Episode 6: Gen Y

Involving Your Parents in Your Decision to Leave Home

Psychologist, Dr Dina McMillan: They’ve always said it was up to you to decide when you’re ready to move out of home, so why should you consult with them? After all, it’s your life. But before you sign your new lease and start buying your new lounge, do yourself a favour and think about it. It may be beneficial for both parties if you discuss moving out and what your options are.

You may bristle when they tell you they have some useful tips. Or perhaps you want to prove to them you can take care of yourself.

However, making your move a family decision doesn’t imply that you’re not an adult. It shows that you don’t think you know everything (which will make your parents feel good) and that you still need them (which will make them feel even better).

If you’ve never lived out of home there is a lot you won’t know. Setting up a new house takes a lot of effort and planning. You’ll have to find the place, sign the lease, furnish it within your budget and call various companies to turn on the utilities and that’s just the beginning.

In addition, you’ll also have to figure out where the shops are, your new public transport route and other amenities. You’ll have to plot out your route to work from your new digs and determine how long it will take to get there during the hours you normally travel. And if this isn’t complex enough, add a few housemates into the equation and it will be.

They say you never know someone until you live with them and that’s true. Even if you’re moving in with your closest buddies, you’re going to find out things about each other you didn’t know (and may never wanted to know). To avoid conflict discuss bills and chores straight away and then you are all on the same page.

Don’t worry. Doing this well can be complicated but ask you parents for help, they are the masters. If you confer with them, they can fill in blanks you didn’t even know to ask and give you insight on various telephone and internet companies.

They can present you with options for furnishing your place that you hadn’t thought of yet. They can offer to guide you through the set-up process with your new flatmates so you all have realistic expectations and don’t end up hating each other.

Once you go through the experience of establishing a living space, you’ll know how to do it for the rest of your life. It won’t make you less adult or imply you’re less than capable. It will show you’re smart enough to know when you need help and take good advice when you need it.