At Home @ 18

It is a common trend, many 18 year old's are staying home for the first and second years of college. It can really present some interesting dynamics for parents, since most parents today were jumping out the door by 18 from their parents home. Many of us don't have any idea how to set up households with 18 and 19 year old's included. But with the recent economic change, I would guess many more of us will be learning how. So what do you do when you have a young adult living at home? Well, try to remember that this has happened for many generations before ours. In fact, until the last 100 years, this was the norm. I have been thinking this may help our declining social capital (see Bowling Alone, by Robert Putman). Generations before were used to this idea and they set up ground rules going in, most of us are coming by this unexpectedly, none-the-less, it is never too late to start. Here are some tips:
Set up a family meeting with pen & paper (or computer)
Make a list of items of concern
Curfew (what time the front door stay locked)
House hold shared responsibility
Rent - No Rent, remember this can be paid with in-kind services (like painting that bathroom?)
Meals
Money
Remember, you may not get to all of these, and you may adjust them along the way. Most importantly, You Are Not A Hotel.
Good Luck!