Why do American parents kick their children out after they turn age 18? (get married, 18 years old)

[maciesmom]

Originally Posted by claycassden

Because America is insane and doesn't give a flying spit about family values anymore. We got celebs and musicians to look up to instead. :\

Yes, that's it exactly...

[brattpowered]

This is because in past generations you could flunk out of high school, get a factory job and buy a house in any American city. I don't think you could have said the same for Europe in general in past generations after WWII. Parents think it's the same for this generation and thus the kicking out.

[Ivorytickler]

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

My kids will get, almost, the same deal. I will expect they work for spending money. I have one who would bankrupt me if she could. I hope she never gets a charge card .

[GeorgiaTransplant]

Originally Posted by Texas User

I thought parents want a better life for their kids then they had themselves.

For someone who wants to retire 10-20 years early, it would be possible if the kid live with their parents for a few years more.

Thus, I teach my children to be independent. Letting them suck at my (metaphorical) teat does not do that.

Why should it be my priority that my children retire 10-20 years early? I have given them the tools to succeed on their own, the same way my father gave me the tools to succeed. If they fail catastrophically (and as long as they tried-for instance, a bad divorce or a company failing isn't really their fault) and can't get regoing on their own, I will be there, but the day-to-day grind of little disappointments and solving problems on their own is part of what makes them adults.

By your logic about "10-20 years early", I should let them live with me for many years more so they can retire 30-40 years early. Yes, let's just do that. Wait, let's not. If I have assets left when I and my wife die, it will get inherited; I'm not going to pass it to the children ahead of time.

Each to his own: obviously you think your way is "better." I think it's terrible and coddles children. I'm entitled to my opinion just as surely as you are to yours. See how that works?

[Texas User]

Originally Posted by Mattie

True enough, which is why we have insisted our kids find summer jobs while they are in school. In our state, an economics class is mandatory for HS students also. For college graduation, we give them cash to invest in the stock market.

I am not looking for my kids to lead a better life than I have, but it would be nice if they could match it. I'm just not sure that goal is attainable in the current financial climate.

Why would not want your children to live a better live then you?
Parents from other countries come here for a better life and even better for their children.

Anything is possible regardless of what the economy is doing.

[Texas User]

Originally Posted by formercalifornian

I see. So because I voluntarily moved out as an eighteen-year-old with my parents' blessing and paid my way through university, I must be in bad financial shape. Sweetheart, I have far surpassed my childhood standard of living, which wasn't bad, btw. In fact, I would say that the lessons I learned by making mistakes in young adulthood are a big part of the reason why I'm a young forty-something with a paid-off house, no debt, and a comfortable lifestyle. If we so choose, early retirement is absolutely possible. Speaking of which, I should call my parents and thank them for encouraging me to stand on my own two feet so early in life.

Not everyone is going to as successful as you though. There are students who will goof off in college and dropout.

[Texas User]

Don't you want them taking care of you when you are older?

Originally Posted by GeorgiaTransplant

Thus, I teach my children to be independent. Letting them suck at my (metaphorical) teat does not do that.

Why should it be my priority that my children retire 10-20 years early? I have given them the tools to succeed on their own, the same way my father gave me the tools to succeed. If they fail catastrophically (and as long as they tried-for instance, a bad divorce or a company failing isn't really their fault) and can't get regoing on their own, I will be there, but the day-to-day grind of little disappointments and solving problems on their own is part of what makes them adults.

By your logic about "10-20 years early", I should let them live with me for many years more so they can retire 30-40 years early. Yes, let's just do that. Wait, let's not. If I have assets left when I and my wife die, it will get inherited; I'm not going to pass it to the children ahead of time.

Each to his own: obviously you think your way is "better." I think it's terrible and coddles children. I'm entitled to my opinion just as surely as you are to yours. See how that works?

[manderly6]

I can't think of one person I know who kicked out their kids at 18. As far as I can tell the norm is that the kids will go to college and live at home during the summers and then move out when they graduate. If they don't go to college the kids are usually looking to move out ASAP.

[GeorgiaTransplant]

Originally Posted by Texas User

Not everyone is going to as successful as you though. There are students who will goof off in college and dropout.

Students who goof off in college have made a personal choice, a foolish one. Letting them stay under your roof is subsidizing that foolish choice.

Letting them go and discover how hard it is to make the living they believe they so richly deserve, without a degree, is giving them a valuable life lesson, and it's free (for the parents). Plus, if they succeed, great. They're still out of the house.

[GeorgiaTransplant]

Originally Posted by Texas User

Don't you want them taking care of you when you are older?

This is America, dude. That doesn't happen they way you're thinking of.