Do you feel like @ 18 they are adults and can make their own decisions?

[NearFantastica]

At 18 your stepson is an adult and capable of making his own decisions, you literally have no say in what he does, and you need to accept that. In some countries like Scotland for example the age of majority is 16 and you are considered an adult at 16. Americans have infantilized teens to the extreme in recent years. Once someone turns 13 they're no longer kids that need to be coddled, they are young adults and need room to grow into full fledged adults. By 18 most people are ready to go out into the world and should already have the skills necessary to support themselves.

[kj1065]

Originally Posted by Jdawg8181

My stepson is 18. I dont @ all feel he is an adult but my husband says bc he is 18 he is an adult & can make his own decisions. The law doesnt dictate maturity. I dont believe that @ 18 a parent should treat them like they’re a full-on adult. I am not saying to treat them like children either … but there does have to be a line drawn.

Stepkiddo is in college & skips classes a lot. His grades are overall good but my husband doesnt ever say anything about it & says to me “its his life” … i still think that @ 18 you are not really an adult yet & still need parental advice & intervention.

Idk. Maybe it’s just me. Some 18 year olds are probably more mature. I think my stepson still needs some guidance … & thats ok!

My eldest arrived into this world as an old soul. Incredibly self-reliant and possessing a strong sense of herself from toddlerhood, she needed just a light touch of guidance as she grew into adulthood. She was ready to take on the world at 18, but my youngest was not. The three years between 18 and 21 made a huge difference in his maturity. Kids are on their own schedule with their own individual needs, and we parents have to roll with it.

[Mikala43]

Originally Posted by kj1065

My eldest arrived into this world as an old soul. Incredibly self-reliant and possessing a strong sense of herself from toddlerhood, she needed just a light touch of guidance as she grew into adulthood. She was ready to take on the world at 18, but my youngest was not. The three years between 18 and 21 made a huge difference in his maturity. Kids are on their own schedule with their own individual needs, and we parents have to roll with it.

My husband's youngest daughter was the same, always focused, sports/academics, straight to college, became an RN in nothing flat, got a great job at a hospital. She's ALWAYS been a responsible adult.

On the other hand, I know some 40 year olds who shouldn't be allowed to make their own decisions.