How to Create an Effective Living Agreement: A 15 Minute Mini-Training

I’ve heard mixed thoughts from parents about using living agreements with their emerging adult child living at home. Some say that living agreements feel too business-like and cold. Others report that the living agreement didn’t work. There are many that swear by using one. Most parents are willing to give it a try, but they aren’t sure how to go about forming one.

I’ve done parent workshops on this topic numerous times. I thought it’d be helpful to take my 1.5 hour-long workshop and distill it into a mini 15 minute webinar style training. I’ll explain why a living agreement is important, what areas you should consider setting boundaries around, and the five essential principles of creating a living agreement.

Key Takeaways

Having a living agreement makes sure everyone is on the same page and expectations are clear
Set boundaries around:
- How long your emerging adult is staying at home
- Privacy for both you and your emerging adult child
- Quiet hours
- Guests (e.g., who, how many, how often, what time)
- How shared resources are handled
- How chores and household responsibilities are split up
- Any financial contributions
Follow five basic principles:
- Be respectful during the process
- All privileges come with responsibility
- Pick and choose your battles
- Have realistic expectations and consequences
- Stick to the plan