I don't think that most young adults and parents cut the umbilical cord all at once anymore -- and I think it is a good thing. I think most of us move out, back in, and move out again several times before you're truly independent. I think that in this day and age, that type of comfortable transition is beneficial both psychologically and financially. If kids don't feel like they can come home and save on some rent for a temporary hiatus as they are trying to get established and don't have much income, they are more apt to rack up credit card debt or other bad debt to get where they need to or they might just stay in that dead-end job that pays the rent instead of taking a necessary risk. I think that as long as parents know the difference between these circumstances and indefinite mooching, there isn't that much of a downside.
|