Aug. 11, 2025

Am I Really Done Parenting at 18?

Am I Really Done Parenting at 18?

Have you ever looked at your 18-year-old and thought, “Wait… are they really ready for adult life?” You’re not alone—and in our podcast episode, Science Shows: Your Kids Are NOT Adults at 18!!! How to Parent Emerging Adults ages 18–25—we explore what real adulthood means beyond birthday milestones. Truth is, maturity is more about heartset than a legal threshold. Even after they turn 18, your love, influence, and connection still matter deeply. In fact, we’ve walked that journey with 7 kids, and our deepest lessons came as we navigated their early adult years—here’s how we stayed connected and guided with grace.
👉 Curious how we did it—without yelling, tantrums, punishments or power struggles? Check out: How We Raised 7 Well-Adjusted Kids - Without Yelling, Tantrums, Punishments or Power Struggles.

Is My 18-Year-Old Really an Adult? (And What That Actually Means for Parenting)

You send them off at 18 thinking, “They’ve got this.” 

And sometimes, they do. 

But more often than not? 

They still feel—and act—like… teenagers.

That’s because their brains are still re-wiring, their ambitions are still taking shape, and their identities are still being forged.

Emerging adulthood (18–25) is a bridge season—and parenting here requires a new kind of presence.

You’re Still the Parent—But the Role Has Shifted

If you think your influence ends at 18, you might be surprised. 

Influence doesn’t go away—it evolves. 

Your child may not need authority anymore, but they do need connection, wisdom, and trust. 

Stay curious, stay loving—because adult-to-parent dynamics thrive in authenticity, not authority.

emerging adulthood

This Isn’t About Rules—it’s About Principles

Gone are the days of parental ultimatums. 

Now, it’s about modeling values and sharing why they matter. 

You don’t control with guilt; you lead with example and open conversation. 

When they know why you choose what you do—about media, art, language, or values—they learn to choose wisely for themselves.

You Can Still Earn Respect—By Growing Yourself

Respect after 18 isn’t automatic—it’s earned. 

And the best way to remain influential? 

Keep growing. 

Read, learn, explore, pursue purpose. 

When your emerging adult sees that you’re still becoming, they’ll keep looking to you—not as an authority, but as inspiration.

Final Word: Don’t Check Out Now

Eighteen may be the legal start to adulthood—but it isn’t the finish line. 

You’re not being pushed out—you’re being invited into a deeper, truer kind of love. 

Stick around, grow with them, and lead with quiet strength. 

Identity matters more than independence—and no one’s influence on that is more lifelong than yours.

RESOURCES:

Let us help you in your extraordinary family life journey.

Extraordinary Parenting
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Rachel Denning

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