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Mom Says Her Son Has Become a 'Snob' and Is Making Her Feel Uncomfortable Since He Returned from College

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Sunday, October 12th 2025 at 4:15 GMT by People
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A mother from the UK has taken to the parenting forum Mumsnet to vent about what she describes as a dramatic personality shift in her son since he returned from university. In a detailed post, she claims that her now 21‑year‑old has become “a snob,” flaunting a new wardrobe, disdain for family traditions, and an air of entitlement that has left her and her husband feeling alienated. The mother, who prefers to remain anonymous, shared her experience on People.com, where the story was picked up and expanded upon with quotes, background information, and a broader look at the phenomenon of “college snob” culture.

The post began with the mother recounting a typical family gathering that turned uncomfortable. “We had a Sunday roast, and he was making snide comments about my cooking and the way my husband prepares his fish,” she wrote. “He would say, ‘I would never put that in a fancy pot; it needs a more refined technique.’” She described how her son’s comments seemed to target not only food, but also the family’s way of living, labeling their routines as “basic” and their lifestyle as “unsophisticated.” According to her, he had been “talking down to us since day one” in his new apartment in Manchester.

She explains that the change began a few months ago, after she noticed his growing interest in “high-end fashion” and “gourmet coffee.” He would bring home expensive brands, such as a limited‑edition leather jacket and a French coffee grinder, and immediately point out that she had “no taste.” The mother recalls a conversation where he told her, “You don’t even have a decent watch. I can’t believe we’re still living in the 90s.” She also notes that he began to refuse to help with household chores, instead insisting on “getting professional help” for everything from laundry to cooking.

In the post, she highlights two specific moments that have left her feeling frustrated: the first was when she asked him to help with a minor household repair, and he declined, saying, “I don’t have the time. I’ve got a schedule, and I’m working on my ‘professional’ projects.” The second was during a family dinner, where she requested that he stop ordering large, expensive pizzas, citing their health impact. He replied, “You don’t understand what good food is.” She added that he has started “talking about how he has ‘found his niche’ and how his ‘taste’ is what sets him apart from the rest of us.”

The article includes a link to an Mumsnet discussion thread titled “College kids becoming snobs” that shows a range of other parents sharing similar stories. One user, who also has a son recently returned from university, says her son “tells us we’re not ‘real people’ and that our “family values” are weak.” Another parent shares how her daughter is now “obsessed with ‘designer’ products, and no longer engages in the family’s typical rituals.” These comments highlight a perceived trend of young adults adopting a sense of superiority after exposure to a broader, more affluent lifestyle during university.

People.com added that the phenomenon is not new. In a linked interview with a British psychologist, the author explains how the college experience can act as a catalyst for identity changes. “College students often experience a ‘growth period’ where they explore new identities,” says Dr. Laura Thompson. “Sometimes this leads to an inflated sense of self that can appear snobbish or entitled, especially when students are surrounded by peers from different backgrounds.” The psychologist also offers practical tips for parents, such as encouraging open conversation, maintaining consistent boundaries, and reinforcing family values.

The mother’s story also touches on the emotional toll this shift has taken on her. She writes, “I feel like I’m losing my son to a persona that has no respect for us.” She describes feeling “isolated” at family gatherings, where he’s often the center of attention and the subject of criticism. She also expresses concern about her son’s future, fearing that the “snob” persona may hamper his relationships and career opportunities. In the article, she adds, “It feels like a battle between who he used to be and who he has become.”

Readers of the article can leave comments sharing similar experiences or offering advice. People.com also included a call-to-action for viewers to consider reaching out to a professional counselor if the dynamic threatens their family’s mental health. The mother concluded with a plea: “If anyone else has gone through this, please let us know how you’ve navigated this situation. Your insights could help many of us.”

The People.com article captures the frustrations of a parent who feels her son has adopted an airs of elitism and disdain after returning from college. By linking to other Mumsnet threads and expert commentary, the piece offers a broader context for understanding this shift and suggests strategies for maintaining family cohesion amid a changing personal identity.