Son Moves Back In, Dad Sets ‘Unreasonable’ Rules

Imagine moving back in with your parents after college, only to have your dad lay down some ‘unreasonable’ rules. That’s exactly what happened to 23-year-old Chris when he moved back in with his mom, dad, and younger sister. Unable to afford rent, Chris had no choice but to return to the nest. But his dad wasn’t too thrilled about the situation and decided to give his son a reality check.

The Return of the Prodigal Son

A Burden on the Family?

Time for a Heart-to-Heart

The Rules Are Set

Rule A: Self-Reliance

Rule B: Gratitude

Rule C: Limited Wi-Fi

Son’s Reaction

Rule D: No Luxuries

The Explosion

Mom to the Rescue?

The Wife’s Argument

Dad Stands His Ground

What About the Daughter?

A Strained Relationship?

Tough Love or Unreasonable Demands?

So, the dad sets some rules for his adult son who’s moved back in, and things get heated. Chris thinks the rules are ridiculous, and his mom takes his side. But the dad stands his ground, believing he’s teaching his son to be responsible. Is he being too harsh, or is this just the wake-up call Chris needs? ‍♀️ Let’s see what the internet thinks of this situation…

NTA. Son wants to be treated like an adult but acts entitled

ESH: Dad’s rules are overboard, but son needs to contribute and find a job. Wife is enabling.

Mixed messages in rules, but asking for standard politeness. Replace WiFi rule with asking to contribute to meals ️

Is the son actively job searching or goofing around?

ESH. Reasonable rules, but limiting WiFi and Netflix is petty.

Is the son struggling with mental health issues and unemployment?

Fair rules, but WiFi restriction is odd and could hinder job search

Adult son refuses to clean up after himself, gets called out.

ESH – Rules poorly designed to motivate, rather to shut him up.

Setting rules for a freeloading son? NTA, but tough love.

Father’s ‘overstretched’ rules for son’s behavior get ESH judgment

NTA. Set boundaries for your adult son to avoid dependency.

Dad’s ‘unreasonable’ wifi rule for son sparks outrage

NTA comment suggests adult son needs to act like one

Setting rules without discussing with spouse caused family tension

Different expectations causing chaos. Rules need compromise

Job hunting is tough , be fair to your son

Setting rules without spouse’s agreement makes YTA. Consider underlying issues.

Father and son clash over rules and responsibilities.

Father’s ‘unreasonable’ rules for adult son sparks ESH discussion

Inconsistent rules convey ‘don’t get comfortable here’ vibe. ESH

NTA. Reasonable rules for adult son, enabler wife.

Dad sets rules for son, he complains. Time to grow up!

Commenter questions reasons for son’s return and criticizes rules.

Parenting done right

Son’s entitlement causes tension with dad and sister. NTA.

Adult son living at home – NTA sets reasonable rules

Commenter calls out dad’s ‘unreasonable’ rules on wifi usage.

NTA thinks dad’s rules are reasonable except for wifi restriction

Parents share their experience and advice on setting boundaries with adult children.

ESH. Commenter agrees with some rules, but dad disregards wife’s opinion.

Dad sets ‘unreasonable’ rules for son living rent-free. NTA?

Adult son should contribute to household, NTA

Adult child should contribute to household chores and finances. NTA.

Teaching responsibility or being a spoiled brat? NTA’s rules.

Adult son moves back in with dad, but is he a freeloader? NTA comment says dad’s rules are reasonable except for wifi.

ESH for unreasonable wifi limit and Netflix ban. Adult son.

Living with a friend who didn’t clean up after himself

Commenter suggests son should find temporary job, but parents need unity

Son needs to act like an adult and follow dad’s rules

Fair expectations for adult child living at home.

NTA, but the rule about wifi and Netflix is unreasonable

Lazy son and unreasonable dad both at fault

Setting boundaries for adult children. Encouraging therapy and counseling.

Helping someone doesn’t mean letting them skate by without contributing.

Commenter calls out parent’s behavior and highlights issues in family dynamics.

Fair rules except for C. Complaining about meals is rude

NTA but rule c is unreasonable. Replies suggest finding a job.