A PARENT’S VIEW

being presented with what can only be described as an eclectic mix of perishable items.

Emptying the bins before they leave is another good idea but I’m not sure how many do that!

Welcoming your long-lost child back into the family home is both a joy and an interesting experience and there are some adjustments to make.

When I wrote about this on my blog last year I had some comments from parents who had not had positive experiences.

Their son or daughter had found it hard to fit back into the constraints of living in the family home after many months of “freedom” and this led to conflict.

On the other hand, there are advantages to parents. Students are, after all, independent adults and can pitch in with shopping, driving younger brothers and sisters around and signing for parcels.

Most of them can now use a washing machine and clean the bathroom.

They are generally more appreciative of having meals cooked for them and even arrive with a few recipe ideas of their own that they have picked up from flat mates.

Beware though because they will be viewing your domestic arrangements with a fresh pair of eyes and this can attract criticism.

The temperature of your house will be too low if they are used to living in toasty-warm halls of residence (where all the heating bills are included in the rent) or too hot if they are used to living in a freezing cold shared house.

The biggest source of tension will be your broad band connection.

Ours is, I accept, particularly poor butt the teens that still live at home with me have come to accept it.

I don’t have a problem with some areas of the house being a Wi-Fi free zone!

For a returning student, however, this can be a source of frustration.

Have a great time with all your family this Christmas.

Dr Sharon Parry is a mother of three and a former public health research fellow. She shares useful tips and her experiences of having three daughters in school and university in wales on her website www.aftertheplayground.com