18 Years
Age: 18 Years
Source: Verywellfamily, WebMd
Thinking about future plans is a large part of this stage of your child’s life. Some are getting ready to become more independent and begin their next chapter.
Developmental Milestones
Brain Development: Most will be thinking like adults: They can think outside of the box and plan for the future. They know how to set goals for the future and create a plan to achieve it. When asked what they’re doing with their future, they may feel overwhelmed. They may believe that they are alone and that they don’t have a solid plan for their future. Be there for your kids and remind them that they don’t need all parts of their life planned out. Some of them may have feelings of self-doubt as they start to think about entering the next part of their life. They are also more open to guidance from adults in their lives on how to navigate adulthood.
Physical: Puberty is over, and most boys and girls will have reached their full height and be physically mature. For boys, they may still be growing more facial hair, and their voices may keep getting deeper. Girls will put on healthy amounts of fat around their arms, legs, breasts, and hips. At this point, they will be more comfortable with their bodies and are more adjusted to the changes that happened over the years.
Did You Know?
Did you know? Even as an 18 year old, the brain isn’t fully developed yet.
Social-Emotional Milestone
Teens may have experienced their first intimate relationship and will be more aware of their sexuality. Their peers may put less pressure on their actions, and they are better at forming their own opinions. This means that they are less likely to follow peer pressure. They can compromise and build new lasting friendships. They may begin to think of who they want as a future spouse. This is a time for big life changes and a lot more freedom. Some may come to you for advice on how to go through the world as an adult. Emotionally, they will have more control over their feelings and may have developed strategies on how to handle them. Fears of the future or fears of failing may begin to emerge. Make sure to let them know that they are not the only ones that may struggle with these fears and that they are not expected to have a solid plan for their future at this point.
Life Skills Empty Nester
Much of our time here has been spent on helping you, a super parent, well be super. But now, as your kids become adults, we have to face the reality that they might be leaving to be on their own soon. Parents who struggle to make this change are known to experience empty nest syndrome. Empty nest syndrome includes feeling sadness and a sense of loss as the last of your kids leaves the house. Even though it’s not a clinical problem, a lot of people still experience this. To help cope, here are some steps you can take. First, know your role. Although you are known as a mother or father, that role stays with you. Now, you can find more roles that you can fit into. Do you want to be a volunteer? A community member? This is a time in your life when you have more time in your hands. This can mean you can try new activities that make you happy. Second, try to spend time with your significant other. Go on Dates, travel, and spend time planning activities you both enjoy. Reconnect with yourself. Take some time doing what YOU want, whether that’s getting a new hobby or find a new personal challenge to handle. Finally, don’t obsess and monitor your child. It’s time to let go and realize you have raised a wonderful and independent child. This doesn’t mean you can’t check on your child once in a while. You can still worry about their safety but let them have their space and privacy. It’s ok to feel sad. A phase of your life, one where you had to watch over your kid’s growth and development, is ending. But that doesn’t mean that your relationship ends there. Be prepared to face new and exciting moments with your family.
Action Items
Drinking alcohol at this age may affect brain development, so make sure to have clear expectations for your kids.
Friend dynamics are changing at this point, so help your teen navigate their friendship and remind them that making new friends is a part of their future. Talk to them about how they may want to keep some of the friendships that they have now, even if they have different paths.
It also may be hard to realize that your child is turning into an adult. Make sure that your child knows that you are happy that they are becoming a part of the real world.