[khoshlen]

I also think that it's normal to expect them to pay. Nothing comes free in this world. If you would like to make the kids understand then they need to have a look at the bills, and see for themselves that what you are charging is actually fair. Better still they can ask around and see how much would it cost if they were renting a piece of property on their own. They need to be confronted with reality and they will then understand that what you are charging them is actually not that much.

[Elle]

When I turned 16 my mum stopped receiving single-mom benefits, so that's when I started paying my way. She never asked for much but I wanted to help her and it also helped me learn how to live in the real world.

Also, there were some good suggestions about sitting them down and showing them the bills, rent/mortgage etc. I remember the first gas bill I ever got- ouch!

[homeboy]

If you don't charge them rent, you'll end up with the same situation my in-laws are in. Their 28 year old daughter is married to a 29 year old guy and they've live there for 10 years with their 4 kids and are a bunch of slackers.

[EllaEnchanted]

I don't see a problem with it. Until I was married, I worked and stayed at home. I always helped my parents with expenses and bought my car. When I got married, I still tried to help them out with extras if I could. It's a rough life if everyone doesn't pull together.