According to the latest census taken in Brazil – in 2010 by the Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE) (Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics) – leaving home isn’t easy for young Brazilian adults.* For the men, it’s even harder. Most of the women start living on their own at an average of 23 years of age, three years less than the men, who leave the nest at 26. This even has a name: “Kangaroo Generation”.
The authorship is psychologist Mariana Figueiredo’s, who wrote the book “Geração Canguru Ninho Cheio – Filhos Adultos Morando na Casa dos Pais” (Editora Versos) (Kangaroo Generation Full Nest – Adult Children Living in Their Parents’ House). In the 192 pages of the book, the author displays a wide research with children who continue living with their parents even after reaching adulthood, reflecting on these family relationships.
A topic also illustrated by the IBGE in its latest public research: between 2002 and 2012, there was a rise of 40% in the number of adults between the ages of 25 – 30 living with their parents. According to the census, the average age for leaving the nest went from 25 to 35 years of age.
The reason is simple: the previous generation felt a greater need to leave their parents’ home, in order to conquer and experience the independence they dreamed of. But the “Kangaroo Generation” has acquired financial autonomy and, with a more flexible relationship between parents and children, they don’t feel the need to leave the comforts of home.
However, since coexistence with parents isn’t always a bed of roses, we offer a list of the advantages in leaving the nest. The first one is, of course, freedom. Your house, your rules. The time you arrive home after a night out, when you decide to do the dishes, bedtime, or time spent in a bath, for instance, are no one else’s business when the house is, in fact, yours.
Only you understand the mess you make, or, if you can’t offer your opinion on the furniture or appliances in your parents’ house, then this is your chance. Your decoration or even your mess will no longer be problems. The same goes for whoever you bring home: whether friends for a pre-night get together, or a date. Forget the maternal/paternal figure regulating your guests.
Yes, all this freedom has a price: the responsibility of caring for a house is now yours. However, consider it as one of your biggest chances for personal maturity. Proof of this is that after deciding to leave home, you’ll probably never think of going back under your parents’ roof again. Believe it, freedom, privacy and independence will be indispensable ideals for your feelings of well-being. And not even the memory of the food on the table and the laundered clothes of before will make you change your mind.
*The methodology used in this analysis refers to the question “What is your family relationship or coexistence with the person responsible for the household?” Son (daughter) of the one responsible and spouse; Son (daughter) only of the one responsible; Stepson (stepdaughter); Son-in-law or daughter-in-law; Grandchild; and Great-grandchild. (2010 census)
