Viral Trend Alert: Decoding the 'Trad Son' Phenomenon With Stay-at-Home Kids

Move over "trad wives" because a new trend called "trad sons" is gaining popularity, especially on TikTok.

"Trad sons" are adult men who continue to live with their parents long after finishing school, often helping out with household chores in exchange.

The term gained attention when Brendan Liaw, introduced as a "stay-at-home son," appeared on Jeopardy! in May 2025 at the age of 28.

Many young men are choosing to stay at home due to factors like the high cost of living and changing attitudes towards work and masculinity.

Why Men Choose to Be 'Trad Sons'

Some men, like Luke Jonathan Parkhurst, prefer living at home, finding fulfillment in helping with chores and spending time with family.

Parkhurst, who identifies as a "truth seeker," values a different perspective on masculinity compared to traditional norms.

Are 'Trad Sons' Similar to 'Trad Wives'?

The "trad wives" movement, popularized by influencers like Nara Smith and Hannah Neeleman, focuses on women following traditional gender roles in marriage.

While "trad wives" and "trad sons" share the idea of embracing traditional roles, they are not directly related movements.