Is it Fair for a Parent to Ask for Financial Support from Their Adult Child Starting Their Career?

"Single parent asks adult child for financial support amid personal struggles - AITA for seeking assistance as my child starts their career?"

Sophia

Published in Interesting
16 Jan 2026

Is it Fair for a Parent to Ask for Financial Support from Their Adult Child Starting Their Career?

In today’s thread, we delve into a complex situation that many families can relate to: the intersection of parental support and the financial independence of adult children. The original poster, a 45-year-old single parent, finds themselves in a precarious position.

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After dedicating years to supporting their child, Alex, through education, they are now facing financial struggles of their own. With bills piling up and the pressure mounting, the OP has reached out to Alex for financial assistance, despite knowing that Alex is just starting their career and has their own student loans to tackle.

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This request has sparked a significant conversation, as Alex's initial reaction was one of surprise and hesitation. The situation raises important questions: Is it reasonable for parents to seek financial support from their adult children, even if those children are just beginning their professional journeys?

How can families navigate the delicate balance between responsibility and support without burdening one another? As the community weighs in with their thoughts, the responses range from supportive to critical, highlighting the emotional and financial nuances involved.

Join the discussion and share your perspective on this intricate family dynamic. What would you do in a similar situation?

Original Post

So I'm a single parent, and let's say I'm 45F. My child, let's call them Alex, 23M, recently graduated college and landed their first job.

It's entry-level, so the pay isn't amazing. I've always supported Alex and paid for their education, but now I'm struggling financially.

Bills are piling up, and I'm finding it hard to make ends meet. I sat down with Alex and explained my situation, mentioning that a little financial help from them would really make a difference.

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Quick context: Alex has student loans to pay off, and I know they want to start their life without the burden of supporting me. However, I feel like I've done so much for Alex and a little support from them now would be fair.

They were taken aback by my request, and I could sense some hesitation on their end. So AITA?