Helping your child make the transition to adulthood requires patience and thoughtful communication. And while older teens are likely to feel excited about taking the next step, some may need added encouragement.
At This Stage, Your Teen May Be
- Moving fully into adulthood. Teens at this age are considered legal adults in just about every state. This is the age where teens can vote, get drafted, buy real estate or (in most cases) get married without parental consent. But this is also the age when they can be arrested and tried as an adult.
- Grappling with some big decisions: How will they pay for their education? Where will they live? What do they want to do in their life?
- Adjusting to key adult responsibilities such as pursuing a college degree or work, but they are still bound to feel stressed, and some may not want to grow up so fast. Some may feel sad about leaving high school and saying goodbye to old friends. Others may be worried about their ability to find work or take care of themselves.
Responsibilities and Respect
As they mature, teens often feel that house rules are childish and no longer apply to them. You may need to explain that curfews and chores are still an important part of being a family, and that they need to show respect for others living in the home. Be clear about expectations, but be willing to compromise to allow more freedom and flexibility. For example, your daughter’s new work schedule may keep her from helping with dinner or doing the dishes, but there are many other ways she can contribute.
Also, prepare your teen for when they eventually do move out. Teach them about some basic life skills, such as how to take care of their money (opening a bank account, credit cards, loans, etc.), or even how to take care of themselves physically (cooking).
More Ways You Can Help
- Help your teen handle stress and build confidence by reminding them of the life skills and talents they already possess. And encourage your child to make healthy choices during this stressful time: eating right and getting plenty of rest and exercise.
- Talk to your teen about future goals and really listen to their ideas and concerns. Allow your child to make their own decisions, while quietly offering support and guidance.
- Be on the lookout for new opportunities. Your teen may not realize what’s available in terms of local recreation and activities. A fun cooking class or sports team could lead to new friendships, along with greater independence and self-esteem.
- Avoid lectures. When a problem comes up, talk about what went wrong and possible solutions for the future. Mistakes are part of growing up. But with patience, you can help your teen grow and learn from those mistakes.
- Continue to encourage a balanced lifestyle. Busy young adults may cut corners when it comes to fitness and nutrition. Keep healthy foods on hand and remind your teen that they need their rest in order to do their best work.
Graduated Driver License Program
Your 18-year-old is eligible to apply for a regular (Class D) driver license. Learn more about the difference between the Intermediate Unrestricted License and the regular (Class D) driver license here. Talk to your teen about the importance of staying safe on the road, including avoiding dangers like drinking and driving or texting behind the wheel.
School Success
To see what to expect from high school English language arts and to learn how you can support your child’s school success, visit PTA.org.
To see what to expect from high school math and to learn how you can support your child’s school success, visit PTA.org.
Talk to Your Teen About Higher Education
Talk with your teen about their future and how higher education can help them achieve their goals. A college education is within reach for all Tennessee teens, thanks to Tennessee Promise, a program that Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam launched and then signed into law to give high school graduates in the state the opportunity to attend a two-year community or technical college free of tuition and fees.
Tennessee Promise is both a scholarship and mentoring program, and will go into effect beginning with the high school graduating class of 2015. High school students interested in applying should do so in the fall of their senior school year. Learn more about Tennessee Promise, how to apply and application deadlines here.