Winston-Salem, NC -- As college seniors enter the real world this graduation season, not all of them have a job and place of their own waiting for them.
After years of being away from home, some will move back in with mom and dad.
Wake Forest University senior Emily Rabbitt said, "I do have an internship in Richmond for the summer but then after that I'll be returning back to Alexandria with my parents."
That's where she'll do her job hunting.
"Every time I go home, it's a bit of an adjustment because they're used to life without me and I'm used to life without them," she said, adding she is lucky to have understanding parents.
CNNMoney cited one poll that claims 85% of college seniors planned to move back in with their parents after graduation last May. Compare that to 67% in 2006.
"Don't panic," said Sam Gladding, Chair of Wake Forest University's Counseling Department, who specializes in family counseling. "Usually most college graduates don't want to stay home forever and most parents don't want them to, either."
He recommends parents have structure and a routine in place when their grad comes home.
"Make sure that there are family rules or family guidelines such as paying rent, such as having some kind of curfew, such as learning something more than they knew when they left house, such as cooking," he said.
"The worst thing a family can do is just say, 'hey take the basement, turn on the TV and play video games,'" he added.
There will be an adjustment period of a few weeks and it will take work from everyone involved, said Gladding, but it can be a good thing.
"It's an opportunity to teach as well as to listen and get to know that person better," he said.
Even Gladding's son moved home for about eight months after college before finding a job.
"It took a little adjustment, too, because we certainly weren't used to him being there but he learned and we learned," he said. "It was really kind of fun to have him around."
His son wasn't off the hook, either. Gladding said, "He paid rent, he did work around the house, he had a curfew, he had a routine, he had a rhythm, as did we."
If your grad can't pay rent with money, Gladding suggests having them do their part in other ways like performing chores around the house, working outside, or taking care of the pets.
As Rabbitt prepares to receive her diploma Monday, she's looking forward to the time at home with her parents.
"I think it will be good. I'm really close with my parents," she said. "I'll get home cooked meals from my mom."