Times change, and expectations of children evolve over time. In recent years, something new has come from this: the adult children generation. So, what exactly is it, and what problems may it be causing?
What is the adult children generation?
The adult children generation typically refers to millennials and Generation Z, also known as those born between 1981 and 2012. These adults seem to be less independent than the older generations, which could be due to a variety of reasons, from the way they were brought up to the current financial environment. What’s clear is that it’s having an impact, with around 30% of adults aged 25-29 living at home with their parents.
While living at home with the parents may mean lower rent prices, it can also stunt growth and independence, not to mention the impact it may have on their social life. Plus, many adults who go back to live at home with their parents find it results in conflict. The parents can’t exactly give their adult children a bedtime or monitor the way they live, though, if they disagree with their children’s choices, it can be hard for them to cope.
The Effects of the Adult Children Generation
One of the biggest ways this new adult children generation has an impact is that it causes a sandwich generation. This sandwich generation – typically those born between 1955 and 1980, are the parents of the adult children generation. Not only do these people have their elderly parents to worry about, but they also have adult children to look after. Here’s the impact it can have.
High Levels of Stress
The parents can become extremely stressed due to the responsibilities. Not only do many of them need to look after their adult children, but they may also need to care for an elderly parent. There is a solution here – care homes like Signature at Reigate Grange have excelled over the years, providing a safe and comfortable environment for residents to thrive. This can help alleviate stress for the parents, as they can know their elderly parent is well looked after. Of course, that’s not a solution for looking after their children, but it does mean they have less to worry about.
Rifts Within Families
Adult children living at home can often result in conflict; even little things like the adult child not doing their own laundry can lead to a fight. Unfortunately, this can even lead to real rifts within families. It’s sad, as families and loved ones should offer a strong bond in life rather than added stress.
Stunted Growth
Adult children will not learn independence if their parents cover everything for them. If they have a free place to live with a parent that handles chores, there’s no chance for them to grow. It might seem like a nice thing for the parents to do at the moment, but what happens once they find a relationship or want to move out?
Is There Hope?
Society is always changing and developing. So, yes – there is always hope. It might just take a greater push from the parents while also understanding that it’s not always easy to become independent during a financial crisis.
