Join me live on Channel 5 News after 6pm discussing The Clipped Wing Generation – young adults who can’t afford to fly the nest despite working full time.
The Charity Shelter have just released a report:
WHAT THEY SAY ON THE STORY
“The ‘clipped wing generation’ are finding themselves with no choice but to remain living with mum and dad well into adulthood, as they struggle to find a home of their own… “Rather than pumping more money into schemes like Help to Buy, we need bolder action that will meet the demand for affordable homes and not inflate prices further. “From helping small local builders find the finance they need, to investing in a new generation of part rent, part buy homes, the solutions to our housing shortage are there for the taking. “Politicians of all parties must now put stable homes for the next generation at the top of the agenda.”
Nearly two million working young adults aged between 20 and 34 years old in England are still living with their parents according to Shelter, which is urging stronger action to help the “clipped wing generation” fly the nest.
The charity said data it has taken from the Census shows that there are 1.97
million people in this age group in England who are still living with their
parents, accounting for one quarter of all young adults in employment.
A survey commissioned by the charity also found that nearly half (48%) of 250
young adults who live with their parents said they do so because they cannot
afford to rent or buy their own home.
Shelter said its analysis of the Census data uncovered several areas where the
proportion of adult children living with their parents is much higher.
It named nation’s “clipped wing” hotspots as Castle Point in Essex where 45%
of working 20- to 34-year-olds live with their parents; Knowsley in Merseyside
where the figure is 42%; and Solihull where 38% of young working adults still
live in the home they grew up in.
Shelter highlighted the case of a 32-year-old woman named Sarah who lives with
her parents in the family home in Croydon. She works in online advertising, but
has been living on and off with her parents for the past 10 years while trying
to save for a deposit.
Sarah said: “I’m trying really hard to save up and get my own place but
today’s rollercoaster house prices mean the goal posts keep moving.
“If I move out now the reality is I’ll be stuck paying expensive rents for the
rest of my life. I know I’m lucky to have a job and somewhere to live, but the
thought that I’m going to be living like a teenager into my late 30s or even 40s
is really disheartening.”
My son Will is renting in September after he has climbed Killimanjaro for the Charity ChildReach and joins millions of young people leaving University beginning their long climb to save up to join the property ladder. It’s such a different story from when I was 23 and bought my own flat in South Croydon.
What’s your story?
How do you cope with the return of your kids?
Do they revert back to teenagers forgetting to put their plates in the dishwasher like mine?
I encourage all the parents I work with to sit down over a meal and have PLANNED what you want to say – and more importantly HOW you want to say it and set some new Ground Rules with your adult offspring as they need a gentle reminder about turning off the lights, emptying the bins and putting on the dishwasher as they are back but not as kids !
It’s all in YOUR tone of voice and body language and in your intention – so don’t wait until you’re at the end of your tether, resentful and angry – I suggest you strike while the iron is cold!
Take just a little time to explain nicely but firmly, but firmly what you do want to see happen, rehearse what you want to say and choose when you want to say it and hopefully things will change ! If not give me a call to help! 01883 818329