10 Ways to Help You Retain Your Sanity when Your Empty Nest Becomes Full Again!

I think I have finally learned to "never say never." When my son and his wife moved to Texas a little over a year ago, I was sad to see them moving 1500 miles away from both of their families which are located in northern Wisconsin. When they flew home for a visit this past August, I must admit I was happy when I heard they didn't want to live in Texas any longer and would go back on their return flight only to get their vehicle, pack up and drive back to Wisconsin. To help them out, I offered to keep the two little ones (Emma, then 20 months and Gage, then 1 month).

Surprisingly, their parents did a very quick turnaround, packing only their most important possessions into the car, storing everything else, and arriving back in Wisconsin a mere four days later. While I am always more than happy to extend a hand to those I love, the past two months have taught me some important things that only experience could provide.

Having been a social worker in my younger days, and our home has frequently been full with extra faces when my husband and I became foster parents, having grown children and their family come back to live definitely provides some unique challenges.

10 Tips to Keeping Your Sanity

Generation gaps have always existed. In the case of grown children returning to the "nest" there is the added stress of living with these differences on a daily basis. After careful thought, my experience has enabled me to prepare the following list. Enjoy, learn and put them to practice if you find yourself in my position.

#1 - Extra people always mean extra chores! Hold a "family meeting" the very first day to establish how each person can contribute to keeping the household in order.

#2 - Have a "family conference" weekly for everyone to air their concerns. Open lines of communication are essential to keeping things as happy as possible.

#3 - Set aside one night a week to go out with your spouse, or a good friend for a much need quiet, relaxing meal.

#4 - On days when your stress level reaches the danger zone, escape to the peace, quiet and comfort of a hot shower or bath.

#5 - If money allows, treat yourself to buying some new...clothes, a good book, or that DVD you've been wanting to add to your video library.

#6 - Focus only on today! Don't waste must needed energy looking days and weeks ahead to problems or concerns that might exist.

#7 - As often as needed (prn), remind yourself, "This is only temporary!"

#8 - If your religious, pray daily for yourself and your entire family.

#9 - Count your blessings each morning (we all have many) to jumpstart your day in a positive direction.

#10 - Last, but definitely not least, laughter is an essential ingredient of each day. Sharing a funny joke or just laughing at the antics of the kids will turn any frown into a smile.

A Positive Mind-Set

After living in my cozy little 2-bedroom, neat-as-a-pin apartment with my husband until my son and his family came to live with us two months ago, there are still days I shake my head at the seeming chaos I am living in. With a mother's heart, however, I would have it no other way. They are welcome to stay until they are both working and can manage the move to a place of their own.

I know this is difficult for them as well, and I sympathize. With each step of progress that is made on their part to become independent once again, I can only follow the ten tips I've compiled and be happy that we have been able to help them in their transition.

Family is family forever!