A new study has uncovered the hidden burden of the financial and practical support many Australian parents are bearing for their adult children – revealing it as not only widespread, but significantly impacting the lives and futures of families across the nation.
The research, led by the University of Newcastle, drew from in-depth interviews with 30 parents across metropolitan and regional Australia. It found that modern-day expectations of being a 'good parent' and rising cost of living demands are placing an increasing amount of pressure on families with adult children.
Lead author and sociologist from the University of Newcastle's Youth Studies Group, Dr Julia Cook, said many of the parents they spoke with were providing support well beyond what they themselves received.
"There was a concern within the cohort we interviewed that their children don't face downward class mobility – or struggle to maintain their social standing," explained Dr Cook.
"We found that parents are not just helping their adult children but actively planning their futures around it. This support is often framed as part of being a 'good parent', even when it comes at a personal cost."
Support methods discussed included help with housing, transport, and everyday living expenses.
Although there was evidence in interviews of mental, financial, social and career-related pressures, the researchers found participants struggled, or were reluctant, to answer questions about how the support affected their every-day lives directly.
"Things like dating life and career progression were mentioned as having to take a 'back-seat', but these sentiments were often accompanied by an expression of awareness that this was 'what was signed up for' when having children," Dr Cook added.
Dr Cook, whose past work has focused extensively on the impact of rising economic pressures on young adults, said the results may explain why previous research had found providing intergenerational support did not have a large impact on the timing of retirement.
"More than half of the families we spoke with are actively factoring ongoing support for their children into retirement planning," she said.
The findings, funded by an Australian Research Council grant, raise important questions about inequality, retirement security, and the emotional wellbeing of parents.
As family support becomes a key buffer against economic hardship, Dr Cook and her colleagues urged policy makers to consider how these dynamics might affect future generations.
"Although these practices are long-standing in some cultures, the idea of parental support reaching well into adulthood is a relatively new phenomenon for many Australians – particularly white, middle-income families – and will continue to expand the wealth divide for those who have less means," Dr Cook explained.
"Ultimately, parents are stepping in not just out of love, but out of concern for their children's ability to navigate a tough economic landscape.
"This is about safeguarding their children's futures in a time of rising costs and declining opportunities. Our policy makers need to be aware of the toll these efforts are taking on our communities."
