Just when you were getting used to the quiet house and your newfound freedom, they're back! Are you ready for the beautiful, messy, and totally unexpected reality of having your college kids home for the summer?

If you’re like me, these next months, you’re diving into a major plot twist in your empty nester journey, the summer return of our college kids. I know that feeling of pure excitement, stocking the fridge with all their favorites and counting down the minutes until they walk through the door.

But then, reality sets in, right? For us, it started with curfews and quickly became clear that the kids we dropped off last fall weren't the same ones who came back. They’ve tasted independence, and we've gotten used to our quiet evenings and clean kitchens.  Suddenly, we’re navigating messy bathrooms, endless laundry, and conversations that sound a lot like, "I'm 18, I can do what I want!". It’s a huge adjustment for everyone, and if we’re not careful, it can lead to some really tough moments and hurt feelings.

In this episode, I discuss my family’s struggles and the lessons I've learned from my kids and their friends. It’s not just about rules; it’s about shifting identities for everyone. We must honor the new people our kids are becoming while respecting our new lives. Needing your space isn’t selfish… It's just reality.

In this episode, we cover:

👉 The "honeymoon phase" of kids returning home

👉 Navigating the inevitable clash over rules and freedom

👉 Understanding your college kid's perspective on returning

👉 The pros and cons kids experience at home

👉 Shifting identities for both parents and kids

👉 Adjusting to a new, shared-space reality

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