My 21-year-old son is threatening to move out and live with you if I don’t buy him a new car. How am I supposed to deal with this?

The “New Car” Ultimatum: How to Handle a Grown Child’s Demands
It is a scenario many parents dread: your adult child, now 21, presents an ultimatum. “Buy me a new car, or I’m moving out.” While it might feel like a crisis, this moment is actually a pivotal opportunity to redefine your relationship and teach a final, vital lesson in adulthood.
1. Decoding the “Threat”
At 21, moving out shouldn’t be a threat; it should be a natural milestone. If your son is using his departure as a bargaining chip, it suggests he views his presence in your home as a service he is providing you, rather than a support system you are providing him.
The Reality: If he cannot afford a car, he likely cannot afford rent, utilities, and groceries. Recognizing this power imbalance is the first step to staying calm.