Training for 18 Starts NOW
(And yes, they will leave home, ready or not).
As parents, we have to accept one thing: our children will grow up and eventually walk out the door. Most of us would agree – in fact, we’d all pretty much agree – that it is our job to prepare them for this grand departure into the “real world.” The question is then, how can we best prepare them for a successful, fulfilling life?
Do we spend our 18 years interfering, monitoring, or correcting them? Do we save them, cover for them, or protect them? Do we demand, punish and bribe them into behaving? Do we let them off the hook for 17 years and then expect them to adjust to life’s harsh realities without hiccups?
When we put it that way, of course not! But when we stop to examine our parenting methods, many of us realize, we are unknowingly doing these exact things out of love, concern and in what seems in the best interest of our children. Once we recognize our actions (starting when they are little!) which are either obstructing or enabling that departure, we can shift the view and set values, goals and stick to them because we know it all matters down the road.
Training our kids to unload the dishwasher or manage their homework is part of this process! It’s not merely the task, but the trust and training to cooperate that will pay off in the real world. Plus, as parents, we need practice. We have to practice setting boundaries, teaching our kids and modeling what the real world will deliver.
Think of this: by the time our kids hit that last phase of their childhood – 16 through 18 years, growth is steady and heading for total independence. They are learning to drive, opening bank accounts (if they haven’t already), applying for college or for jobs, dating, and making serious decisions about drinking, sex and drugs (yikes!). Use the time from toddler to tween to prepare your kids for these bigger changes that will come, whether or not your or your child are prepared.
Why gamble? Start training now, wherever you are on your journey!
Learn more about the Parenting On Track™ Home Program.
