In this uncertain job market, more and more young people are finding themselves in dire straits.  Recent graduates are forced to deal with crippling student loan debt, while at the same time finding it more and more difficult to work in their chosen field.  Jobs are drying up, leaving many with no choice but to turn to their parents for help and support.  And while a return to the nest can be beneficial for both parents and children, it can also be a source of considerable friction as well.

The term "boomerang children" has been coined to describe those who venture out into the working world, get in over their heads with debt or other financial issues, and then return home in an attempt to sort everything out.  These relationships can work, but it's important to set a lot of ground rules.  Children often see their parents as an unlimited source of money, support, and shelter, and while many parents are perfectly happy to provide such, it can be extremely detrimental to their own lifestyle and plans for the future.  Children returning home should be expected to contribute to the household in some way, and if the arrangement is to be a temporary one a clear end date should be set before moving back in.

As parents age, however, often adult children find themselves in a caretaker position.  In this case, the relationship becomes much more symbiotic - the child has the support and resources of the parent, while the parent has the child to help with care, help around the house, and provide a level of comfort.  With more elderly Americans finding their own financial difficulties in retirement, the parent-child support system can be a two-way street.