Too many adults are living at home with their parents because they are "overindulged", a parenting expert has claimed.

The cost of rent in Dublin has more than doubled since 2011 and, as a consequence, the number of adults living in the family home has shot up. 

CSO figures show that there are over 458,000 people living with their parents and the average age people fly the nest has crept up to 28.

Education and Parenting Consultant Gill Hines does not believe the phenomenon can be described as a “problem” but said it is far from an ideal situation.

“What it isn’t doing is growing up,” she told Newstalk Breakfast. 

“It isn’t growing up the way you’re meant to grow up.” 

Ms Hines believes that, while cost is a factor, many who could afford to move out are choosing not to.

“In part it’s a mindset,” she said. 

“I’ve met an awful lot of young people who say I can’t afford it who, probably, if they made different choices, could afford something. 

“If what you want is to have the same kind of standard of living that you’re having at home, that’s probably not going to happen.” 

Apartment buildings on the north wall of Dublin's Docklands in July 2009. Picture by: Radharc Images / Alamy Stock Photo

Furthermore, Ms Hines believes that life can be far too comfortable at home for young people. 

“It’s not that they’re overindulged; I think they’re lacking - let’s face it,” she said.  

“There are an awful lot of young people who would love to have those choices, who don’t have those choices, because they have to get on. 

“But there are an awful lot who get their ironing done for them, who get their laundry done for them, have a nice room and everything they want and need - food on the plate when they get home. 

“Why would they move out? They’ll only move out if they can get something as good as they’ve got and most people don’t get that until they’re quite a lot older.”

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Main image: Parents with their daughter. Picture by: Alamy.com