I want my children to have all the things I couldn't afford. Then I want to move in with them.

The quote "I want my children to have all the things I couldn't afford. Then I want to move in with them" by Phyllis Diller is a humorous and self-deprecating remark about the desires of parents and the reality of life as they age. Diller, known for her sharp wit and stand-up comedy, is making light of the common parental desire to give their children better opportunities than they had, while also poking fun at the idea of expecting those same children to take care of them in return. The line captures the contradiction in many parents' wishes: they want their children to succeed and enjoy the luxuries they didn't have, but also, in Diller's case, want to rely on them for comfort as they grow older.

The humor in this quote comes from Diller's playful acknowledgment of the dependency that often comes with aging. By suggesting she wants to "move in" with her children, she is flipping the common expectation that children eventually become independent from their parents, instead positioning herself as the one who might need help. The irony of desiring both financial success for her children and the comfort of living off their success adds a layer of comedy to the statement.

The origin of this quote reflects Diller's comedic style, which often involved poking fun at traditional family dynamics, aging, and personal circumstances. As a pioneering female comedian, Diller frequently used humor to tackle social norms and the challenges of being a woman in show business, but also to reflect on more relatable life experiences. This quote is a perfect example of how she blended personal observations with universal truths, all wrapped in humor.

Ultimately, Diller's quote is a lighthearted commentary on the relationship between parents and children, particularly the shift in roles that occurs as parents age. The desire to provide for one’s children, paired with the expectation of receiving care in return, is something that many can relate to, and Diller uses humor to express this with a mix of irony and wit. Through her joke, she both acknowledges and celebrates the complexities of family life and the passing of time.