''Generation Y comfortably live under their parents' roof,'' said Paul Rudd, a documentary producer (and no relation to Saint Kevin). ''Everything's done for them, the

cooking, cleaning, washing, so the

motivation to leave home is really

pretty low.''

Highlighting the point, Census data shows that 55 per cent of children up to 34 still live in the family home in The Hills, Sydney's second highest rate, after Ku-ring-gai (71 per cent).

''It's just jaw-dropping, really,'' said Rudd, a producer with Freehand Productions, of Glebe. He's working on a six-part documentary for SBS on the stay-at-home phenomenon, ''The

Nest,'' to be aired later this year. And

Rudd needs your help.

He's seeking families who have adjusted well to their situation and like it. Is this you?

Personally, I was glad to see our pigeon-pair flee the coup in their early- to mid-20s. But it wasn't long before the Redhead and I missed

them very much. Still do.

Stay-at-home kids cite the high cost of living as the major factor behind their reluctance to move out of the family nest.

''With a massive HECS bill at the end, many young people find it impractical to go to university unless they live at home,'' Rudd noted.

''Also, with a not-so-pronounced generation gap these days, kids aren't driven out of home by the desire for independence. In previous generations if you wanted to drink or have

a relationship you had to leave home. Parents are more relaxed these days, some even enjoying the same music as their kids.''

Generation Y tends not to commit too early to career paths, relationships and home ownership and has a much more fluid outlook on life.

''When asked, they scoff at the idea of still living at home in five years, though they're not sure how they will go about achieving independence.''

But there comes a point when the family care roles are reversed. ''We've come across kids much older than 35 still at home. But by

about 40, you reach an age where the child looks after the parent, rather than the other way round.''

If you have an unusual home situation, ring Freehand Productions on 8514 5431 or email casting @freehandtv.com.au.