Mom Reveals Three Surprising Takes for Parenting Adult Children

A mom shared her “controversial” parenting takes on TikTok, triggering a viral debate. Lori Meo (@loricowsandstuff), 56, from Foster, Rhode Island, is mom to Eleanor, 22, and Henry, 24. She said that she doesn’t care when her kids leave home, doesn’t make them pay rent, and allows their partners to sleep over whenever they want. Her points garnered more than 36,300 likes and over 784,500 views on TikTok. Meo shared her most-emotive take with Newsweek, saying: “Based on my TikTok feedback, not having my adult kids contribute rent was a big one, and letting my adult kids’ boyfriend and girlfriend stay overnight was very controversial.” In the video, Meo gave another opinion: her children can live at home forever as long as they are hardworking and respectful. She added that she doesn’t want them to feel rushed out. Lori Meo speaks to the camera. The mom shared three things she does not care about as a parent to adult-‘ish’ children. Lori Meo speaks to the camera. The mom shared three things she does not care about as a parent to adult-‘ish’ children. @loricowsandstuff/@loricowsandstuff In the United States, approximately one-third of adults aged 18 to 34 live in their parents’ home, according to Pew Research Center. This trend is less prevalent in the U.S. compared to many European countries, where higher percentages of young adults reside with their parents. The decision for adult children to remain at home often depends on individual circumstances, including financial considerations, cultural norms, and personal preferences. For Meo, there is no rush for her kids to flee the nest, and she maintains co-living harmony by treating them as adults. “I treat them like adults, and therefore they can have company anytime, including overnight,” she said. The couple don’t ask for rent from their children, but instead have them help out. “We have a small farm, and they help a lot with chores and animals. Many people said I should collect rent and give it back to them, but they are both saving and investing on their own, so, to me, that is basically the same,” Meo said. She added that the most important thing is their strong bond and the fact that they all get along and have fun together. They also live with Meo’s mother and husband, Steve. “A few people felt like I was enabling my kids, but they are extremely smart, reliable, and responsible, good kids,” Meo said. Her parenting takes sparked discussion in the comments section, with parents both agreeing and sharing their own views. “I charged my kid $300 a month for rent. When they moved out at 25, I was able to give her $25k (the rent she paid) when she left home,” wrote one parent. “I don’t care if they come and go or where or what time. But no Gf or Bf [girlfriend or boyfriend] staying the night. If you wanna play house, go ahead and get your own place. Contribute to something—groceries, electric bill,” commented Audra. “Sounds good to me,” added Rosie O’Donnell. “Same. I have a huge Victorian house I inherited from my parents. We have plenty of room. My adult kids live here and pay their insurance, phone, and buy some of their food. They can stay forever,” posted Lou. If you have a family dilemma, let us know via life@newsweek.com. We can ask experts for advice, and your story could be featured on Newsweek.