kids focused on health, wisdom, happiness.

Rather than focusing on obtaining money and things, they are focused on health, wisdom, and happiness.

 

I used to wonder if I'd failed them

Over the years, as I've watched my friends post pictures of their kids graduating from universities, getting married, and having babies, I wondered if I failed my kids somehow. Would the traditional script have made their life easier? Better?

But then I look at my kids with their significant others and friends, and I'm overwhelmed with gratitude. The economic reality is that even with four or more years of college, many young adults can't land jobs that cover their bills (much less pay off their degrees). Why not lean into the multi-generational living situation that many cultures around the world thrive in?

They do want to move out eventually, but there's no rush

Each of my kids wants to leave the nest and build their own lives eventually, but we've mutually agreed that, for now, staying at home and shifting our relationship from parent-child to co-inhabitants is the best way to set them up for success. The idea is simple: save your money and chase your dreams, while contributing to the family unit.

 

They're young adults, figuring out who they are and who they want to become, with the benefit of doing it without the weight of a mortgage or student debt.

Together, we are happy, healthy, wise, and debt-free. That sounds like success to me.

If you enjoyed this story, be sure to follow Business Insider on MSN.Our 3 kids still live at home after high school. We thought we'd be empty nesters, but intergenerational living works for us.https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/parenting/our-3-kids-still-live-at-home-after-high-school-we-thought-we-d-be-empty-nesters-but-intergenerational-living-works-for-us/ar-AA1EBpMI?ocid=msedgntp&pc=LCTS&cvid=62bb2c49422a4ae0afcc3b90685a78db&ei=91