The Rise of the “Trad Son” Trend Across Washington State

What is a “trad son”, and are more and more of them popping up around Washington? We’ll discuss what and who they are and the possible reasons why this term is gaining popularity in the Evergreen state, but all around the country.

What Is A “Trad Son”?

The term “trad son” has been used more and more and has caused many people (even me) to look it up. It stands for “Traditional Son”, and it now defines a young man who is still living at home with his parents while still in his 20s or 30s.

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The positives of being a Trad Son

In the late 90s, early 2000s, I was still living at home with my parents, and my brother and his wife needed to move back home with us (due to a house purchase falling apart at the last moment). We were a happy family, got along, and all helped out with chores and finances. It wasn’t a bad setup.

With the trend of trad son growing, more and more men are coming home to help out and take care of their folks in exchange for free or cheap housing. As long as the trad son isn’t becoming a lazy bum living in the basement, it can be a good thing, as long as he has a plan in place to spread his wings and eventually fly from the nest.

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The negatives of being a Trad Son

By practically avoiding adulthood, the men choosing to stay (or go back) home are setting themselves up for disaster. Mom and Dad won’t live forever, and even if the house is left to you upon their passing, will you really be financially able to maintain and keep it? Odds are no.

What are the Causes Of More Men Choosing To Be A Trad Son?

So many factors can come into play:

*Finances – Times are tough, money is tight, rent is expensive, and just when you find a good job, all the prices seem to go up. It’s getting harder and harder to win at life.

*Relationship – Dating has always been an awkward challenge, but add to the mix how polarizing social media has made people, the high demands and expectations of a relationship, the odds that your potential partner is in the same financial state or worse, and the list can go on and on.

*Mental Health – Add all of these together, and it’s easy for people to just give up on the pursuit of a better life. Longing for the simpler time that home gave.

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What are your thoughts on the trad son trend? Good for the family or stunting growth? Tap the App and let us know.