On Dec. 30, Pulse included a story titled "Refilling an empty nest." It discussed young adults moving back in with their parents after college for a few months - or years - as they try to find a job, save money and get a place of their own.

According to the story, surveys of census data show that more than 60 percent of recent college graduates today live with their parents. The trend is so massive it’s garnered a name: "boomerang kids."

Sixty percent sounds like a hefty figure, but after considering cases of recently graduated friends, that statistic seems pretty accurate.

After May 22, I’ll be part of that 60 percent. That day, my father will arrive in Missouri to help me move to Florida - where I’ll live under my parents’ roof for the next year.

The decision to leave Columbia was not an easy one. I took pride in conquering the "boomerang" fate many of my peers faced, but the current economic situation left me - and many other new professionals - with no choice.

Zach and I will need some savings to lean on once we get married, and because he’s still in school, it’s my job to save. Columbia might have a lower cost of living than South Florida, but nothing is cheaper than mooching off Mom and Dad.

I’d be lying if I said I’m not worried about moving back in with my parents. A lot has changed since I left for college five years ago, and I’m not sure my quiet adult life will transition well into their bustling home that already houses a 10-year-old, 19-year-old and two dogs.

I asked David Schramm, University of Missouri Extension specialist on relationships and family, for some advice on keeping peace and making adjustments when an older child moves back home.

"Above all, communication is going to be the biggest key in the transition back with the parents," he said.

You might want to go over ground rules and establish new rules that you and your family are comfortable with. This process should include siblings. Tell them how your life was while you were away, and ask them what their expectations are.

"Life is going to be different when you get home," Schramm said. "The ground rules are going to change."

This limited independence can be the most difficult issue for young adults moving back home, and parents might need to re-evaluate rules. The adult child is "used to their own schedule, buying their own food, doing their own laundry, and so perhaps it is time to negotiate" new ground rules, Schramm said.

It’s important to remember, though, that this is still your parents’ house, and you’ll need to respect the rules they’ve set. There will be adjustments, but being kind, courteous and communicative will help ease the transition.

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