Akinola

Parent: Robyn (52)

Parent: ANDREA - Robyn’S GIRLFRIEND

Adult Child: Akinola “Akin” (28)

Location: PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania

Akinola is a teenager in a grown man’s body. He still lives at home with his mother Robyn, her girlfriend Andrea, Andrea’s eight-year-old son as well as his own biological seventeen-year-old brother, Autumn. Akin, as his family calls him, was a terrific student and even has a master’s degree in Sports Management. But that was years ago. He has yet worked in his field of study and at nearly 30 years old he hasn’t held a real job. Although he has lots of potential, he’s actively floundering, driving for Lyft and living at home. He wants to get rich through entrepreneurship, yet he doesn’t want to work to make it happen. Therefore, he’s at home, comfortably living off his mom’s mortgage, cooking, cleaning, and support...

With champagne taste on a beer budget, Akin enjoys the finer things in life. Whether it’s taking extravagant trips; staying at expensive hotels, or spending money on over-priced haircuts and clothing, Akin doesn’t know how to save a dime.  A self-proclaimed foodie, he will blow hundreds of dollars on gourmet meals at fine restaurants. Not only is he digging himself into a hole financially, but he’s also taking his mother with him. Robyn has co-signed on several cards for Akin, even after he’s maxed out her credit cards. Now that his credit is wrecked, his mother is concerned that he needs to get serious about repairing his credit ASAP. Although he is driving for Lyft, and allegedly has some new job at the airport, the funds coming in are not enough to cover his expenses. Akin is supposed to pay $600 in rent per month, $400 goes toward his credit debts while only $200 goes toward paying rent.

Robyn, Akin’s mother, and her girlfriend, Andrea, moved in together last fall.  Blending the families has been going fairly well except for the Akin situation. The stress of having a grown, 28-year-old man in the house who acts like a teenager is frustrating, uncomfortable, and upsetting. Andrea and Akin will have arguments over chores, cleaning, and doing the dishes. Andrea also thinks that because Akin isn’t paying rent or contributing he shouldn’t have a room in the house and is trying to convince him to move into the basement. Akin feels emasculated and hates feeling less than around his mother and her girlfriend. However, Robyn and Andrea are very much in love and want to start a life together in this home. Recently, Andrea’s eight-year-old son has moved in and the couple wants a peaceful home to raise their children in, however, the burden of an adult child at home is getting in the way of that future.

When it comes to helping around the house, Akin is useless.  From leaving piles of dirty dishes in the sink to leaving cups and dishes around, to not throwing out the trash, Robyn and Andrea are fed up with his lack of respect. His refusal to take responsibility, step up, and be a man has his mother ready to kick him out. Robyn and Andrea have tried giving Akin timelines, helping him financially, and giving him support and resources but nothing seems to work. Robyn is unsure what to do and where to turn. Something has to change if Akin has a chance at independence and for Andrea and Robyn to start a life together.