Culture Post: Shock survey shows 85% of Parents Thrilled to Have Adult Kids Move Back Home

The following is excerpted from an online article posted by StudyFinds.

The traditional trajectory of children leaving the nest may be taking a detour, but parents seem to be enjoying the scenic route. A surprising 85% of parents report being delighted to have their adult children back home, according to a new study.

The study surveyed 2,000 parents of children in their 20s who are currently living at home. It paints a picture of a generation of young adults grappling with financial independence in a challenging economic landscape, and parents who are largely supportive – albeit not without some strain.

Results show that 42% of parents had children who initially moved out, with the primary reasons being to experience living independently (41%), attend college (29%), or live with a partner (26%). However, economic realities soon brought many of these young adults back home, with 69% of parents recalling their child asking to move back in. The main catalysts? An inability to afford living alone (42%) or a desire to save money (33%).

Even for those who never left, finances play a crucial role. Half of all parents surveyed (52%) cited the current economic climate as the reason their adult child still lives with them. Convenience (32%) and a desire to be close to family (25%) were also significant factors.

While this arrangement has improved relationships for 45% of families, it’s not without its challenges. A quarter of parents (27%) admit they weren’t financially prepared for their child’s extended stay, and 29% report that their child rarely or never contributes financially to the household. This has led to major financial strain for 34% of parents over the past year, with one in five (19%) saying it has negatively impacted their own financial planning or retirement plans.

Despite these challenges, parents remain supportive. Looking ahead, parents estimate their adult children will remain at home for another 16 months on average, though a third (32%) are uncertain about the duration of this arrangement.

Source: StudyFinds
https://studyfinds.org/shock-survey-parents-thrilled-adult-kids-move-back-home/

Find more culture news on HomeWord’s Culture Blog, named in 2024 for the ninth consecutive year as one of the top 50 culture blogs on the planet (#19 of  50)!

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[reposted by] Jim Liebelt

Jim is Senior Writer, Editor and Researcher for HomeWord. Jim has 40 years of experience as a youth and family ministry specialist, having served over the years as a pastor, author, consultant, mentor, trainer, college instructor, and speaker. Jim’s HomeWord culture blog also appears on Crosswalk.com and Religiontoday.com. Jim and his wife Jenny live in Quincy, MA.

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