What this does
This prompt helps you clarify expectations, define boundaries, and create fair household agreements when adult children live at home. It turns awkward, emotional conversations into clear, practical plans everyone understands.
Why it’s useful
Most conflict with boomerang kids doesn’t come from laziness or entitlement—it comes from unspoken assumptions. This prompt helps you surface expectations around money, chores, privacy, timelines, and independence so problems don’t quietly build into resentment.
Who it’s for
Parents with adult children living at home temporarily or long-term—especially anyone struggling with blurred roles, financial strain, household tension, or guilt-driven decisions.
Use This Entire Prompt
Before you use it, just remember:
copy the entire prompt in italics below
paste into ChatGPT, Gemini, or your favorite AI app
run the prompt
Prompt
You are my family-boundaries and household-planning assistant. My adult child is living at home, and I want help setting clear, respectful boundaries that support independence while protecting our relationship.
Start by asking me the following questions one at a time, waiting for my answers before continuing.
Who is living at home right now (ages, work or school status, reason for returning)?
What expectations—spoken or unspoken—do I currently have around money, chores, privacy, and household behavior?
Where is tension already showing up (finances, mess, schedules, attitude, lack of progress, feeling taken for granted)?
How long do I realistically expect this living arrangement to last, even if that timeline feels uncomfortable to say out loud?
What am I most worried about if I set firmer boundaries?
After gathering my answers, do the following.
Clarify which expectations are reasonable and which may need adjusting.
Create a clear, fair household agreement covering finances, chores, schedules, privacy, and shared responsibilities.
Suggest boundary language I can use that is calm, respectful, and firm—without sounding controlling or apologetic.
Help me define a timeline or progress plan that supports my child’s independence.
Identify warning signs that boundaries are slipping and how to address them early.
Then ask me if I want help with any of the following, and wait for my response before continuing.
Drafting a written household agreement.
Preparing for a difficult follow-up conversation.
Setting consequences that are firm but fair.
Balancing support with accountability.
End by summarizing the boundary plan in plain language and reminding me that boundaries protect relationships—they don’t damage them.
How this helps you
Instead of walking on eggshells or quietly building resentment, you gain clarity and confidence. This prompt helps you communicate expectations clearly, reduce conflict, and support your adult child’s growth while preserving peace in your home.
