According to a survey of US adults by Harris Poll, a global market research and consulting firm, more than half of respondents consider their children’s opinions when deciding which house to buy.
The survey also revealed that millennial parents are even more sensitive to this issue, with 74 percent considering their children’s opinions when buying a home. And when it comes to renting a house, they place even more importance on their children’s opinions with 83 percent.
While this is a very strong trend, psychologists and some real estate experts say parents should be cautious about involving their children in the consulting when choosing a place to live. They say that because moving is such a big decision, involving children in the process can give them more control and a sense of ownership. On the other hand, clinical psychologist Ryan Hooper underlines in an interview with the Chicago Tribune that children can feel rejected if their parents cannot meet their demands.
Adam Lietman Bailey, a New York real estate attorney and author of the children’s book “Home” says, interestingly, that parents can play a role in home buying decisions before children are actually asked to make a choice. He explains that parents can get an idea by asking their kids what they want, such as where their toys should be stored in the house and what kind of backyard they want to play in…
Real estate agents, on the other hand, share that they have experienced how the search for a home can take longer as some of their clients insist on asking their children for approval for any home they see. According to professionals, while it’s wise to talk to your kids before making a real estate decision, you shouldn’t base your buying decision solely on their opinions. Because children often make very emotional choices and most of them are influenced by various home design and decoration programs broadcast on television.
Psychologists say that children’s ideas are always ready to change, and although it may seem like a harsh attitude when expressed, they underline that when buying a house, instead of depending on a child’s ideas, you should decide among potential alternatives by considering which house will best meet your needs. After all, you can give your children their own private space in your new home and offer them the opportunity to evaluate and customize as they wish.
