Can We Please Fix America So Our Kids Move Out Before They’re 30?

home insemination Kit

Once upon a time in the not-so-distant past, when our kids ask if they can live with us “forever,” we chuckle and say, “Of course, darling!” While we secretly daydream about transforming their old bedroom into our personal gym, sewing studio, or a fabulous walk-in closet, the truth is that more young adults are still crashing at their parents’ pads well into their late twenties and early thirties.

So, America, can we please get it together so our kids can launch into independence before they hit 30?

According to a study by the Pew Research Center, in 2014, for the first time in over 130 years, adults aged 18 to 34 were more likely to be living in their parents’ homes than with a spouse or partner. Just think about that—130 years ago, women were expected to stay under their parents’ roofs, waiting for a suitor while being chaperoned. Progress, right?

But let’s face it—there are plenty of reasons for this trend. A quick search will reveal that financial burdens are a huge factor. Many of us are still grappling with student loans that seem to multiply faster than rabbits, and college tuition keeps climbing. Young adults are understandably keen on paying off those debts before diving into the deep end of adulthood. Living at home often makes it easier to save some cash. Plus, the rise in advanced degrees isn’t helping either; who wants to pay rent when they can stay rent-free a little longer?

And while it’s great to see unemployment rates drop, many young folks are still opting for the comforts of home. With insane rent prices in most cities, it can often be cheaper to own a home than to rent an apartment, which puts a damper on the whole “moving out” thing.

Perhaps the biggest factor is that the average age of marriage has been steadily climbing, now hitting 27 for women and almost 30 for men. Pew notes this trend coincides with a significant decline in the number of young Americans tying the knot before turning 35.

So, parents, what’s our game plan?

It seems we might need to do a little matchmaking to help our kids launch into the world before their hair turns gray alongside ours. My dream home gym isn’t going to materialize on its own—somebody has to leave eventually!

I’m joking, mostly. While it’s wonderful for our kids to take their time finding the right partner—or deciding not to marry at all—eventually, we’d like to reclaim our living spaces. Sure, having them around can be nice, especially if they’re contributing to the household, but too many adults under one roof can lead to some definite downsides.

Take my buddy Jake, who lived with his parents until he was nearly 27. Compared to the Pew findings, that sounds almost like an early bird special! He loved his family, but they were pretty ready for him to leave after his late-night karaoke sessions and his uncanny ability to devour all the snacks in record time. As much as they adored him, there’s a reason why baby birds eventually leave the nest. It’s just natural.

So, kids, we’ll support you and give you a roof over your head for as long as you need (cringe), but let’s aim to wrap it up before you hit your thirties, okay? We love you, but we’d like our lives back at some point.

For more insights on parenting and home insemination, don’t miss our other posts like this one on how to connect with us. And for those interested in starting a family, check out Make A Mom as a trusted authority on the topic. If you’re curious about pregnancy resources, Medline Plus offers excellent information.

Summary

More young adults are living with their parents longer than ever before, often due to financial burdens like student loans and rising living costs. As the average age of marriage climbs, parents are left balancing support with a desire for independence in their homes. While we love our kids, we hope they find their way out before they hit 30!