My 35-year-old son hadn’t worked in years, living off my savings while refusing to take responsibility. What I thought was parental support after his divorce became long-term financial enabling. When he announced his girlfriend was moving into my Surrey home without asking, I realized I’d lost control of my own life.
The situation escalated when he attempted to sell my house behind my back, believing a trust entitled him to the property. What he didn’t know was that the estate included a hidden conduct clause requiring steady employment—something he’d never had. His attempt to exploit the system triggered protections that saved my home and exposed the consequences of his entitlement.
By setting firm boundaries and ending financial support, I forced my adult son to face independence. He found work, moved out, and slowly rebuilt his self-respect. I learned that tough love isn’t abandonment—it’s a path to growth. Supporting an adult child doesn’t mean sacrificing your future; sometimes, the most loving choice is finally saying no.
