The Future of Childhood

Boomerang children

Children that return to their family home post-university or never leave home.

Mammoni

A term used in Italy for adult children who live with their parents.

Bambi

Another term used in Italy referring to adult children who remain at home.

Parasite singles

A term used in Japan to describe young adults living with their parents, viewed negatively as a ‘damaged generation’.

Causes of Boomerang children

High youth unemployment, cost of living, and shortage of affordable housing.

Impact of Boomerang children on parents

Parents experience less anxiety about their children leaving home but do not feel sociologically older.

Accordion families

Ever-expanding multi-generational families that extend to encompass both younger and older generations.

Effect of Boomerang children on birth rates

Leads to a fall in the birth rate as children are less independent and have fewer opportunities to date and start families.