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- My kids are in their 20s, and they still live with me. I don’t charge rent or urge them to move out. (businessinsider.com)
Local mom Lori Meo, 56, is raising her young adult children with a unique parenting style. Meo’s children, both over 18, still live at home, and she’s perfectly content with that arrangement.
Meo, who describes her upbringing as “super liberal,” consciously chose a different path than her husband’s more traditional upbringing. She feels strongly about not pressuring her children to leave home.
Her only rule is that they either work or attend school. Both children currently work full-time.
Meo cites the difficult economy and their positive family dynamic as reasons to keep the home open. The family, including Meo’s mother, even moved to a larger farmhouse three years ago to accommodate everyone comfortably.
Family dinners are a nightly ritual, serving as both a chance to connect and a forum for discussing important decisions. Meo emphasizes mutual respect among the adults in the household. She avoids giving unsolicited advice and trusts her children to communicate their plans.
Another unconventional choice? Meo doesn’t charge her children rent.
While they discussed the possibility, they ultimately decided against it, feeling financially secure enough to cover expenses. The children are responsible for their share of car insurance and phone bills and are encouraged to save.
Open communication about finances is a priority in the Meo household. While she doesn’t monitor their accounts, Meo knows both children are saving, and they’re well-versed in financial matters. Her son is even pre-approved for a mortgage.
Finally, Meo allows her children’s significant others to stay overnight, provided it’s a serious relationship. This decision, made after careful consideration with her husband, aims to create a comfortable environment and avoid pressuring the children to move out prematurely.
Meo trusts her children’s judgment regarding the seriousness of their relationships. She believes this approach allows them to build their lives with partners for the right reasons, not simply out of a need for independent living space.