18 Topics Adult Kids Wish You’d Stop Bringing Up (But Won’t Tell You)
Conversations between parents and their adult children can be a minefield. While the intent is often harmless, certain topics tend to come up again and again, leaving the younger generation squirming.
Whether it’s unsolicited advice or outdated opinions, these subjects can turn casual chats into uncomfortable lectures. Here are 18 things that adult kids wish parents would stop mentioning—but don’t know how to tell them without causing a stir.
When Are You Getting Married?
Questions about marriage can feel like a relentless drumbeat for adult kids who aren’t ready or aren’t interested. While parents might see it as innocent curiosity, younger people often hear judgment.
This topic puts unnecessary pressure on those who are single, dating, or in unconventional relationships.
When Will You Have Kids?
For adult children, this can be a deeply personal or even painful subject. Whether they’re focused on their careers, struggling with fertility, or simply not interested in becoming parents, the constant prodding makes them feel as though they need to justify their life choices.
Like iepmommy's content? Follow us on MSN.
Your Job Isn’t Stable Enough
Criticizing an adult child's career, especially if it’s unconventional or freelance, can feel like an attack on their ambitions. While parents may want stability for their kids, this subject often comes across as dismissive of the hard work they’ve put into their chosen path.
Back in My Day, We Didn’t Do Things This Way
Bringing up how things were done in the past can make adult kids feel like their current struggles or decisions are being invalidated. Times have changed, and younger generations face challenges their parents never had to deal with, from student debt to housing costs.
Your Spending Habits Are Concerning
Comments about how much money is spent on coffee, travel, or rent can feel intrusive. While parents may mean well, these remarks often ignore the economic realities that younger generations navigate daily, making them feel unfairly judged.
Like iepmommy's content? Follow us on MSN.
Why Don’t You Call More Often?
Parents often don’t realize that this question makes adult kids feel guilty and obligated, rather than encouraged. With busy schedules and demanding lives, younger generations need support, not subtle scolding, to keep communication flowing.
Are You Eating Healthy?
Adult kids don’t appreciate having their dietary choices scrutinized. Whether they’re trying a new diet or indulging in fast food, these comments can come off as controlling rather than caring.
Nutrition is personal and often best left alone unless they ask for advice.
Why Don’t You Visit More Often?
Bringing this up regularly can make visits feel like a chore rather than something to look forward to. Adult kids juggle jobs, relationships, and personal commitments, so constant reminders about visiting can create resentment rather than fostering connection.
Like iepmommy's content? Follow us on MSN.
That Haircut Isn’t Flattering
Criticizing appearance—whether it’s a hairstyle, tattoo, or outfit choice—can hurt more than parents realize. Adult kids want to feel accepted for who they are, not judged by their style preferences or self-expression.
You Should Really Settle Down Somewhere
For those who move often or love to travel, this topic feels restrictive. While parents might crave the stability of having their kids nearby, adult children often see these comments as a failure to understand their adventurous spirit or life stage.
You Need to Save More Money
Hearing advice about savings and retirement planning can feel condescending to adult kids already trying their best to manage finances. Younger generations often face higher costs of living and stagnant wages, so this advice can feel tone-deaf.
Like iepmommy's content? Follow us on MSN.
Why Aren’t You Dating Anyone?
For single adult kids, this question can feel invasive and stressful. It shifts the focus from their achievements and happiness to societal expectations, making them feel like they’re falling short.
Your Friends Are a Bad Influence
Criticizing their social circle can create tension and push adult kids to distance themselves. Younger generations value chosen families and diverse friendships, and negative comments can make parents seem out of touch or overly controlling.
Why Don’t You Move Closer to Us?
While it may come from a place of love, this question overlooks the realities of work opportunities, relationships, and personal goals that keep adult kids in specific locations. It can make them feel guilty for prioritizing their own lives.
Like iepmommy's content? Follow us on MSN.
You Should Lose Some Weight
Comments about weight, even when framed as health concerns, are almost always unwelcome. They can damage self-esteem and strain parent-child relationships.
Younger generations prefer encouragement in healthy habits rather than criticism.
Why Do You Post So Much Online?
Criticizing social media habits can feel like a generational disconnect. While parents may see it as oversharing, younger people often use these platforms as vital tools for connection, expression, and even career building.
Are You Sure That’s a Good Idea?
Constant skepticism about decisions—whether it’s a career move, a big purchase, or a relationship—can feel like a lack of trust. Adult kids want their parents to support their choices, even if they don’t fully understand them.
Like iepmommy's content? Follow us on MSN.
You’ll Understand When You’re Older
This phrase feels dismissive, as though the adult child’s experiences and perspectives are invalid until they reach a certain age. While wisdom comes with time, younger people want their opinions respected in the here and now.
More from IEPMommy
- Younger Workers Refuse to Follow These 15 Outdated Office Rules
- Stop Saying These 18 Overused Phrases That Drive People Up the Wall
- The Harsh Realities Boomers Lived That Millennials Didn’t Have to Face
- 17 Things Kids Had to Follow in the 70s That Sound Unreal Today
- 19 Old-Fashioned Beliefs That Boomers Cling to but Are Harmful Today
Like iepmommy's content? Follow us on MSN.
