There are families who do this. It has something to do with how the parents are raised and nothing to do with how life is working out or current conditions for their children.
It also has to do with the parents' financial situation and how many children are in the family. Though most people don't have many children, a few do, and they may be financially strapped and want to get rid of having to take care of whichever child they can to finish up with the ones left.
This happens with families who have few resources, had children very young and want to have a life after their children leave home while they're still young, say in their early 40s.
I don't know that this only happens in America because people often don't take care or plan when they WANT to have children: Planning that includes how many children can we afford, will we pay for college for them, or skills training, do we want a home, where will we live, how will we save money for our personal and family goals?
When parents do NONE of this, children are mostly a long-term responsibility. And the legal age of 18 is used as the year parents can rid themselves of this responsibility.
This is what happens when people don't plan.
Don't think parents ever really stop supporting their kids. If they want to further their education they can get student loans which they pay when they are employed with the degree they get.
The problem is that many kids when they leave home have not got their head screwed on properly so they do easy degrees that won't get them a job at the end where they can pay back student loans, they aren't academically capable enough to go to college, they waste four years parrying or they burn through their student loans or take out even more money in student loans. All of that is too much for most working parents who are probably not to far from retirement by all that.
It's a great lesson for young adults to learn to stand on their own two feet. Used to be you were an adult by 16 and then that got pushed to 18 and now they want to push it until 22 but all that does is retard young adult's growth.
That’s a hard one for me I gre me up with my single mom who worked 2 full time jobs to support me and struggled and she has a maters in buisness she put herself through college my dad never helped and honestly so what I’m glad he stayed out of my life!! I saw what money was worth and in order to survive I had to work I started in the trades at 16 and worked full time graduated high school a year early and worked full time I didn’t have a lot growing up I have a son I have paid child support every month never have missed a payment I see him all the time what I think is that or a percentage but I’m assuming that’s off what I pay monthly and that’s 800 if 250 a month should be put away so when they turn 18 it could be their start for the future if my son needed help with money he’s working for it there has to be a value to know what a dollar really costs because I work extremely hard for what I have I’m not rich but I’m happy also I feel like if you use your own money to make a step forward there’s a feeling of accomplishment and self confidence i dont accept handouts never have id get it myself sorry touchy topic for me.
That's... not very common at all. That's just not something Americans do. If anything the sterotype is the opposite. That parents are forced to support their adult children more than they should. This is like an old trope from 70's sitcoms. The hard-ass-dad saying "you're out when you turn 18." I can't claim to know if that was indeed true in the 1970's... but It certainly is not at all true today.
That's not to say that this never happens. But it is far from usual. It's not how thing actually are. So the answer is "no, Americans do not really stop supporting their children at 18 generally speaking."
Now, I am sure, you're going to get all kinds of responses from people who indeed were cut-off at 18. But it is not usual. I would guess (based on nothing but my feelings) that maybe 5% of Americans might be in this situation. That's being super duper generous. It's probably more like 3% realistically.
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🙂
If most people still support their kids after 18, why student loan are common there? Isn’t that should be parents who have to pay?
Ahh, that's a fair question for sure. Now I may not be the best person to comment on that specifically. But, It's fair to say that something like a student loan specifically, is going to be dealt with differently, and is more likely to be the sole responsability of the kids.
That's for a couple of reasons I think. First, the idea of a student loan goes back to when they were a reasonable amount... and under non-predetory lending terms. It used to be something that was common, no big deal, and not hard to pay off once someone got a job after completing school. It used to make sense for this to be the first, taste of a financial obligation that a young person took on their own shoulders. That would be... in MY parents generation (and I'm 40).
So there is very much the tradition of a student loan being something that a parent didn't pay for.
The cost of schooling has exploded to an absurd level, there are lots of people with degrees working menial jobs. Combined with a ruthlessly predatory system when it comes to terms and ability to collect (which, frankly other people can tell you about. I do not know the details).
A student loan was meant to be something very different from what it became: A lifelong neverending debt, for (in too many cases) a worthless degree that doesn't have the earning power you imagined you'd have with the degree.
Then it's a matter of the fact that a student loan, IS taken out in the young person's name. It's technically their debt.
Now, I am not saying that parents totally support their kids after 18. That's not true. Usually it's a gradual taking over of financial responsabilities as part of becoming an adult. But an 18 year old is expected to work (or be in school, and work part time)... as a matter of course. Parents might help... but school is too expensive for almost any parent to completely pay for. It's just out-of reach.
So a parent might very well still be supporting their kid, as much as they're able... while there is a student loan that ends up falling to the younger person... sometimes for the rest of their life. (like a credit card debt, you can end up paying nothing but the interest).
So you have poked a complicated hornets nest of complication here. You do have an excellent point.
But the answer is... late-stage capitalist rot; the fact that there is not enough money any parent COULD give to cover the cost of school; a predatory lending system; the devaluing of degrees and their earning power; traditional use and function of the student loan changing completely; and the exploding cost of post-secondary education. In short... It's complicated.
(I love that you made me think about it a bit though. Excellent point)
I several times watched videos about people in their 30 or 40 and still have students loan, i feel that so weird. Also there is a dude comment on my question few days ago that parents only support their kid until 18.
Because parents don't always have f
Hundreds of thousands in free money for 3 kids to pay off in full. They pay their loans for their kids. Not all obviously but some do.
@Friendlybro79 that’s why poor people shouldn’t have kids. If you can’t afford them don’t bring them in the world and let them suffer.
Well I don't disagree completely with your statement. The real issue is why is college so expensive and not built into our taxes?
Also, college isn't necessarily for everyone either . I have friends that have zero college degree and make more money that people with PHDs.
Opinion
37Opinion
Some do, but most don't.
From what I've seen, kids who start working and taking on adult responsibilities at a young age are far more successful. If they were raised decently, they should do just fine on their own.
Of course this is culture related. There are countries where three or even four generations live in the same house. In the US that very rarely happens. Kids are expected to get out on their own.
The US is also a highly mobile society. Kids not only leave the nest, but they often move far away. So families tend to be split more than in other countries. Although that might not be as common as it used to be. When I grew up, almost all of my friends moved to a different state before the age of about 22-23.
dont think so. most parents considerably help their adult kids financially until they're fully independent on all aspects, which is often only until mid or late 20s.
for ex i'm part American, 24, and my parents give me money for food and utilities, and pay for my housing, edu and other stuff
i think the whole kicking you out at 18 and letting you fend for yourself isn't a modern thing, i think that's what people did in the 1970s
18 is a beautiful age to kick your children out of the nest and let them out into the world. They reached adulthood and need to be able to build a life for themselves.
Ofcourse parents will still offer help if it's really needed but 18 is a good age for them to fly solo
This is the reason why poor people should not have kids
I think it was probably more common when the cost of an average house was equal to about two years gross rather than like now when in many areas two years gross isn't even enough for the down payment. I have friends pulling $80K whose choices are live at home or live with roommates (it takes over $100K to qualify to rent without a cosigner around here). Can't blame them for living at home with mom and pop.
When you have kids you always support them in every thing they do. I don't support my son any more financially hes24. A fireman Paramedic. And he makes around 80 thousand something a year plus over time so he does good. My Daughter is still on college but she will do good When she gets her Degree
I supported each of my 3 kids until they were able to support themselves, which was about age 23, after they graduated from college.
Legally, parents are responsible for their children until age 18 in most states.
that worked in the 1950s... doesn't work anymore, 18yr old cannot survive on own without being a real go getter in business.
Most I see are supporting their kids well into 20's... generally through college, at least to some degree.
College? Are they going to be a doctor? A lawyer? An engineer? A nurse, A scientist or mathematician, an accountant?
Otherwise, it is a waste of money. You end up with debt, indoctrinated and ran through.
Your opinion just explains why education is important.
That makes no sense. So, you are one of these that believes EVERYONE should just go to college. You think memorizing some facts will impart wisdom? You believe colleges promote analytical thought and problem solving? Someone should go just to get a business degree, a communications degree, a women's studies degree, a theater degree, a liberal arts degree. Degrees that are basically WORTHLESS. There is no high paying job waiting for you. You have debt and a nice diploma to hang on the wall.
You are a fool if you think that way.
If you need college for your field aka DOCTOR/ENGINEER go for it.
If you are going just because you've been fed the lie every one should go to college, well, you are a sheep.
Some do but most don’t. It’s legal if you want to, except that in some states if you get divorced you have to pay for your kids’ college and grad school.
I was 16 when I first started working and was actually paid to go to university (not American either so there's that) I worked through university and came out with money in the bank.
The right way. I've met some people here who chose to go to community college to get part of their degree while working and saving and then intend to go on to do the rest of the degree.
@Gwendoline
I think that's a more common way to get socially mobile. In my era and home country it was conventional for maybe only 15-20% of folk to seek to go to university and make a professional career for themselves. It was also free tuition and at the time there were grants for folk from working class backgrounds (I qualified as I was the first generation to seek to go even though my mother has since and father could have but the economic conditions meant he had to go work and earn for his extended family).
I think the pressure to get qualifications and become something is more and more challenging with the world changing to rapidly. Nowadays I think AI could become something that will overwhelm humanity with it's power and we'll end up being just operators of technology losing some of our physical, creative and mental skill sets that make us individuals.
Some parents do, some parents don’t. But usually because the parent are dirt poor.
Yeah or some want independence I paid for my college I didn’t take loans I paid upfront from the money I saved working starting at 14 part time when I turned 16 joined the trades and I paid for all my Liscence’s in plumbing and electrical including the 8 years of school and college for business and had to get the hours in each trade to get my journeyman’s liscence’s and was in my sons life and had him 4 days a week after work so his mother could work because we weren’t together anymore I feel it’s not about money or coming from a rich or poor home it’s using the knowledge and tools at your disposal to be successful my mom was poor she worked to pay for college and rent and support me without my fathers child support or support in anyway when you get something with the money you worked hard for and it wasn’t payed for by your parents feels good it means you don’t need anyone else plus I feel like asking your family for money when you are capable to earn it is wrong especially if they are on a fixed budget
My parents paid... after age 18, for my bachelor degree... yay? But they chose what i studied... something worthless empty! but i have to thank them?
No, that was back in the day when you could work a shitty job and still buy a house. The economy hasn't been that good since the 70's
Speak for yourself. I knew when I was old enough to know what an airplane was I knew I would be in the aviation industry. I quit HS and joined the Navy. I was an aircraft mechanic in my career. I was 17.
So you just speak for yourself. Because you are too old to compared with this generation.
You are too old
just different society and culture
a lot of parents can't afford to pay for that im betting
That’s why poor people shouldn’t have kids
Boomers did because they SUCK and STINK.
But other generations actually have their kids stick around. My generation (Gen Z) it's rarer to see someone living alone than with their parents in their 20's.
In a lot of cases parents save those 18 years for their children’s college. Also they hope they can get scholarships to help. my kids at in there late 30’s and early 30’s and still live at home. So it is not all americans
Legally they are adults an no longer must be supported. I knew a kid in college whose father threw all his kids out of the house when they turned 18.
No, we generally do not. I supported my child until they had graduated college, and a bit later paid off their student loans.
@itsannalee that is very insane move in our culture
Most parents continue to support their children, helping to pay for college expenses.
It's a parent's job to raise children into adults. Anyone raising a child into mid 20s failed. At some point, the eaglet needs to learn how to fly.
No, my sister and brother in law still help their kids out quite a bit.
A very small minority do*
*Gen X exception. We were on our own in utero. RARELY relied on ANYONE but ourselves.
It depends on the parents and the child. We don't all have the same abilities.
Most keep supporting them into their early 20s
Not always, just depends on the families and individuals.
For the most part, yes. But we will help them out a lot.
18 yaşımdayken kendi ebeveynlerim benim beyaz rampalımı tekmelediler ve beni yalnız bıraktılar
Generally it’s an understood age unless they’re in college, unable to support themselves, etc.
People often do. Welcome to the joys of Capitalism.
This is one reason why I didn't have kids.
Some do and some dont.
Some do but some don't
Depends on the family.
Many men give up well before 18.
Most of the time they don't.
I'm sure some people do.
It's called 'Being an Adult'
Lol, not close!
18 is already too late.
Depends
Some do. Most don't.
a lot do
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