September 16, 2013
At What Age Should a Child Move Out?

Dear Dr. Laura,

I would like to share with you a conversation that happened at my home yesterday. I was cooking dinner listening to you as I do most days. My 6-year-old son was upstairs, but could hear you telling a caller it was time for his 20-year-old son to move out from their home. My son immediately came down and said that this was just so wrong. I asked him why he felt that way. He went on to tell me, "If you still love your Mom and Dad, that you should be able to live with them until you save up enough money to buy you own house." My husband tried to explain to him that kids should move out from their parents' home between the ages of 18-20. My 6-year-old told him that he felt the age of 46 would be about right. I told my husband just to let him be. You see, Dr. Laura, as a stay-at-home mom to two boys, I know that he will realize this once he gets a little older. I know that my 6-year-old feels this way, because I have been with him everyday of his life, so he can't imagine a day without his dad and I not being with him. And at age six, I am okay with that.

Keep up the advice because I know for me, you are my moral compass. And by the way, my 6-year-old now calls himself Dr. Trent and said people can also call him if they need advice. It looks like if you decide to retire, you have a replacement.

Natalie


Posted by Staff at 11:40 AM