"merit-based" is a nice way of viewing things. When I graduated high school and began work my parents suggested I live at home so I could afford school. Mom had recently lost her job due to governmental budget cuts so financial help from the parents for school was out of the question. My job would cover tuition, books and travel but would leave nothing else. I stayed for four years and paid no rent. When the topic did come up my parents said that someday after they retire they would move in to my house and live rent free. This was the only time in my life I regretted being an only child.
Quote:
|
1. How long (or two what age) are the parents obligated to allow their children to live at home rent and responsibility free?
|
Responsibility to the home and the family begin in childhood and not at age 18. This includes things from cooking and cleaning and home maintenance to participating in family decisions.
Quote:
|
2. Do parents have a responsibility to force their kids out of the family home at some point (like mother birds pushing the chicks out of the nest).
|
IMHO if you raise a child well you will never have to ‘force’ them to move out as they will want to leave home because they are adult enough and independent enough to do so.
Quote:
|
3. Is there a point at which a parent does more harm to the child by shielding them from responsibility rather than thrusting them into the cold cruel world?
|
Our every action, either good, bad or indifferent, has repercussions. The basis of ethical behavior is rooted in this concept. Everyone needs to grasp this concept and I believe the sooner you do grasp it the better. We all need to take responsibility for our action and our choices. My 14 month old nephew knows that if you, (for example) walk up to your brother, take the cup of juice he is drinking and throw it at him you will get a time out.