Why do American parents kick their children out after they turn age 18? (infants, son)

[LibraGirl123]

I have this magnet on my refrigerator...hehehe:

Teenagers
Tired of being
harassed by
your parents?

Act Now!!
Move out, get a job,
pay your own way,
while you still
know everything!

[maciesmom]

The only times I've ever heard of 18 yo's being "kicked out" of their parent's homes is when the parents are fed up with poor behavior and being taken for granted (or the occasional sad situation where people who probably shouldn't have had kids did and are just over the whole thing). Otherwise, most parents still support their adult children to some extent through college, trade school, starting a job etc. Many 18 yo's move out of their parent's home to go to school, join the military etc - that doesn't mean they got "kicked out"

[GloryB]

Originally Posted by gramirez2012

I've never known anyone who was kicked out at age 18. With the economy being the way it is, many kids are moving back home with their parents after college, since there are no jobs and they can't afford to have their own place.

There are jobs. There just aren't the jobs they want paying what they think they are worth. I don't mind any of my adult kids living with me if they need to, but they WILL have a job and give into the household or they can live on bench in the park.

[Texas User]

Originally Posted by ferretkona

Upon puberty the kids become know it alls and are barely tolerable. At 18 they are full of p#ss and vinegar and are ready to take on the world.
We turn them out at 18 because we can.

18 is just a legal number for adults. It does not mean they are one.

There are 30 year olds that are not very responsible.

[Texas User]

Originally Posted by AnonChick

That's a very trollish anti-american sentiment you've posted here in the Parenting forum. How about we ask the reverse:

Why do parents in your country allow their adult children to leech off of them after they're old enough to move out and take care of themselves? And, why do 18-year-old *adults* in your country want to leech off their parents, when they're old enough to move out and become independent?

I am an American but come from a South Asian family. They can leech off them because the parents have money and they happy to give them money. Why let the child suffer?

Sure, they can move out and become independant but what if they want to pursue education and don't have the money?

[Texas User]

Originally Posted by andthentherewere3

I can't think of any American parents that kicked their 18 year old out. Perhaps the OP knows a lot of families with troubled teens.

I personally know a few friends.

[Texas User]

Originally Posted by Ivorytickler

And the reason we don't kill them is mother nature already gave us 12 years to bond with them first. After the next six, we're glad to see them fly out of the nest.....

However, I do think this is cultural. Other cultures teach respect of elders and families live in multigenerational households. There is a HUGE financial advantage to doing this that our kids miss but the way we raise them, we really don't want to live with them in their late teens and 20's.

Majority of East and South Asian family in USA live together and that is a major advantage for everyone finances that is living there. Some parents don't even allow their children to pay any mortgage/rent. Respecting the elders is another thing. If I am waiting in line for something then I will give my spot to an elderly.

[Texas User]

Originally Posted by Mrs.Bewitched

I don't think it's a matter of they kick out their 18 year old for no reason. At 18, you're out of high-school and technically an adult. My child at 18 (2 years!!!) will be given the choice: go to college and live rent free, we'll still buy all of your clothes, books, food, spending money- take care of you like always....or get a job and start to pay rent. Like a real adult. I will not let him slack off. I'm hoping he chooses the college route

18 is just a legal number. Some folks don't become real adults till like age 30.

[Texas User]

Originally Posted by formercalifornian

It was my choice to move out as soon as I finished high school. Nobody asked me to leave.

It works out if you have enough money. What if you are going out with $0?

[Texas User]

Originally Posted by Boompa

I was in the Army at 17 and never looked back

That is great because the Army has taken care of you. That is not the same for someone who just want to start working and/or going to college.