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Adult kids staying and not contributing.

(73 Posts)
Sli1260 Mon 15-Jun-26 09:34:28

My son and his wife have been staying with us for a few weeks before they emigrate to Australia. They have used our car which had a fault while they were driving it, so they parked it up and left it. They haven’t bought any shopping while staying here - even though my son has been bragging about how much money they have saved up and that he’s earned £7k in the last couple of months, freelancing and are very untidy around the house.
We’ve just returned from a week away, which was booked before they decided to stay with us, and the house hasn’t been cleaned or hoovered since we’ve been gone.
We’ve just been told that on their last night they’re going out to dinner with his cousin, and we haven’t been invited.
I’m trying so hard not to say anything negative before they fly out but it’s becoming really difficult.

rafichagran Tue 16-Jun-26 16:23:32

welbeck

I think most people don't do cleaning or hoovering every week.

Don't they? Honestly I think they do. I could not think of anything worse than a untidy dirty house. Especially when I come back to it.

Jess20 Tue 16-Jun-26 17:37:39

They're probably very excited and very stressed at the same time. They're treating you like they're your kids and letting you look after them, not just visitors. It's probably the climax of a very demanding few months getting ready to leave and they're decompressing before moving on. They're being with you, spending time with you. OK, they're not thinking of what you might want - but in a way it's very sweet as it shows they see you as someone they can chill out with and relax around. They've been with you for a good time and personally I'd try and reframe the experience and treasure those last days before they leave rather than feel resentful. I'd certainly have stories to share about how untidy they are and but they haven't done any real damage and theres plenty of time to clear up once they've gone. I wouldn't have been as laid back about the car though! Let them go out with members of their own generation on their last night and wave goodbye the next day without any ill will.

win Tue 16-Jun-26 18:13:35

welbeck

I think most people don't do cleaning or hoovering every week.

Are you kidding !!

kittylester Tue 16-Jun-26 21:23:28

Just enjoy them while you can. Each of our 5 have had extended stays here due to moving, marital breakdowns etc. It was hard work but we gave been grateful to be able to help.

Suzieque66 Wed 17-Jun-26 07:44:54

Well ... you could book a stay in Australia and annoy them !

monami Wed 17-Jun-26 08:51:47

Just ask why

Luckygirl3 Wed 17-Jun-26 09:49:43

It is hard when you know you will not be seeing them for some time to come. I think you should zip the lip and keep things sweet for this last short time.

After they have gone hopefully that entirely justified feeling of resentment will fade.

If they come to stay for any length of time in future you will be forewarned!

I would send them the bill for retrieving the car!

Frenchgalinspain Wed 17-Jun-26 11:08:39

Sli1260

I agree with all of your responses and of course I don’t want any unpleasantness before they leave.
I think it is disappointment I’m feeling as he wasn’t brought up to behave this way. Leaving a list of jobs to be done while we’re away seems odd to me as they lived in their own place previously and would surely clean the bathrooms and hoover regularly!
I didn’t think “ground rules” needed to be set as he was obviously brought up in my household and knows how we live.
🤷🏼‍♀️ it’s done now and he’s going soon and of course I’m devastated. It helps to have written down how I’m feeling.

Very well stated.

It is a true pity that their parental environmental hygiene lacks respect ..

So sorry ..

Granimal Wed 17-Jun-26 11:11:37

Sorry, but whenever parents complain about adult children’s behaviour, I think “Well, you brought them up!”

AmberGran Wed 17-Jun-26 11:34:16

I remember when we used to stay with my parents - I wouldn't have dreamed of hoovering or cleaning, my mother would have been up in arms. I said I would strip the bed before I left and she was adamant she just wanted it left and she would strip it when she felt like it. I stopped offering to do anything after a while and just let her get on with it. It was a rod she made for her own back - she hated anyone else doing anything around her home.

No one even made tea in my mother's house until she decided one day she was sick of making tea for everyone and told everyone to make their own when they wanted it.

Doodledog Wed 17-Jun-26 14:26:56

Granimal

Sorry, but whenever parents complain about adult children’s behaviour, I think “Well, you brought them up!”

Helpful hmm

Whenever I hear about people who are rarely asked for advice/have few friends I think ‘well, you always made those who approached you feel worse.’

sazz1 Wed 17-Jun-26 20:55:24

My son and daughter help a lot when they stay here, which is quite frequently as we live by the coast. Son cooks, vacuums, waters the garden, loads the dishwasher etc. Daughter helps cook and does the dishes, also cleaned the windows once. They bring some food and pay their way if we go out. I couldn't cope with your son and his wife doing nothing and would have asked them to help at the start. Too late now but if they visit in the future ask them to help.

crazyH Wed 17-Jun-26 23:36:37

All my 3 AC have lived with me at some time or another. Even after they married By that time, I was in the middle of a divorce (from their father) - it was tough. There were arguments , because my mind was not in the right place.
I do hope they now understand .

Sli1260 Thu 18-Jun-26 16:36:18

Granimal: don’t you think that’s why I’m so disappointed at his behaviour?
If I’d brought him up to be a user I wouldn’t be shocked! 🙄

Gran22boys Thu 18-Jun-26 18:44:58

butterandjam

Before they leave, I'm sure you'll find an opportunity to say wte

" Golly, we're going to miss you so much. Already saving up to come and stay in your new home. Can't wait! a free holiday in the sun with home cooking and no housework "

Oh that’s brilliant!

Shinamae Thu 18-Jun-26 18:53:43

Granimal

Sorry, but whenever parents complain about adult children’s behaviour, I think “Well, you brought them up!”

What a ridiculous statement..

crazyH Thu 18-Jun-26 22:41:47

And btw they paid their way …

Stillness Fri 19-Jun-26 09:02:18

My son (who isn’t going to Australia! ) behaves a bit like this. I’ve no idea why as, as you say, he wasn’t brought up like it. Maybe it’s the wife’s influence. We now don’t look forward to their visits. It doesn’t mean that we don’t love him though…..

Stillness Fri 19-Jun-26 09:03:20

Let it pass..…wave goodbye with a smile…and probably tears…and then heave a little sigh of relief.

Chaitriona Sat 20-Jun-26 10:09:28

How self centered of them and how sad for you at an emotional time when you would like to feel loved and cared about and to be at the centre of their thoughts and concerns when you and they are parting.

As for your sons upbringing in your home, adult children do not always reproduce what they have had in their own home. Sometimes they go against it and the woman will always be the biggest influence in what happens in a home.

You are probably very efficient and well organized. This work can be taken for granted but also people may not like to interfere.

When I look back, my husband and I were two such as your son and his wife are now. In my parents home, in my aunt and uncle's, in his grandparents. I am ashamed now. We were spoiled and selfish. Also they were very efficient people and we were pretty useless. But I am making no excuses. However I loved them all dearly and they loved us.

In a way, that they behave so badly shows how at home your son and daughter in law feel, what confidence they have in your love. That they can take it for granted. Of course it is very wrong of them. And such a shame for you. But I believe your own good sense and the real love I feel have for each other will help you to transcend your very reasonable hurt at this time. It will at least be a relief to get your house back and perhaps help you feel less sad when they go.. Best wishes and good luck.

Sli1260 Sat 20-Jun-26 12:19:46

@Stillness - yes, exactly that - disappointing but of course I still love them.

Sli1260 Sat 20-Jun-26 12:22:55

@Chaitriona - how insightful of you to understand you were like this. I hope you’re correct that it’s because they have confidence in my love and not that they’re spoiled and entitled as I was beginning to believe!