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February 12, 2024
How to help your grown-up child get ready to leave home
By Sun Life Staff
To help your child leave the nest, you can talk to them about how you can help or what you’re willing to do to make it easier for them. Here are some ways you can help them spread their wings.
For over 40 years, LigneParents has been there for parents so they never have to feel alone. They’re experts in parent–child relations and a resource you can trust as you develop your parenting skills. Talking to them could be a great place to start.
Otherwise, here are some ideas on how to support your child as they leave the nest.
Help them make the right decision
Your child wants to move out on their own? Start by spending a moment together thinking about whether that’s the right decision. Some young people want to leave the nest so they can have more independence and freedom. But there are other ways to get there. Like by saving up to:
- Buy a car
- Take a trip
- Go into business
But if your child still wants to leave the nest, at age 18, it’s really their call!
Help them plan for the big move
As a parent, you might help your child plan the big move. For instance, you could help them draw up a budget. Or figure out how many hours they’ll have to work to get through the month. You can also help them organize the move. Or lend a hand in finding government loans, grants and scholarships.
You can also help them decide what they’re looking for in terms of a place to live. Or even assist with house hunting. They could go with a:
- Shared place
- Small apartment
- Rooming house
- Student residence
- Supervised apartment
- Student host family
There are plenty of options!
Give them furniture/appliances you no longer need
There are lots of ways to help out your kids. Some parents set aside household essentials over the years to give their children when they move out. Examples include:
- Kitchenware
- Tools
- Bedding
- Decorations
Some parents even let their kids take their bedroom furniture with them. Or other household furniture they don’t need any more. Not many young people will turn down a homemade casserole either!
Help them settle in
Your children will probably need a little help getting settled. A few small actions can make a big difference. Here are some ideas:
- Painting the new apartment
- Moving
- Getting set up in the new place
Do we have to help them financially?
Parents are under no obligation to provide financial support for children spreading their wings. But if you do decide to, you might either provide a monthly allowance, or cover some of the following:
- Cell phone
- Tuition
- Bus pass
- Winter coats and boots
- Groceries
Read more: 8 smart things you can do for your finances
Is it a good idea to pay their rent? With responsible, self-sufficient young people, it generally works out fine, provided you can handle it financially, of course. But for young people who struggle with life in general, it may be a different story. For them, living rent free could mean they’ll put off actually taking responsibility for themselves.
Sun Life is a proud supporter of LigneParents, supporting parents at every stage of their lives. Day and night, anonymous, confidential and free: 1-800-361-5085.
This article is meant to provide general information only. Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada does not provide professional legal, accounting, taxation, or other professional advice. Please seek advice from a qualified professional, including a thorough examination of your specific legal, accounting, and tax situation.
