So, when do you become a grown up? Both kids and parents agree that these days, people don’t usually reach adulthood until their mid-20’s. Kids are taking their time, and high school graduation, or even college graduation, does not mean that a person has established themselves, both mentally and in their lifestyle, to be an adult. This phase is being called “emerging adulthood”:

“Emerging adults do things, such as travel and trying out different kinds of jobs, that they couldn’t have done as adolescents and won’t be able to do as adults.”

Some kids tend to flounder through this, and parents realise that there is not too much they can do to influence their children’s decision. Which is think it not so bad - because if mommy and daddy always made it better, would a child ever grow up?

So what makes a person “grown-up”?

Driving a car safely at the speed limit?
Not driving drunk?
Having a career?
Having children?
Being financially independent from your parents?
Being emotionally stable?

I am not sure. I do kind of wish this had been identified when I was a young adult. I wonder if I would have taken more time to do silly things before pushing myself into college and a career. But there is one thing I do hope - that my own kids have it together not to stay in the nest too long. Because I have to admit I am kind of looking forward to having a bit of “me time” someday…

Posted by Meganlux