We thought we'd be empty nesters at 50. Instead, 3 of our adult kids are living at home, and one's moving back in soon.
A couple, Kevin and Barb Payne, expected to be empty nesters at 50, but instead, three of their four adult children are currently living at home, with the fourth planning to move back soon. The children, aged 18 to 23, have various reasons for staying, including saving money for education, physical limitations, and hybrid academic programs.
Why it matters
This personal story reflects a broader societal trend of adult children living with their parents longer, impacting family dynamics, financial planning, and housing markets across many countries.
Three of our kids live at home, and our fourth plans to move back after graduation. Kevin Payne We always thought that when our youngest son graduated from high school, we'd become empty nesters. Instead, all four of our kids are living at home or plan to do so, at least temporarily. We've had to put some of our own plans on hold, but we've been able to get a head start on others. The past 10 months have brought several milestones for our family. My wife, Barb, and I both turned 50. Our oldest daughter finished her graduate coursework and started fieldwork, and our youngest son graduated from high school this spring. For the first time, all four of our kids, ages 18 to 23, were either in college or preparing to start.
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