TOO CLOSE FOR COMFORT - PARENTAL ASSESSMENTS OF BOOMERANG KID LIVING ARRANGEMENTS

The recent trend of young adults returning to the parental home has re sulted in a burgeoning field of research. However, a controversy exist s concerning the consequences of this social phenomenon for family mem bers. Drawing on life course theory, this paper examines parental sati sfaction with ''boomerang kid'' living arrangements by analyzing data collected from 218 Canadian families who recently experienced this tra nsition ''reversal''. The main findings suggest that, from the parenta l point of view, returns to the nest are not typically characterized b y dissatisfaction and conflict. Furthermore, parental satisfaction is greater when children reciprocate exchanges of support, are more auton omous, and are closer to the completion of adult roles. In recognition that many parents are experiencing a delay in the transition to the e mpty nest and an extension of their day-to-day responsibilities for ch ildren, implications for theory, parental well-being during midlife, a nd for social policy are discussed.