Independence for Young Adults
Think about all that you learned when you were a young adult! Now, think about what you wish you had known as you entered young adulthood. The first thing to consider about independence for young adults is realizing that this process neither happens overnight nor as quickly as some suggest.
This blog delves into the time frame associated with the young adult years, what these years involve developmentally, and ideas for progressively fostering your teen’s transition to becoming a young adult.
The Young Adult Years & What They Mean
As with other topics, the young adult years are defined differently by various sources. You’re likely to find that yourself with an online search. The age span is typically described as being 18 to 22 or 25 years of age. At the same time, it’s important to acknowledge that teens and young adults mature at varying paces depending on personal characteristics and influences, including family and social expectations or limitations.
Perhaps more to the point are the physical and psychological changes taking place right now and what these mean for your teen.
People in this age range are continuing to grow physically as they gain more strength and settle more into daily routines.
Intellect and cognitive abilities continue to grow, especially when teens engage in further study and occupational aspirations, be those in trades or professions.
These are the years when your teen is likely to further refine social and spiritual values and beliefs, with some committing to service on behalf of community or country.
Each teen’s journey to independence depends on these factors as well as the steps the adults in their lives take to encourage independence. Let’s think of these in relation to these various developmental spheres and the support your teen receives at home, in school, or in your community.
Steps to Take That Promote Independence
Please step aside from thinking about your teen and young adult independence for a moment and think back to when your teen was a toddler. You knew then that each skill they learned took time. When they were still a baby you nurtured their independence as they learned to self-feed, walk, and talk. Then it was time to let them pick up crayons and learn to toss a ball.
Nurturing your teen’s independence follows a similar pattern, though it is admittedly more complex. Observing their physical, intellectual, emotional, and social growth lets you know when to encourage or nudge increased independence, such as:
When they can go on a daylong bike trek with friends
Finding a part-time job to learn money management, build their savings, and explore potential career interests
Becoming a volunteer at a local agency, also as means for learning about various occupations
Researching colleges and technical schools and sharing that information with you
Purchasing a vehicle with some guidance from you, including reasoning through insurance options
As you can imagine, the list of independence-promoting options can be quite long. The next step is knowing when it’s the right time to give your teen the confidence boost to take the next step. Here are some points to think about to decide if your young adult is ready for greater independence:
They’ve shown consistently improved judgment in choices for the last few months
Grades and follow through with commitments have improved
Your young adult readily lends a hand at home, including for mundane or major projects
They seek out your opinion more than in the past
You hear from them that the whole idea of ‘adulting’ is daunting and they need any insights you care to offer
When you find yourself beginning to relax as the trial-and-error phase becomes more one of trial-and-success
You’re offering your teen more affirming feedback as they’re assuming adult behaviors
Just as you are there for your teen as they increase their independence as a young adult, we at Mindful Healing are here to share our insights with you. We know that your young adult’s growing independence is one of the most important and valuable things currently happening in your life.
