When a child turns 18, he or she legally becomes an adult. This transition from teenager to grown-up guarantees your child the right to vote, sue in his or her own name, make a contract, rent an apartment, or buy a car. Men and woman that are 18 and over have the responsibility to pay for what they buy and contribute to state and federal income taxes. They are legally permitted to marry without parental consent. Men over 18 must enlist in the army within 6 months of their 18th birthday. As well, when a child turns 18, he or she can now live independent of parents.
Despite all of these coming-of-age privileges, more and more men and women are living with their parents after high school and college. These young people without jobs are known as the "boomerang generation," because they keep coming back to Mom and Dad when times get hard. According to CBS News, approximately six million post-graduates are living with their parents today. "America's Families and Living Arrangements: 2011" says that an increase in these back-at-home adults began before the recession, and has continued throughout and beyond it. In 2011, 19 percent of all 25-34 year old men lived with their parents. 10 percent of all women in this age group live at home. 59 percent of all men and 50 percent of all women ages 18-24 live with their parents.
The "Boomerangs" are heading home to Ma and Pa due to the lack of jobs in our current economy. The unemployment rate for recent college graduates currently hovers at 14.2 percent. According to the New York Times, Boomerang children see moving home as a way to practice financial conservation. They enjoy the benefits of free room, food, and board. Unfortunately, some graduates get comfortable with this low-maintenance lifestyle, and fail to search for jobs or a new place to live. Many graduates from middle-class American lifestyles are not acquainted with living low-class, and move home to experience the comforts that they have grown up with.
While most parents will willingly allow their children to move back in, they are not legally obligated to do so. According to U.S. Law, when a child turns 18 parents are no longer obligated to provide for him or her. You have the right to apprehend your child from living at home. You can also charge rent, determine what responsibilities he or she must maintain, and demand an agreement. It may be wise to create a contract that can help to guide your relationship with your child as an adult living in your home.
On the other hand, your adult child has every right to move out when he or she desires to do so. If you are having a hard time letting your child "fly the coop," you should reconsider the fact that he or she is a legal adult. Men and women cannot legally make decisions for a child 18 or older. In order to maintain a healthy relationship with your adult child, you will need to trust that he or she is able to make wise choice. Try to suppress the impulse to give advice unless it is asked for, but maintain an open line of communication.
As a parent, you should sit down with your child and discuss their decision to move back home or move out. Think through what would best teach your child adult responsibility and financial management. Implement rules and rent as is necessary and work towards teaching your child how to live alone. As the economy improves, many believe that the "Boomerang" children will work towards moving out and getting jobs so they can survive independently.