Veritas on Fox: “Stay-at-home Son”…

Takeaways:

📊 Current Landscape: Unemployment and Living at Home

• Unemployment Rates: As of April 2025, the unemployment rate for men aged 20–24 stands at 9.6%, significantly higher than the national average of 4.2%, and for men 25+ (3.4%).
• Living with Parents: In 2022, 57% of men aged 18–24 lived with their parents, up from 52% in 1960. For those aged 25–34, the figure was 19.1%, compared to less than 12% two decades ago.
• Cultural Shift: The term “stay-at-home son” has gained popularity, reflecting a growing acceptance among young adults of living at home during transitional periods

🏠 Navigating Adult Children Living at Home

1. Duration of Stay

• No One-Size-Fits-All: The appropriate length of stay varies based on individual circumstances, including employment status, educational pursuits, and financial goals.

• Setting Expectations: Establishing a clear timeline and objectives can help both parents and adult children navigate this arrangement effectively.

2. Helping vs. Enabling

• Helping: Providing support that empowers the adult child to achieve independence, such as assisting with job searches or financial planning.

• Enabling: Offering aid that allows the adult child to avoid responsibilities, potentially hindering their growth.

• Guidance: Encouraging adult children to face natural consequences fosters resilience and accountability.

3. Implementing Tough Love

• Definition: Tough love involves setting firm boundaries and allowing adult children to experience the outcomes of their choices, promoting maturity.

• Application: This approach should be balanced with empathy, ensuring that support doesn’t translate into enabling.

💰 Financial Contributions: Should Adult Children Pay Rent?

• Public Opinion: A majority of Americans believe that adult children living at home should contribute financially, even if parents don’t require the money.

• Benefits:

  • Financial Responsibility: Paying rent teaches budgeting and the value of money.

  • Preparation for Independence: Contributing to household expenses mirrors real-world obligations.

  • Savings Strategy: Some parents opt to save the rent paid by their children to assist them with future expenses, like a down payment on a home.

• Alternatives: If rent isn’t feasible, adult children can contribute through household chores or other responsibilities.

🧭 Practical Tips for Families

• Establish Clear Boundaries: Define rules regarding household responsibilities, curfews, and personal space.

• Regular Check-Ins: Maintain open communication to address concerns and adjust arrangements as needed.

• Encourage Goal Setting: Assist adult children in setting and pursuing objectives related to employment, education, or personal development.

• Promote Independence: Gradually increase expectations for self-sufficiency to prepare them for living independently.