Everyone has been wondering—What’s it like to be back living with the parents again?  And actually not “everyone” is wondering, I tend to exaggerate. My husband and I are living with my parents while he attends Law school.  Just so we are clear: two married couples, a baby, and three dogs.

Wishing to move out starts sometime in high school when you’re trying to distinguish and create a sense of identity.  Screaming inside your head, “I’m not a child anymore!”   And once you do move out, you are either free from the rules that bound you, or free to create rules to ground you.   But, there is never a real moment when you wish to move back in.

Nowadays it has become a necessity for survival.   With a job that pays over minimum wage it’s almost impossible to support yourself.  $700.00 rent is too high.  Add utilities, cable, Internet, car payment, insurance, telephone, gas, food, and SCHOOL LOANS.  You’re looking at like $2,100-$2,300 a month!  And that’s a rough estimate for a single person.  Now add baby costs, health insurance, and your spouse, oh yeah, and law school.

To be honest, I enjoy living with my parents, because I’m close to them.  And really, to me– it’s a cultural thing.  I appreciate cultures and traditions.  In African American, American Indian, and Hispanic culture living with extended family is normal.

So what’s it like to be living with the parents again?

Well, there is a parade of baby crap everywhere you look. Playpens, high chairs, bouncy chairs, burp cloths, clothes, bottles, and toys.  It’s like a mini frat party- dogs wrestling, people coming and going, and it’s loud.  Though, I’d say it’s quite the blessing in disguise.  Not to say that I love sweaty, gross, loud, annoying frat parties.   I don’t.  But, mini frat parties are my thang.

My financial burdens are eased and my immediate support system has doubled.   One week my husband and I do all the cooking while my parents are on “clean up” duty.  The next week we switch.  We eat like kings.  Check out photos of dinner below.

Jealous right? Mmmm.  What’s on the menu tonight? Peppercorn Pork tenderloin with an orange wasabi kale salad.

Now, I’m not saying it’s perfect, but it’s definitely a different feel this time around.  I’m not screaming inside my head.   I’m just so fortunate to have parents who are extremely supportive and welcomed the idea for us to move in with them.   (Let’s be serial here: first grandchild).

If anything, the question should be, what’s it like to have your children move back in?  Are you living with your parents? Or have your children living with you? What has been your experience?