I am an adult child who had to move back home after splitting up with ex. I work full time, buy my own groceries, pay my own car insurance and take care of my 13 y.o. I pay rent. My two brothers who also live at home ( who never moved out yet) also pay rent. My parents are retired and have fixed incomes. If they need more money we all chip in. I thank them everyday becuase without them I would have wound up living in a shelter. I think every parent should keep their doors open for their children, because sometimes we need to come back home. When I eventually move out and have my own place, I will NEVER close my doors to my son. When he moves out, and he ever needs a place to come back to I will always welcome him with open arms.
As for charging rent. I agree with most posters. When my son goes to high school and keeps his grades up, he will not have to pay rent. He will have to pay for things he wants; games, movies. I told him he cannot date until he has a job. I am not paying for him to take a girl out. Just how I feel. I think he should work in high school, as long as his grades don't slip. I will take money from him as 'rent' but put it away for him.
Acidreign