In Western countries like the United States, turning 18 means it’s time to leave the house.  Once the teens hit 18, they start doing part-time jobs along with college and they even rent their own apartment and start paying their bills. 

But in India, it’s a whole different story.

Here, turning 18 might mean starting college or getting a driver’s license and all this while living with their parents.  In fact, it’s perfectly normal for Indian kids to live with their parents well into their late 20s and sometimes even after they’re married while getting those hot parathas straight from the kitchen to their plates.

Why Don't Indian Kids Leave Home At 18?

It’s all about culture, values, and how we define independence.

In the U.S., kids are encouraged to be self-reliant early. Moving out is considered as a sign of maturity. It shows that you can take care of yourself.

In India, family is everything. Parents are more involved in their children’s lives and staying together is not seen as a lack of independence.

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Is One Better Than The Other?

Not really. Both systems have their pros and cons.

American teens learn adulting skills early. They learn how to manage rent, cook meals, and do their laundry. They also learn to budget money at a very early stage of life. But it can be lonely, stressful, and expensive.

Indian teens often enjoy emotional and financial support for much longer. They have a built-in support system at home. But this delays basic life skills like boiling rice or paying electricity bills.