voksenbarn

Voksenbarn is a term used in Norwegian and Danish to describe an adult child who remains dependent on, or living with, their parents beyond the period typically associated with adolescence and early young adulthood. The term is informal and used in sociology, psychology, and journalism; it is not a formal clinical diagnosis.

In Norwegian and Danish, voksen barn is usually written as two words, though some sources use a compound form. The concept covers children who are legally adults but who continue to reside with parents, rely on parental support, or have limited financial independence. It can apply to sons and daughters of any gender.

Typical patterns include prolonged co-residence in the parental home, shared finances, or ongoing parental involvement in decision making or daily routines. The age at which this pattern becomes noticeable varies, often in the mid-20s or later, sometimes extending into the 30s. The motivations are diverse: high housing costs, education or training commitments, student debt, job market conditions, disability or health issues, or strong cultural emphasis on family support.

Implications can be mixed. For some, living at home provides security, reduces financial stress, and maintains family closeness. For others, it may create tensions over autonomy, boundaries, and expectations, influencing parent–child and sibling relationships. Professionals may discuss voksenbarn within broader conversations about intergenerational living, adult development, and welfare systems.