Poll - Total Votes: 24 See Poll Options
Top | Newest First | Oldest First
Charley21 · 26-30, F
The question is far too simplistic. There are kinds of scenarios where that might be appropriate in some way. But probably far more where it would be clumsy and probably very damaging to future relationships. I would veer hard towards "no" on this one. 18 year olds need every ounce of financial help they can get, particularly these days. They don't need to be fleeced by their own parents, who chose to create them.
SW-User
@FreeSpirit1 THIS!
cherokeepatti · 61-69, F
@FreeSpirit1 I bought groceries, helped with chores etc. They found out what I was good for after I left home & got married. Funny thing it was nearly 3 years later when they came to visit and remarked that they didn’t know how much I did until I left. I don’t know why it took them so long to acknowledge that. My sisters were still living there and basically worthless for what they contributed.
FreeSpirit1 · 51-55, F
Dainbramadge · 56-60, M
I don't really like when the child turns 18 something mystical happens in all of a sudden they have to pay rent.
I would rather they got a job because they were looking out for their future not because they were forced to.
Also if they already have a job I don't think they should be punished for having a job by having to pay rent as well.
Like I say there isn't some magical something that happens when they go from 17 to 18.
If you are going to charge them rent or make them sign a rental agreement why not make them do it at 16 or 13.
They could run up a tab and when they get a job they could pay you all the back pay
I would rather they got a job because they were looking out for their future not because they were forced to.
Also if they already have a job I don't think they should be punished for having a job by having to pay rent as well.
Like I say there isn't some magical something that happens when they go from 17 to 18.
If you are going to charge them rent or make them sign a rental agreement why not make them do it at 16 or 13.
They could run up a tab and when they get a job they could pay you all the back pay
View 8 more replies »
Dainbramadge · 56-60, M
@chrisCA just because they can make the decision legally doesn't mean they should be forced to make that decision.
I don't understand why a parent could want what was best for their child until they turned 18 and then cast them out into the street or charge them rent like a stranger.
I don't understand why a parent could want what was best for their child until they turned 18 and then cast them out into the street or charge them rent like a stranger.
cherokeepatti · 61-69, F
@Dainbramadge I have heard of foster children being taken in and told to work by the time they are 16 and then the foster parents taking the money to cover rent & utilities. Poor kid I knew at work was walking about 3 miles to work each way in all kinds of weather. Gave him a ride when I saw him walking to work. He wasn’t even able to save up for a vehicle to drive.
Soldonmonday · 51-55, F
JustNik · 51-55, F
Mine won’t. The first went far away for college after graduation and has never lived with us since. The second is in military training right now, but she’ll live with us when she returns, and she won’t be paying rent while she juggles work, school, and deployments. If I had one who entered the work force but just couldn’t afford rents in the area (which are mind boggling), I would think they could pay their own bills like insurance and phone, etc, and would expect them to help around the house, do their own laundry and such, but I wouldn’t be charging rent let alone making it formal. If they were just squatting and stalling on adulthood, they would be invited to find other accommodations. Launching is harder now, but coddling too much doesn’t help anything either.
SW-User
No. And I don't understand the whole "they should cause I did" mentality. Let's face it, things have changed. Most of the people of my generation (let alone younger people!) barely make enough to survive. I understand expecting your child to pay for their clothes, traveling, shopping etc. once they have the money to do so but if you could afford all those things for 18 years then why suddenly expect them to pay for those AND pay rent now? Because they're 18? So, legally an adult? And? Neither finding a job nor the salaries are what some of you remember. Go out and touch some grass.
midnightrose · F
I don't see anything wrong with having them contribute to bills but no I don't think it is necessary to make them sign an agreement. I'm not trying to make life hard on them. The whole point of having them at home would be so they can save money and get on their feet, not out there struggling to make ends meet out of some societal expectation to do it all on your own. There are times I wish I lived in a multigenerational home. I think life is less of burden with many helping each other out.
Eddiesolds · 61-69, M
melbeacher · 56-60, M
MadamMartha · F
Justenjoyit · 56-60, M
Unquestioned · 70-79, M
This comment is hidden.
Show Comment