My son wants to move out, but cannot afford it. How can I talk to him without starting a row?

Looking for practical advice, relationship help or emotional support? As a mum-of-four, grandmother-of-eight and dear friend to many, Margaret’s years of experience make her the ideal person to turn to with your worries angry he feels when faced with the reality of the situation. This is not about a rejection of you or his home life, it’s simply a young man wanting to spread his wings. But freedom costs cash which he simply doesn’t have.

Ask him calmly if you could both make time to talk this through together.

If you are willing to discuss the practicalities of the situation he will realise you are not against him moving out in principal.

The only problem you are concerned about is the cost of it all. Find out exactly how much money he’d need every month to flat share with his friends.

Would it be possible for you to help him out a bit financially? Perhaps he can get a weekend job which pays a little more?

Once he faces the cold hard facts of the cost of flat sharing, he will be in a better position to make a decision.

Try to show your son you understand how he feels and you want to help as best you can, but it’s only by talking this through together in a positive way and practical way that he will realise whether or not he can afford to move out.

Here’s hoping he appreciates your support.