[KSUViolet06]

Originally Posted by DaemonSeid

How old were you when you left home?

I moved out for college at 17, but still came home periodically on weekends and spent summers at home. I actually didn't move out for good until I got accepted to grad school in July. I was 22. All throughout undergrad I had a full scholarship which included room and board. I wasn't going to move out and PAY when I could live on campus for free.

Originally Posted by DaemonSeid

What was probably one of the biggest challenges that you had when living on your own? Juggling school and work? paying bills? room mates?

I haven't really had any challenges. I live in a one bedroom apartment so I don't have to deal with roomates. That was one reason why I waited to move out. I wanted to be able to afford to live by myself since I know I like my privacy.

I will admit that I hate having to buy my own groceries and cook.

Originally Posted by DaemonSeid

How has the experience made you feel thus far? What would you change about it?

I enjoy living independently. There's nothing I would change.

Originally Posted by DaemonSeid

What advice would you give to a parent faced with the prospect of a child that has to leave the nest?

Let them go, but also let them know that if they REALLY need help with something that they can still call you. Don't call them 24/7 or stop by all the time.

Originally Posted by DaemonSeid

Under what circumstances would you let your child return home or you would give them help?

It depends. If it were either they come home to live with me or they go out onto the street and become homeless, I would let them come live with me for a limited time as long as they got a job immediately and started saving to move out again. If my child were in some sort of danger, I would let them move home. If possible, I would prefer to just help them to stay on their feet so they can live independently.

Originally Posted by DaemonSeid

Which do you think is harder to cope with: a daughter learning to live on her own or a son facing the same thing?

It's probably more difficult for a parent to let their daughter move out on her own, because women are viewed as more fragile and vulnerable than men.