Even as a child Kathleen Shaputis dreamed of living alone and writing books. Her favorite “toy” was an old used Royal typewriter as she clicked out stories for the neighborhood kids to act out in her backyard for their parents. As an adult the southern California native became a mother with a career, waiting for the day of an empty nest and being able to write in peace. Then something unexpected occurred.

We woke up one morning wondering who left the front door unlocked and everyone moved back in. “It’s not my fault!,” the vivacious 50-year-old Kathleen laments. “My husband, a mother hen in six-foot-five clothing, invited everyone back to the nest.”

Ever a person to turn life into a story, Shaputis is now the self-proclaimed psycho-social leader of a movement consisting of countless thousands of post-parenting baby-boomers who have found themselves sharing their homes with their now adult children. What happened?

It’s called CNS – Crowded Nest Syndrome. For better or for worse, for whatever reason, the children are back in their parental homes.
So she wrote a survival guide of anecdotes and tips for fellow CNS sufferers everywhere. “If you can’t beat ‘em, write about ‘em.”
She uses a unique razor-edged style of humor when describing serious life situations. Moving out of state – only to be followed, and invaded… again. Watching $250 worth of groceries disappear – overnight. Giving up vacations for raising grandchildren — full-time.

The Shaputis house has never been the same. “Kind of hard for us to move in with our grown children some day when they’re living with us already,” Shaputis quipped.

Kathleen’s survival tips for living in a crowded nest:

Do not make them comfortable; they will never leave.
You have the right to eat your own leftovers.
Take care of yourself; you need your strength and wits about you.
More People + More Laundry = Cold Showers. Get yours in first.
Never give up; never give out your ATM number.

The Crowded Nest Syndrome by Kathleen Shaputis
http://www.crowdednestsyndrome.com
ISBN: 0-9726727-0-2 March 2004, 144 pages, Price: $13.95
Clutter Fairy Publishing; author@crowdednestsyndrome.com

Available in bookstores and online. Visit www.CrowdedNestSyndrome.com
   
Peace and quiet may never happen, but Shaputis believes things happen for a reason. She vows to keep spreading the word and sooth the savaged soul of baby boomers everywhere. Her motto -- Adults can survive the return of adult children! Previous book by Kathleen Shaputis — Grandma Online: A Grandmother’s Guide to the Internet.

CONTACT Kathleen Shaputis (360) 791-2041
Media kits, review copies, and interviews available on request.     Mature kids not included.