Younger sister calls out 25-year-old for charging parents for groceries while living with them rent-free: 'She circled the total owed'

Author image for Ally Perry
Ally Perry • Writer and Editor
Jun 29, 2026 9:15 AM EDT

Should parents always have to fund their adult children?

Most people who choose to have kids live with the hope that their children will one day be independent from them and will be able to earn their own living. However, that is not always what ends up being the reality. For one reason or another, many parents who have adult kids find themselves living with them and/or supporting them financially long after they expected to see them fly the nest.

There are instances where it is more than understandable that an adult child may solicit this kind of support from their parents. None of us is immune to hard times, and there are individuals out there for whom true independence will never be attainable. It is understandable that any caring mom or dad would want to help out if it feels like their kids are in need.

At the same time, not every individual who relies on their parents' generosity is fully deserving of it. Sometimes, they just want an easy ride, and they know that they can rely on their family to get that. It usually comes as an unwelcome surprise when this support network ends up being taken away.

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  • A representation of a young woman picking up a bunch of greens in the fruit and vegetable section of a grocery store
    via Getty Images (Unsplash+)

    A representation of a young woman picking up a bunch of greens in the fruit and vegetable section of a grocery store

  • A young woman found out something about her older sister that she took issue with. Both of them were currently living with her parents, with her sister moving in a few months ago after she had to leave her job and start taking unemployment.

    The younger sibling realized that whenever her sister went grocery shopping, she would charge their parents for the majority of the items that she bought. Her mom even confided in her and told her that she expected her parents to pay whenever they went out to eat.

    As a result, the woman decided to call out her sister for her behavior. She felt like she wasn't paying her way.

  • Am I wrong for calling out my sister for charging my family?

    I (f22) live at home with my parents and my sister (f25). At the end of January this year my sister had to move. back home from across the company bc she had to leave her job. When she came back she said she needed to take
    via sprout218
  • a break before finding another job which is understandable ig. Since then she's applied for unemployment and got it, so she has some sort of income coming in. A few months ago I noticed that she was saving receipts from when
    via sprout218
  • she'd go to the grocery store and charge my parents for it, she would only pay for things she alone was using. I asked her why she was charging them when she was eating from what she charged them. She saw I
    via sprout218
  • was getting heated and didn't charge them that time. My mom came to me separately and said she preferred going out with me cus I would cover groceries and pay for her food when I invited her out. Because apparently when my sister invited my mom out to eat she would charge her. I found
    via sprout218
  • another receipt in the kitchen this morning where she left the total owed to her circled. Once everyone was up (I woke her up cus she doesn't get up on her own until noon) I blew up and asked why she was charging them. She
    via sprout218
  • doesn't pay rent, the car she has was given to her by my dad without giving him a penny, she isn't actively seeking a job and she only really does the dishes at home. So aitah?
    via sprout218
  • A representation of a young woman looking at mangoes in the fruit and vegetable section of a grocery store
    via Getty Images (Unsplash+)

    A representation of a young woman looking at mangoes in the fruit and vegetable section of a grocery store

  • YakCertain5472 Your parents should create an invoice for rent and utilities and leave it in the kitchen.
    via YakCertain5472
  • phishydawg Sometimes it takes someone else to call you on your shi*. She needed to be called out. Yes it would have been better if your parents made a point of saying something, but at least you have now. They really should sit her down and have a chat. After everything they are doing for her, she needs to wind her neck in.
    via phishydawg
  • TeachPotential9523 I'm on your side it sounds like your mom and dad just doesn't want to hurt her feelings so they keep their mouth shut I always spoke up for my mom there's nothing wrong with picking up for your parents even if you don't live in the house right is right and wrong is wrong
    via TeachPotential9523
  • Ginger630 NTA! She gets to live at home for free and charges your parents?! ?! They need to tell her to get ad n job! I hope they aren't giving her a penny of what she's asking for. They need to itemize what they're paying for and hand it to her. What a cu next Tuesday.
    via Ginger630
  • Ok-Trainer3150 It's your mom and dad's house and issue to solve. You need to focus on launching yourself into a sustainable career and independent life.
    via Ok-Trainer3150
  • IntrepidMuch Your sister is very much the leech but why are your parents allowing it?
    via IntrepidMuch
  • DebateBeautiful8502 Do your parents treat you two the same? I'm just curious. NTA but your sister should be rethinking how this works or your parents could kick her out and take back the car.
    via DebateBeautiful8502
  • Extension-Clock608 NTA. Her paying for things like groceries and meals out should be seen as her paying her share. I'd tell your parents not to pay her a dime and make sure they remember that she is living with them for free and eating their food. They don't owe her anything.
    via Extension-Clock608

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