Anonymous wrote:I'm guessing the answer to my question is pretty obvious but I'd love to hear suggestions or comments.
BACKGOUND - Both adult daughters living back at home after graduating from college last year. Both have decent jobs and pay but we live in one of the most expensive counties in the US so finding a place to rent they can afford is nearly impossible. We don't charge them any rent or food costs, basically they live care free at our home still in hopes that they can save money for future living/housing costs. As the parents we also paid 100% of the college costs including apartment rent and car (used). Since moving back home the college apartment furniture has been storied in our garage collecting dust and cat hair.
SITUATION - My wife and I were looking for a small table to place a printer on in our office so we thought we'd temporarily use one of our daughters small tables that was stored in the garage that we had purchased for college. The minute we brought it into the house she flipped out and said we should have asked permission first before using her table. Needless to say I was stunned at such a stupid response seeing that she use's EVERYTHING in our house without question. To make matters worse after this argument she decides that her and her sister don't like what we're cooking for dinner so they go out and get takeout food. This of course pisses me off even more after spending the time and money to cook a Sunday night dinner.
Needless to say it's time they move out and face the real world. I'd just like them to do this without destroying the family relationship.
Well, as a parent of similar aged kids, I'd have asked before I used the table, but my kids would've just said, sure, or offered to carry it in for me. Regardless of their living situation, you should treat them like adults, since you'd like them to behave that way. Don't tie it to their 'bad attitude' or behavior when you sit down to talk with them about moving out, I'm sure that they would love to be independent and are under more stress than you realize living in your home and being treated like children again. Set a firm deadline and offer whatever assistance you can.