talty, 2015). However, limited freedom for the boomerang is a major drawback of moving back in with parents. Fisher & Arnett, highlight that some grown-up kids may not be comfortable to host a sleepover at their home. Privacy and freedom are essential for grown-ups, and they outweigh any benefits associated with moving in with parents.

• How do the people who wrote or who were mentioned in the articles manage this new wrinkle in the connection-autonomy dialectic?

Fishel and Arnett (2017) suggest strategies to manage shared living. Parents should encourage a plan and treat grown-up kids as young adults. This would facilitate young adults in making independent decisions. However, by housing young adults, parents should disclose their expectations and hold money talks to ensure that young adults are aware of their responsibilities in the house (Fishel & Arnett, 2017). The last suggestion involves considering couple relationships for parents and the young adults.

• Using the guidelines in “Effective Communication in Families” what advice would you give to members of a family experiencing the boomerang effect?

For families experiencing the boomerang effect, it is crucial to make communication clear and direct to ensure that everyone in the relationship is aware of what is expected of them. Also, the young adult may be expecting or experiencing changes in employment and, therefore, it is essential to communicate frequently.

References

Fishel, E., & Arnett, J. (2017). 5 Steps to Survive Your Adult Child’s Return Home. Huffpost.com. Retrieved 15 July 2020, from https://www.huffpost.com/entry/parents-boomerang-kids-_n_5534070.

Talty, A. (2015). Why Parents Are Okay with the ‘Boomerang’ Generation. Forbes. Retrieved 15 July 2020, from https://www.forbes.com/sites/alexandratalty/2015/09/13/failure-to-launch-is-good-for-millennials-and-their-parents/#497cccf519b8.