Should Grown Children At Home Pay Rent?

[CRFSaver]

Re: Should Grown Children At Home Pay Rent?

I think each parent is different as well. I cant even get my dad to let me pay for a dinner out let alone rent...

[kashi]

Re: Should Grown Children At Home Pay Rent?

I think each parent is different as well. I cant even get my dad to let me pay for a dinner out let alone rent...

That's how my family is! I'm not sure what my parents would have done if I had stuck around, but I would have helped out with what I could. They probably would not have made me pay rent, but I would have helped with groceries and other bills. They were just so happy to have me home during the summers off from college that they didn't really want me to work (though I did)! I never planned to stick around, though, and they knew it. Now if the kid is just freeloading...that's a different story.

[PRICEPLUS]

Re: Should Grown Children At Home Pay Rent?

Rent? Maybe depending on the age and employment/school status! If the child cannot kick in money he/she can kick in doing laundry, mowing, shopping, and cleaning. Something must be contributed whether it be in labor or money!

[crosses]

Re: Should Grown Children At Home Pay Rent?

I think a lot has to do with the attitude of the child. There's a big difference between a kid working hard to get ahead and one that is there and seems to be freeloading. I don't think there is a right or wrong answer. You have to look at the individual case.

[moneyrant]

Re: Should Grown Children At Home Pay Rent?

Should pay their fair share. No freeloaders.

[PrincessPerky]

Re: Should Grown Children At Home Pay Rent?

I don't think it is a simple yes or no question. DH lived with his parents, but still managed to be ok with money (took over my bills .)

But I know lots who live off mom and can't figure anything about the real world out. They never had to pay bills at all or do anything for themself. But at the same time, since when did 18 become a magic age? did someone wave a magic wand teaching the kids how to pay bills or make beds, or do laundry or whatever? I don't think it should be a cutoff age, I think it shoud be a gradual progression so that when my kids move out it is as small of a change as a new address can be, not overnight "no parents lets party."

[cercis]

Re: Should Grown Children At Home Pay Rent?

I agree Princess. 18 is not a magic age. Many 18yos are still in HS and then my child will be in college (theoretically) before he turns 18 (september bday).

It used to be that a HS diploma would get you a good job. One that actually paid enough for you to live on (my mom and dad both only have HS diplomas). Nowadays, you get the choice of walmart or fastfood. Or, if you're lucky, a chicken processing plant. You have to have some kind of further education (vo-tech or college).

My kids will be lucky enough to live somewhere they can get a job during school (I grew up in a small town with no jobs) and have money to manage before they graduate high school. We'll work with them on managing that money and continue until we've taught them enough to be self-sufficient.

I don't stop being a parent and responsible to my kids the minute they turn 18.

[marglo]

Re: Should Grown Children At Home Pay Rent?

I agree...and this is not a cut and dried issue...thing you have to do what seems right for you with your child. I felt a motherly obligation past 18 for sure (even now that my kids are 28-40!) but at the same time I have to admit I was relieved I was no longer legally responsible for them after 18! :-)

[mom-from-missouri]

Re: Should Grown Children At Home Pay Rent?

Depends on the kid and their situation. My friend has twin daughters still at home, who are 20. One goes to school part time and works part time. She pays rent. and her part of the auto insurance as she drives a car her parents own.
Her twin, goes to school full time, pre-med, straight A's and pays nothing. But, she also studies till 11 at night, and is going to school on full scholarships. Her mom says to ask her to pay rent, would mean she would have to get a job, and take away from her studies. She also has dinner on the table when her parents get home from work. (Her sister does too, on her days off from her job-but thats only once a week). If she were to quit school, I believe she would start paying rent.

[Roger]

Re: Should Grown Children At Home Pay Rent?

I'm of two minds. If the kids are working or going to college, I don't think you need to charge rent as long as they are workig to improve themselves, i.e. saving for college, a house, etc.
If the kids are living at home to save them expenses and don't have a plan to move out ever, then they should be charged rent. How much is between the kids and parents but it will help the kids be more responsible when they do leave the house, it will help the parents who are trying to save for retirement (though an IRA is a nice thought if the parents can afford to support the kids that long).
With my kids I am using a graduated scale. The oldest is 11 and when he earns money from work, I collect 50% of his earnings as his contribution to his keep and maintenance. When he starts buying clothes, necessities, etc (about age 14) that percentage will come down to about 25%., even though we'll be giving him the money for the store brand items. If he wants name brand, he'l l pay for that himself.
Roger8