Mom’s viral TikTok on parenting adult kids sparks debate over her ‘controversial’ rules

Lori Meo, a 56-year-old mom from Foster, Rhode Island, is stirring up TikTok with her refreshingly candid takes on parenting adult children—and her approach is dividing the internet. Her video, posted under the username @loricowsandstuff, has racked up over 784,500 views and 36,300 likes, sparking a heated debate in the comments section.

Meo’s message? Parenting adult kids doesn’t have to follow a rulebook. She’s not rushing her kids Eleanor (22) and Henry (24) out of the house. She doesn’t charge them rent, lets their partners sleep over whenever they want, and is perfectly fine with them living at home indefinitely—as long as they’re respectful and hardworking.

“Based on my TikTok feedback, not having my adult kids contribute rent was a big one, and letting their boyfriend and girlfriend stay overnight was very controversial,” Meo told Newsweek.

Parenting adult children in a way that works for her family

Meo’s video lays out her philosophy: parenting doesn’t stop when your kids turn 18; it evolves. She treats her adult kids as adults, offering them freedom and flexibility within their home. She sees no issue with their significant others spending the night, emphasizing mutual respect and trust as the foundation of their household dynamic.

“I treat them like adults, and therefore they can have company anytime, including overnight,” Meo said in the TikTok.

As for rent? Meo doesn’t see the point of charging her kids when they’re already working hard and saving on their own. Instead of rent, they contribute to the family farm by helping with chores and caring for animals.

“They are both saving and investing on their own, so, to me, that is basically the same,” Meo explained. “A few people felt like I was enabling my kids, but they are extremely smart, reliable, and responsible, good kids.”

Related: Viral TikTok explains why it’s OK for adult kids to go ‘no contact’ with their parents

The internet responds: enabling or supportive?

The comments on Meo’s video are a mix of applause, critique, and shared experiences from parents with their own adult children.

“I charged my kid $300 a month for rent. When they moved out at 25, I was able to give her $25k (the rent she paid) when she left home,” one parent shared, offering an alternative perspective.

Another user, Audra, disagreed with Meo’s approach to overnight guests: “I don’t care if they come and go or where or what time. But no Gf or Bf staying the night. If you wanna play house, go ahead and get your own place. Contribute to something—groceries, electric bill.”

But not everyone was critical. Rosie O’Donnell herself chimed in with a simple “Sounds good to me,” while others shared how they’ve adapted similar approaches in their homes.

“Same. I have a huge Victorian house I inherited from my parents. My adult kids live here and pay their insurance, phone, and buy some of their food. They can stay forever,” posted another user, Lou.

Shifting cultural norms: Why more adult children are living at home

Meo’s parenting style aligns with a growing trend in the U.S., where more adult children are living at home than at any time since the Great Depression, highlighting a generational shift between Gen Z and millennials compared to their Gen X and baby boomer parents.

According to Pew Research Center, about one-third of adults aged 18 to 34 live with their parents, driven by factors like rising housing costs, student debt, and an evolving economy. What distinguishes Meo, however, is her unapologetic embrace of this arrangement as a deliberate choice rather than a last resort.

In many cultures worldwide, multigenerational living is the norm, and families thrive by supporting one another. Meo’s approach brings a refreshing perspective to the U.S., where individualism often dominates the narrative.

For Meo, it all comes down to maintaining harmony and supporting her kids in a way that works for their family. “The most important thing is our strong bond and the fact that we all get along and have fun together,” she said.

Her unapologetic approach may not work for everyone, but it serves as a reminder that parenting isn’t one-size-fits-all. Sometimes, the best choice is the one that strengthens the family’s connection.

Related: More parents are using their retirement savings to help their adult kids because of the economy