AIBU to take 20% of sons wages for rent and board?

[funnyfairy360]

When I grew up and got my first job I had to start paying rent. My son is now working and I ask him for 20% of his monthky take home salary for rent, food (+ personal care stuff for him) and his mobile phone. I expect him to contribute to his clothes but I still get big stuff (new bed for instance). He tells me none of his workmates have to pay their parents rent. He has more disposable income than me. Am I out of touch and being unfair?

Ds pays 20%. He had a pay rise but is saving that for a house deposit. You do him no favours by him not paying his way in life.

How old is he?

Actually I’d ask for 30% and keep a third (or a half if I could afford it) to save for him as a surprise when he moves out or need something. If he gets used to living off a Major part of his salary it isn’t realistic for preparing him to rent and budget. This way he helps you but you’re also helping him.
Dont just let him live for free. You’re not helping him then at all really unless he is excellent at saving.

As you say take home salary I assume he is working full time and not a part time job whilst studying?

If so no, not unreasonable.

Would he prefer to buy his own food, toiletries, use s launderette...??

The only thing that is unreasonable is you still paying for his mobile ... he should pay for that himself ...

I suggest he gets used to paying his way. Don’t believe that all his friends are not also giving their parents a contribution towards their keep. Sounds like the “everyone’s got one except me” that kids use to get what they want. I have heard of parents who don’t need a contribution putting it aside for something important for the children’s future! We needed it. Remember we had to ask for it as the contributor’s memory wasn’t that good!

If he thinks the set up unfair, he can live elsewhere. It’s other people’s choice as to whether they ask a contribution from working children, and I don’t believe there is a right or wrong- it’s your personal choice. Juts like it’s his choice to find other accomodation if 20% is too high......and then realise how much independent living actually costs.

YANBU

Thats more than fair.

If he’s working full time and over 18 then I think that’s fine

I could never charge my child to live at home. I would, however, insist that a set amount is put aside for savings when they are living at home rent free.

I would take the 20% from him; use half of it myself on bills, and save half of it for him as a surprise for when he moves out.

aye and your not their mammy, your house your rules.

If I was financially well off I intend to take rent from my boys once they are earning then put it in a saving account and give it back to them once they are moving out. Obviously I might not be that fortunate and every little helps with extra adults to feed.

It's rough but Christ tell that to the landlord.....yeah wouldn't wash lol.

Give him a shake from me

He is 18 dropped out of college luckily got a job in Tesco good to hear so many people think IANBU I was beginning to doubt myself

@funnyfairy360

Sounds pretty reasonable to me. I paid board when I lived at home and it was about 40% it prepares you for living alone.