The Growing Trend of ‘Boomerang Kids’ Moving Back Home
With the rising costs of living, a significant trend is emerging among young adults—returning to reside with their parents or grandparents is becoming more common. This phenomenon, often referred to as “boomerang kids,” is reshaping traditional views of adulthood.
A Personal Journey Amidst a Global Crisis
Take the case of Sheridan Block, a 30-year-old who, after spending a year in Marseilles, France, teaching English to refugees, returned to her hometown of Jacksonville, Florida, in early March 2020. Block intended to stay for a short period to assist her grandparents, particularly as her grandfather was recovering from various health issues. Little did she know that her short visit would extend to nearly two years due to the pandemic.
During her time at home, Block contributed by taking her grandparents to appointments, doing household chores, and cooking meals in exchange for room and board. This arrangement allowed her to save money, eliminate student loans, and purchase a car. She acknowledges that this experience forced her to rethink her expectations of adulthood.
The ‘Boomerang’ Effect in Numbers
Block is part of a growing demographic of adults returning to live with their families. According to a Pew Research Center analysis, in July 2020, over half (52%) of young adults in the United States were living with one or both parents, marking the highest level since the Great Depression. Concurrently, data from Loughborough University indicates that the percentage of single, child-free individuals aged 20-34 living with their parents in the UK surged by 55% from 2008 to 2017.
| Year | USA Young Adults Living with Parents | UK Young Adults Living with Parents |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 52% | N/A |
| 2017 | N/A | 55% increase since 2008 |
New Definitions of Adulthood
As more individuals in their 20s and 30s navigate this phase, the societal narrative surrounding independence is evolving. Traditionally, moving out was considered essential for adulthood, but recent trends suggest that living at home may become a new normal.
Family therapist Joanne Hipplewith notes that financial pressures, including high living costs and university expenses, are prompting young adults to return home. Even before the pandemic, this pattern was on the rise; however, the global crisis has accelerated these changes as many young people faced canceled university plans and delayed jobs.
Redefining Milestones
The transition may carry a stigma. Young adults returning home often experience anxiety due to perceived regression in their independence. Block shares her concerns: she envisioned being well-established in her career by her 30s, with homeownership and family in her future. Instead, her time back home led her to reevaluate her perceptions of success and adulthood.
Despite the challenges, experts like Jenna S Abetz argue that this period can offer unique benefits. For many, returning home provides an opportunity to explore meaningful careers rather than settling for jobs solely to pay bills. Additionally, living with family can strengthen intergenerational relationships, allowing for mutual support and a deeper connection.
As adults continue to adapt to economic realities, both Abetz and Hipplewith foresee this “boomerang” trend persisting. They advocate for reframing the narrative around adulthood, suggesting that living with family does not equate failure but rather reflects informed decision-making amidst a shifting landscape.
Conclusion
Ultimately, Block believes this awareness may reshape how her generation views maturity and success, embracing diverse paths rather than adhering strictly to traditional milestones. She observes that cultural attitudes towards independent living are gradually changing, recognizing that responsibility and financial management can manifest in various forms, even if they involve a temporary return home.
