Our family is moving, but not all of the kids want to go-how can I get them to come too?

Sometimes you just have to let your child live their own life and make their own mistakes. Many young adults need a dose of reality before they figure out that their parents usually know what they're talking about. If he's truly incapable of living on his own and supporting himself, he'll find out very quickly just how difficult independence can be. On the other hand, he may end up proving you wrong.

Either way, if you try to force the issue, you're going to be dealing with a lot of resentment from him for a very long time, and it quite possibly could permanently damage your relationship with your son.

Just whatever you do, don't lend him money. It doesn't sound like he's learned much in the way of financial skills, so he'll likely be asking at some point. Let him sink or swim on his own. It's a skill he needs to learn at some point, or he'll always be dependent, and it's very obvious that he hasn't had much instruction in financial planning from a young age.

I actually agree with your son. At 18, he should either be going off and getting a job, or going off to college. Lots of college Freshman who are 18 live away from home. Why should your decision to move mean he has to move? Fight with him and he will feel the need to fight back, and argue.

Drown him in details and math. Focus on getting him an apartment, running the budget numbers, figuring how much he will need to make it on his own. Don't act like you are talking him into anything. Just knowing what is involved may scare him out of staying behind. If not.,wait 6 months or so after you move, then reach out to him. When he sees how expensive it is to live on his own, he may decide to follow you after all. At this age, he really needs to learn what is involved in living on his own. Until he does he'll think it is easier then it is.

He's 18 and out of high school. You really can't make him see the light by talking to him. You will have to let him make his own mistakes and find out on his own that it is too hard at that age to support himself. Sad, I know, but Teenagers are convinced they can do anything. Let him try and keep in touch.

He's 18. Ultimately, it's his decision. If he wants to stay behind and can afford to live on his own, you'll have to accept it. Do let him know that if he later changes his mind and wants to follow the rest of the family to your new home, he will be welcome.