They’re known as “boomerang kids” – young people in their late teens or early 20s (sometimes 30s, and yes, even 40s) who have already gone to college or asserted their independence but are now finding themselves back at home with their parents.

Statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau show that among 18- to 24-year-olds, 56 percent of males and 43 percent of females live with one or both their parents.

With the tough economy, more young people are unemployed and with little or no savings. For some, the most obvious and perhaps easiest alternative is to go back home.

“You thought the terrible 2s and the sulky teens were bad?” Los Angeles Times reporter Dawn Bonker wrote in this recent article, “Parenting boomerang kids is even harder in a recession.” Dealing with emerging adults can be even more challenging. “Because the relationship is neither parent-child nor yet adult-to-adult, both sides can feel as if they are walking an emotional tightrope,” she wrote.

What do you think? Is it a good idea for adult children to move back in with their parents? Should they pay rent and contribute to household expenses? Is it OK for parents to establish rules for these 20-something adults in their households? How long should they continue living at home?

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