It's Never Late for Parental Love

Professor Karen Fingerman from the University of Texas has recently published an article in the journal The Psychologist looking at relationships between young adults and their parents [1].

The article looks how our changing lifestyles have affected the way we relate to one another, examining the ways in which our culture, education, economic circumstances, modern communication tools, and expectations around getting married have all changed over the years.

Notably, these changes have led to more people living with their parents in adulthood. For example, the number of 20 to 34-year-olds living with their parents has increased by 25% since 1996 [2].

Professor Fingerman points out that, compared to their counterparts of 30 or 40 years ago, young adults these days tend to stay in education longer, find it harder to get jobs, and delay marriage for longer, if they even choose to marry at all.

Support usually moves in one direction – from parent to child – and can range from financial help in setting up a home to emotional advice around other relationships. Grown children who receive this kind of support tend to report feeling better adjusted and happier with their lives [3].

Professor Fingerman said “Bonds between young adults and parents appear to be thriving. Recent trends and declines in marriage suggest intergenerational ties will continue to intensify”.

References: http://thecoupleconnection.net/blog/youre-never-too-old-for-parental-love