In today’s society, young adults are living with their parents at unprecedented levels, reaching a peak not seen in over 130 years. While it’s common for children to jokingly suggest they want to stay home “forever,” many parents secretly dream of the day when they can reclaim that space for a gym or a craft room. Unfortunately, the reality is that a growing number of young adults are choosing to remain in their family homes well into their late twenties and even early thirties.
America, can we get it together so our young adults can find independence before they hit 30?
According to a Pew Research Center analysis, in 2014, for the first time in more than a century, adults aged 18 to 34 were more likely to be living at home with their parents than with a partner in their own household. This is a stark contrast to the past, when societal norms dictated that young women stayed at home under parental supervision until they found a suitable partner. It seems we have made some progress, but not quite in the direction we hoped.
A quick search reveals numerous factors contributing to this trend, with financial pressures taking center stage. Many young adults are burdened by student loan debt, and as the cost of higher education continues to rise, this burden only increases. Living at home can help alleviate some of these financial pressures, allowing them to save money, especially as advanced degrees become more common and expensive.
Despite the fact that unemployment rates have dropped to their lowest in years, many young adults still prefer to stay at home rather than venture out on their own. The skyrocketing cost of rent in many urban areas often makes it financially easier to remain with family. In fact, in some locations, owning a home can be less expensive than renting.
Moreover, the average age of marriage has gradually increased, now reaching around 27 for women and nearly 30 for men. This shift in societal norms means that many young people are delaying romantic commitments until later in life, contributing to the trend of adult children living at home. As Pew Research highlights, fewer young Americans are rushing to settle down before hitting 35.
What Can Parents Do?
So, what can parents do to encourage their children to become independent? Perhaps it’s time to take on the role of matchmaker or guide to help them navigate the transition to adulthood more smoothly. After all, I’d love to finally transform my child’s old room into a workout space! All jokes aside, while it’s wonderful for young adults to take their time in finding a partner or even choosing to remain single, there comes a time when parents long for their own space.
For instance, my brother, Jake, lived with our parents until he was nearly 27, which is relatively young compared to the findings that some adults are living at home until age 34. While he loved the comfort of home, my parents were also keen on reclaiming their living room from his late-night karaoke sessions and his knack for devouring groceries in record time.
Ultimately, we support our children and want what’s best for them, but wouldn’t it be nice if they could start their own lives before they start to resemble us with gray hairs? We love you, but maybe just don’t stay until your early 30s?
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