There is apparent wisdom in the practice among many western parents to kick out of their homes their children once the kids turn 18. A study released Friday confirmed that it is stressful for parents to share their home with their adult children.

According to the Lifeline Stress Poll which was run by Newspoll, more stress if felt by parents who share their home with their adult children than those who offspring live independently.

The former reported a 94 per cent general stress level, while the latter only 90 per cent. The stress is also felt more financially by parents whose adult children stay with them because of added costs to meals and utility bills.

Besides finances, the stress is also felt in a couple's personal relationship and thoughts about the future.

David Koch, a TV host, finance expert and parent to four adult children, explained the cause of the stress to the mums and dads wanting to be their child's friend than a parent and landlord at that stage in their life.

"It's your house and if adult kids want to live there, they abide by your rules. No negotiations, no compromise, it's your place, otherwise they move out," Mr Koch told News.com.au.

With four of his kids, aged 32 to 20, still in the family house, Mr Koch who also writes the Kock Korner blog in News.com.au, drew ground rules such us requiring his adult children to sign a lease contract and spelling out the children's responsibilities.

"It's not a hotel, where everything's cooked and cleaned and washed and ironed, and they have to make or pay for a certain number of meals each week," he explained.

The situation of more adult kids opting to stay in their parents' homes is becoming more common place in Australia because of the rising cost of starting an independent life for young adults.

Actually, the stress is felt not only by parents, but almost all Australians, the study said. The report found that 93 per cent of Aussies are stressed in 2012, up from 90 per cent in 2010. Those who reported high levels of stress went up to 48 per cent from 43 per cent in 2011.

Besides living with adult children, the causes of stress identified by the study include working long hours, thoughts of the future, finances, health and personal relationships.

Among the groups who are more stress are females, urban residents, the unemployed, part-time workers, elderly and Aussies about to end their teen years.

"For years we have been concerned about the high levels of extreme stress in Australia, and each year it grows. This year we can put some of it down to the natural disasters affecting our nation, but much of it will be due to poor stress management," Lifeline spokesperson Brendan Maher said in a statement.

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