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

sues00

Your son is living on a loan - anything he can save from this debt is a bonus as he may leave university with approx £60000 in debt - would you normally ask him to borrow money to pay for food etc at home?. The maximum loan is still not much to live on and he might find it very difficult to find any work to top it up or it might force him to do work that could put him (and you) in danger of getting sick with covid 
If in the other hand you a for eg a single parent who has lost their job and hasn’t any savings - and your son had always been able to count on you in the past, wouldn’t he volunteer to help out?

lesterlonglegs

If he's a grown up, your son should expect to make contributions towards his upkeep. In fact you shouldn't have to suggest it....he should be already thinking it! It's not the amount he'd contribute that's important but the principle of him paying his way.  

tinka76

I think yes you should ask for a contribution unless he is struggling.
As a young adult he should understand your predicament and may want to do his bit.
yes he is your son and it probably doesn’t feel right to ask, but these are unprecedented times and we all need to work together. As mum to young adult males I know only too well how much them being home can impact food bills! 

Flones

Years ago I was living at home after finishing College and before I got an job.  I had a small amount of money for signing on and my parents asked that all of it be given to them.   I had no issue with it as I had all my food provided and home comforts.   It didn't bother me at all.  Years later when I bought my flat they gave me the deposit for it.   
I wouldn't ask for rent but if he has an income and you are finding it hard to cover food bills I think it's fair to ask for a contribution towards the groceries.  If you don't need the money I wouldn't ask for any as it's not his fault he's in this situation.

messiahontrial

As an adult, he should be paying his way. The amount is down to his and your circumstances. 
Parents that molly coddle their adult children are doing more harm than good. Not only to their child, but to wider society. 

Over_the_Hill

I would and do.  My daughter is in this situation.  She normally pays triple the amount we have asked her to pay as her two older brothers are also staying at home and are paying dig money. We are charging them all the same amount (the same amount I paid to my parents 30 years ago).  It’s learning them how to deal/manage money even in difficult times.  PS Having them all in the house 24hours a day has quadrupled my good bill! 🤦‍♀️😂😍

Tarasmum

of course of course you must charge him. If he was still at uni he would have to be feeding himself, paying utility bills etc and he must have the means to pay for this so it’s only right that he pays his way when he is home. 

Racecarlady

100% he should contribute to the food bill!
I have recently moved back in with my Mum (saving for a house). We each (3 of us) take a week about paying for the weekly food shop, I also pay something towards to gas and electricity as I am now working from home due to lock down.
He's a adult, he should already be offering no matter what your financial situation is!

sfranks

I have 2 children back home from uni but still paying rent. Would not dream of asking them for money as just happy they are home and safe even though I am spending a fortune on food. 

StoneleighCat

Do you need the money? How well off is your son? Are you enjoying having him with you? The answers to those questions should help you to determine whether you want/need to charge him for living with you.