Purcell: In a bad economy, mooch off parents

I can't really blame them, if you want to know the truth.

I speak of the latest down-economy trend: More 20-somethings are moving back home with Mom and Dad - and happily accepting financial assistance.

So pronounced is the trend - some 41 percent of parents are giving their 20-somethings some 10 percent of their combined income - that Parade magazine published six tips on how to "help grown children without going broke."

Which prompts me to offer 20-somethings tips on how to take advantage of a good situation.

Look, 20-somethings, it's only partly your fault that the economy is still a mess - even though most of you voted for you know who - but it isn't your fault that you lack the skills to deal with it.

Your generation has been coddled like no other generation before it.

Never has any generation been given so much for doing so little.

And that is your parents' fault.

It's payback time.

Parade suggests your parents charge you at least a token rent. Mom and Dad will likely assume that you'll offer a stipend of some kind.

Don't.

Your father will complain to your mother - eventually they'll get into loud arguments over the matter - but if you hold steady, you'll likely keep living at home for free.

To that end, it will help to gripe loudly about your college loan bills. Mom and Dad will feel guilty that they were unable to pay for all your college costs - further ensuring that Mom won't let Dad ask you for rent.

Complaining about the food is also helpful. No matter how good Mom and Dad's cooking is - and it surely is better than the grub you prepare for yourself - point out its shortcomings. In the unlikely event that the subject of rent does come up, you can use this as a bargaining chip.

That brings us to your social life.

It would be foolish to continue runn

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