The Rise of Full-Time Children

The term 'full-time children' has emerged to describe the phenomenon of young adults returning to live with their parents while managing household responsibilities in exchange for financial support. Initially gaining traction in late 2022, this trend reflects a significant cultural shift, particularly in China, where living with parents into adulthood is widely accepted. Unlike terms such as 'boomerang kids' or 'failure to launch', which imply a lack of motivation or financial instability, full-time children are often choosing this lifestyle to take a break, pursue higher education, or prepare for career opportunities. This arrangement, rooted in cultural expectations of filial piety, sees these individuals contributing to family life and caregiving, thus maintaining a reciprocal relationship with their parents despite the social pressures they face.