Money Moral Dilemma: Should I charge my son for living at home after returning from uni early?

marisas

No, not at all. Let him enjoy this stress free time, as it won’t come again for a while (hopefully he’ll be successful in his studies and endeavours) but for now give him the homely and parental comforts we all love when we go home to see our folks.

sweetnsalty

A contribution for food would be reasonable, but not the other bills that you would be paying anyway.   

AnneMary

I don’t think it’s unreasonable to ask for a contribution to cover food costs AND maybe a bit extra towards bills IF needed. I always gave my mum some housekeeping when I was a student as I realised how much these things cost having lived away from home. 

Rent for the room does not seem reasonable to me. 

akd71

OMG no!!
He is your son!
If you are genuinely struggling for money have an adult conversation about costs/ housework/ home support and contributing, otherwise why would you not support your son? My son is back and I am glad to have the extra time with him.

TomB72

I think it depends.  Our son has returned home but as he is also shielding he is unable to work over the summer in order to raise additional funds for next years costs.  Fortunately he is in his first year and has been released early from his halls accommodation. Next academic year he is going into a private rental so has to start paying from July even if Uni has not reopened.  Consequently ever penny matters. We have decided not to charge him anything as we are in a better position to cope than he may be next year.  It is a real shame that he has had to cut short his first year and at least we can give him the chance to enjoy the next one.

vovvon1

Be thankful for your Son and his health and yours. 

annieshb

Do you charge your son if he comes home in summer holidays or at Christmas? Is he still having to pay for his accommodation and fees at university? How badly off are you?
i can’t imagine charging my child as it’s there home but if you are really struggling it’s time to sit down and discuss the situation with him.

welshboy26

Depends on what income if any he has coming in and wether you can afford the extra cost in food etc? If you can then I’d say no as he’s your son but then I don’t know what kind of relationship you have? I’m quite amazed that you’d find the need to post on Martin Lewis’ website to figure this out though if I’m being honest!

Persephone44

I actually find it really quite sad that you're even asking this. 
No, I definitely don't think you should charge. He is your child for goodness sake! Instead maybe count your blessings that he is safe and healthy and that you can spend time with him.

[Deleted User]

My son is back home from uni, still gets his full maintenance loan, and has to pay rent on his house share until end of June. So while he's here, as I'm having to stay home with an underlying health condition, self-employed with no money coming in, he's paying for his food, which is what he would be spending while at uni. His girlfriend is also here - and she's doing the same.

He has given me a little extra that his landlord kindly gave him off his rent for utilities not being used. But that's it.

He budgets well, and through each summer hols while he's been here, he's also paid towards his food which I don't think is unreasonable. He gets a roof over his head, home comforts, no expectations forced upon him, freedom, support, can relax and unwind, recover from working hard at uni. But also an awareness that things cost money!

Unreasonable possibly for OP to demand "rent", depends on circumstances, like so many of these "moral dilemmas". But no reason not to make a contribution to food costs, to help out if needed.