Editor, 

I THANK The New Times for the article, "Still living with your parents at 30, get a life” (Society Magazine, February 21). It has indeed stirred up an engaging debate.

Young people are always shaped by their parents, the environment around them, and whether or not they have elder siblings who act as role models for them.

It is against this background that some people get no influence at all and they, therefore, find motivation from the fact that mummy cooks well. Here in the UK, young people (boy or girl) are expected to be out of their parents’ house and find their own accommodation when they turn 17, and if they don’t, they start paying rent to their parents.

Are you surprised?

This is caused by a combination of factors: First, government policy that recognises them as adults, peer pressure but also parents’ wish for a positive outlook and future for their children. 

My advice on this matter is that Rwandan parents should prepare their children for independence right from when they are 10; otherwise our parents’ perception perpetuates the overstaying under mummy’s care syndrome.

Thank you. 

Paul Rwamzee, United Kingdom