Whether this summer is your first summer home from college or your second or your third, being back in your childhood home is not the same as when you were kid growing up. Bringing all your clothes home and having to unpack your entire wardrobe back into your drawers and closet just doesn't feel right. If your mom is like mine, your bed is made with towels folded at the foot of the bed, like an Air BnB. Now you're in your parent's house.
You no longer have the freedom you held for the last couple months. You no longer buy your own groceries. You don't decide what snacks and beverages to always have stocked. Your freedom hasn't disappeared, but part of it has definitely been locked up for awhile. It's no longer acceptable to eat out whenever you feel like it because someone in your family, whether it be your mom or your dad or whoever, most likely made dinner. So it looks like those trips to Dominoes, Chik-Fil-A and Chipotle will have to hold off for the time being.
Even though it might be Wednesday Lady's Night at the local bar, your parents still have work Thursday morning, so no it is not acceptable to come stomping through the front door at four in the morning. You have to be considerate and respectful to those who pay for your hot showers, warm meals and college tuition. Don't dare disturb your dog, no one needs to wake up to a dog barking. You might be able to sleep into the early afternoon, but other people living under the same roof are going to be awake at 5 a.m. to start their morning trek to the office. Be mindful of her housemates.
If you're lucky like me, you won't have to do your own laundry for the next few months, you'll be eating real meals and you won't have to clean up much. But just because you don't have to do chores doesn't mean you shouldn't. Don't waste the day sleeping and watching T.V. After all your parents have given you, it's time to do something for them. You're an adult now, just like them, it's time to act like one.
No matter what you lose when you're home for the summer, it's worth it. If you're lucky enough to move back into your childhood bedroom for the summer, you're lucky enough. One day, whether your parents pack up your childhood home and put a "For Sale" sign in the front lawn or remodel your room into a gym or art studio, you won't be able to unpack your bags in the room you grew up in. Enjoy the time you have in the place that made you who you are today and cherish the few moments you have left in this special place. These days won't last forever.
