1.5 million Canadians have already moved back home with their parents because of the COVID-19 crisis, according to a study called âGeneration Boomerangâ by Finder.Â
I am one of those Canadians that moved back home with my parents. And honestly if you knew how I felt about coming home for a full year because of the pandemic, you could probably summarize my reaction like a toddler throwing a temper tantrum. I was a 19-year-old girl living her best independent life in the city of Toronto. It was the life I dreamed of, but when the pandemic hit, I thought moving back home for a few months wouldâve been the worst thing that couldâve ever happened to me. I finally wanted to build my own independent life from them, but because of the pandemic I had no choice but to return to safety. But moving back home for almost a year has made me love it, even making me consider living here in the future.Â
So let me give you some advice on what I learned, and how I adjusted to my surroundings:Â
- Set boundariesâŠ
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Establish boundaries and expectations with your parents. Even though youâre living under their roof right now, that shouldnât stop you from living your own life. Offer to do grocery runs, and be honest when you need alone time.Â
When I came home, I told my parents how I want to be independent from them, but also respecting their boundaries. We came to the agreement that I could make my own lunch instead of having to share a meal with them, and that I wouldnât have any curfews.
- …and be transparent about it
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Sometimes living with your parents in your 20s can feel like when you were in high school, hiding where you were going or what you were doing. This point goes back to the previous point. Itâs an adult relationship, so communicate your needs.
- Â It could be worse
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Itâs a good reminder to remember the situation youâre in could be a lot worse than it already is. Youâre lucky to be in the position youâre in right now, and it honestly could be a lot worse. I know having to live at home for a long time during quarantine has its drawbacks, but remember itâs temporary.
It took me a long time to get warmed up to even liking being home. I really could go on forever on how I got used to being back, but Iâll keep it brief. I found activities I enjoyed, I spent more time with my parents, and learned new things like how to drive. But I know being stuck at home isnât ideal for everyone. Think of the positives! Youâll be saving a lot of money as you donât have to rent a place, and you can also be home with your pets!