Young adults of the 21st Century are being deemed as the Boomerang Generation. In fact, a recent study of college seniors found that “85% [of them] expect to move back home after graduation.” This can be due to a lack of employment, the need to pay off student loans, or just the convenience of saving a few bucks, on your dime.
Whatever the reason may be, for the parents whose children don’t want to leave the nest, what are some chores for adults living at home?
Top Chores For Adults Living At Home
If your child wants to live in your house, then they can contribute to the maintenance of the home. This is an effort that needs to be split between all of the members of the household. However, if you are allowing them to stay rent-free, then don’t hesitate to give them more of the work.
#1 – Lawn & Garden Maintenance
Depending on the size of your yard, this can be a monumental task. Instead of paying a professional to come to your home each week, this is a fantastic chore for your adult child to complete. It can also save you some money!
In the Spring, Summer, and early Fall months, the yard should be mowed and edged weekly. Fertilizing, weed eating, and watering are also extremely important parts of maintaining a healthy lawn. Conversely, in the Fall and Winter seasons, leaves need to be raked, snow has to be shoveled, acorns have to be collected, and don’t forget about holiday decorations!
Finally, year-round chores can include sweeping porches, shaking out doormats, and quarterly pest control. Pet owners also have the joy of cleaning up after their furry friends.
#2 – Kitchen Upkeep
Washing the dishes, cleaning the countertops, taking out the trash, and clearing out the fridge of expired products are some of the top kitchen tasks that are a part of daily life. If your adult child eats in your kitchen, then they should be cleaning the area too.
#3 – Bathroom Cleaning
Again, if you use the toilet, shower, and sink, then you can make sure that the lavatory is kept up regularly. While not the prettiest of tasks, we all have to clean a toilet at some point in life, so they might as well start now!
#4 – Floors
The frequency of this task is highly dependent on the type of flooring you have and if you have a pet-free or pet-filled home. For dog and cat owners, you may consider vacuuming a few days per week. Moreover, if you have wood, laminate, or tile flooring, mopping is another necessary chore that should be done at least every other week.
#5 – Laundry Duty
Laundry duty should not just pertain to their belongings, but yours as well. Clothes, sheets, towels, blankets, and other household items need to be addressed weekly. If you implement a sorting system in your utility room, this can make this process much easier for everyone.
#6 – Family Errands
Groceries, cleaning supplies, pet food, and toiletries are just some of the community items that need replenishment. There is no such thing as a free lunch. Thus, if they use it, then they can replace it.
Determine if you are paying for these items or if they are helping out. Then find ways to coordinate a purchasing schedule and a method for ensuring that the appropriate items are accounted for before the shopping takes place.
#7 – Home Improvement Projects
Another great way to keep your adult child engaged while also increase the value of your home is to get them involved in home improvement projects. You can brainstorm different projects with them and even allow them to pick which they’d like to do.
Have them get in touch with contractors or even do the work themselves if they are up for it.
This teaches them responsibility and to pull their own weight around the house.
These kinds of projects can include
- Upgranding bathroom/kitchen
- Home maitenance like changing HVAC filters
- Installing/upgranding flooring
- Interior or exterior painting
How To Ensure Chores Get Done
Here are things you can do to ensure the adult living at home is doing their chores. After all, this is probably the hardest part!
Set Clear And Regular Deadlines for Chores
Having a schedule that specifies weekly initiatives is imperative. While it may seem trivial, a chore chart can be extremely beneficial for kids who tend to forget tasks that they do not find urgent or necessary.
Moreover, it is important to not just denote the chores, but also the days and times that each of these jobs needs to be accomplished. Additionally, make sure to specify the frequency at which these tasks should be completed.
Your idea of a clean house may be completely different from theirs, so without clear guidelines, it is likely you will not be satisfied with the results. Finally, take the time to sit down and go over these required tasks. Remember that this is not a lecture. This is an agreement to preserve a comfortable living space for all members of the household.
Make Consequences Known
While discussing their daily and weekly responsibilities, also note the repercussions if these jobs are not completed. This can be as simple as a fee that they owe you for having to take on their tasks or as severe as having to move out of the house.
Make sure to also note that while you are their parent, they are an adult. Therefore, it is their responsibility to stay on top of these tasks. It is NOT your job to remind them to do their chores each week.
Lastly, know that we all have off weeks. Whether it is because of a heavy workload, extra schoolwork, or that they got the flu, give them some grace when you know that these chores will actually not fit on their plate. However, this should only happen when extenuating circumstances occur.
Make Chores A Family Affair
If you aren’t pulling your weight, then why should they? Obviously, you are paying the bills and that is the brunt of the work, but they are also not your housekeeper. If they hold a job and are trying to save some money to get on their feet, then make sure that everyone is involved.
In addition, everyone needs to clean up after themselves. Being accountable for your actions is how you keep a harmonious home. Thus, if they see that the trash is overflowing, take it out. If you finish your glass of milk, rinse it and put it in the dishwasher. Just because a task is someone else’s chore does not mean that you can’t help out in the process of completing it!
Discuss Community Supplies
Another important thing to note is what your child is allowed to use and what is off-limits. If part of their chores is the weekly errands, then discuss what you are willing to pay for and what will be their responsibility.
Are you happy to share your beer or luxury lotion if they replace it when it runs out? When do items like this need replacement? Determining expectations and discussing rules can make a colossal difference in keeping the peace in your home!
Final Thoughts – Chores For Adults Living At Home
Keeping a house clean and stocked is quite the undertaking. It is also something that should never be left all to one person. Therefore, establishing rules for the collective maintenance of the home is key to keeping everyone happy and comfortable.
It is important to note that the communal areas and items should be the focus. If your adult child does not want to make their bed or pick up their room, that is technically their space for the time being. Let them privately be a slob. However, if it is a shared area of the home, they need to be respectful and helpful in the upkeep.