Parenting Adult Children Impacts Parents in Both Positive and Negative Ways

A new nationally representative survey from AARP shows that today’s parents are extending their support to children well beyond the traditional milestones of age 18 or even 22. In fact, nearly three-quarters are providing some form of financial assistance to their adult children — often in ways that differ from what they had envisioned for this stage of parenting. While many have adjusted to this evolving role, most expect their support will taper off within the next five years.

Although this extended support can bring financial and emotional strain, it also fosters stronger multigenerational bonds. For many, the benefits of closeness outweigh the stress. Still, this shift has implications for parents’ own financial well-being and professional lives. Many express a desire for resources that not only help their children become more independent but also guide them through this unexpected phase of life.

Key Findings:

• Widespread Support: 75% of parents are financially supporting at least one adult child (age 18-plus), even though 53% of these children are capable of meeting their basic needs with money left over.
• Financial Contributions: On average, parents provide about $7,000 annually, with a median contribution of $1,400.
• Motivations: Most parents offer support willingly — 42% do so primarily because they want to help, and another 36% cite a mix of desire and necessity.

Challenges:

• Emotional and Financial Strain: 42% of parents report financial stress, and 35% experience emotional stress related to supporting their adult children.
• Career Impact: Some parents (9%) have even chosen to retire early due to the demands of this role, while others report needing time off work.

Benefits:

• Strong Relationships: An overwhelming 92% of parents say they have a close relationship with the children they support. Only 8% feel that financial support has negatively affected their relationship.
• Personal Satisfaction: More than 2 in 5 report that they are happy that they are able to financially support their adult children.

Looking Ahead:

• Future Concerns: Parents who provide financial support are significantly more concerned about their children’s financial futures than those who do not.
• Resource Needs: Many parents — especially those currently offering support — see great value in resources that help young adults build financial independence. Top areas of interest include navigating health insurance, managing finances and prescriptions (74%), and developing professional skills (74%).

Methodology

AARP commissioned a nationally representative survey of 1,744 adults age 45-plus who are a parent of at least one child who is age 18-plus to understand the experience of parenting children into adulthood.  The interviews were conducted March 28–April 8, 2025 using NORC’s Foresight 50+ AmeriSpeak Panel, and Amplify AAPI Panels. Funded and operated by NORC at the University of Chicago, the panels are probability-based and designed to be representative of U.S. household populations.  Interviews were conducted online and via phone. All data are weighted by age, sex, education, race/ethnicity, census division, and AARP membership status.

For more information, please contact Rebecca Perron at rperron@aarp.org. For media inquiries, contact External Relations at media@aarp.org.