Unconventional Panel: How old is too old to live at home?

It appears the little bird doesn't want to leave the nest.

A growing number of young adults in both Canada and the U.S. are choosing to livewith their parents rather than under their own roof.

According the latest census, 42 per cent of Canadians in their 20s still live with mom and dad.

Data from the Pew Research Centre in the U.S. shows 32 per cent of Americans between the ages of 18 and 34 are doing the same well up from previous generations, but in line with what young people were doing before 1880.

• How oldis too old to be living at home with mom and dad? Leave your thoughts in the comments section.

This week'sUnconventional Panel couldn't put a number on what's the right ageto boot your kids out of the house.

Butwhen Calgary Eyeopener host, David Gray, explored the issue further with them, they all agreedthat most people don't want to livewith their parents they just can't afford not to.

Starving students

Calgary Herald columnistJennifer Alfordcurrently has two adult children living with her.She says that because both arestill students, she feels it's her "duty" to give them a roof over their head while they're still being educated.

"They're my favourite humans, so I don't mind having them around," she said.

Alford says she keeps the fridge stocked,but doesn't cook theirmeals for them.

"But then there's thehelicopter-type [parents]whostill want to do their laundry and make their lunches everyday when they're 25, 26.I'm like no, no, no."

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House poor

Ravin Moorthy has livedwith his parents as an adult, twice once so hecould save for a house, and then, to save money between moves.

"I think the problem is that in North American culture we have promoted [the idea] that everyone should own a home," said the Calgary engineer.

"If more people could afford to be on their own, theywould be."

The tight labour market doesn't help the situation either, said George Brookman,CEO of West Canadian Industries.

"It's a strange economy right now. You've got 26-, 27-year-old qualified people who literally can't find a job. And home is where they head to."

With files from the Calgary Eyeopener