INCREASING numbers of adult children are still living with their parents, or are so-called ‘Boomerang Kids’ who return to live with mum and dad after university.

But while keeping a family unit together may have many benefits, there can also be huge problems, both financially and emotionally.

The parenting charity Family Lives Here outlines the common dilemmas and has some suggestions that could help restore harmony.

1. If your child is earning, insist they pay rent

“Don’t be ashamed of needing to ask them for money, because they will learn many lessons from it, like being independent,” says Atkins.

“Don’t get yourself into debt for your children. Lots of parents feel guilty about asking for rent, but they shouldn’t. You’re educating them - you taught them how to use a knife and fork and how to cross the road, and now you’re teaching them how the world works and that there’s no such thing as a free lunch.”

2. Be prepared to ask them to leave

If they refuse to contribute, suggest it’s time they moved out. “It’s called tough love for a reason,” stresses Atkins.

3. Always find ways for them to help

If your child isn’t earning, find other ways for them to contribute, such as cooking meals or babysitting younger siblings.

4. Communication is key

Encourage regular communication, even if just by text, to avoid misunderstandings and worry. If your child has lived away from home, they may have fallen out of the habit of accounting for where they are.

“Communication is the oil that lubricates every good family,” stresses Atkins.

5. Set clear rules

Establish clear house rules to ensure adult offspring help with chores and the upkeep of the house. Jot down a few ground rules you think would make things work - you might discuss having a kitty for food or how bills are paid - and then say to your kids, over a meal and without getting cross, that these are the problems, what can we do about them?

“Then they have responsibility and have ownership of the problem,” explains Atkins. “So don’t just tell them they’re getting on your nerves - create the right environment, have a few plans and have the intention of finding a solution amicably.”

6. Don’t treat grown-up children like children

Atkins says: “The relationship has to change, and some kids don’t understand that. Some still think you’re just the bank of mum and dad, but it shouldn’t work like that any more.

“The power balance has shifted. Sometimes it’s about mum and dad learning to accept the change, and that they’re not needed in the same way they were.

“You’re their parent, not their friend, and you owe it to them to teach them how life works.”