Dealing with Change: Your Teenager’s Transition to AdulthoodAs teenagers become adults, sometimes the line between childhood and adulthood can seem blurred. For teens, this change can be difficult, but for their parents, it can be just as complicated and stressful.As your teenager makes the transition into an adult, there are some ways to ease your mind and reduce your anxiety.Respect and PrivacyRespect the emotions that your teen is experiencing. Many teens do not become adults overnight instead, it’s a process that starts during high school and may continue through, or even past, college. Respect your teen, and trust that he or she will eventually complete this transition. If your teen still lives at home, you may be tempted to enforce a strict “My home, my rules†policy. However, as teenagers are learning to deal with their growing responsibilities at school and possibly a job, the better choice might be to allow them privacy and space. By offering space, you are allowing them to become independent while still providing a nurturing environment.Increased ResponsibilityWhat if your child is speeding towards adulthood but is avoiding taking on additional responsibility? This might be the time to create some accountability for your teen. If he or she has resisted getting a part-time job, then you might want to offer a nudge in that direction. If your teen has enjoyed a pleasant existence with few household chores, you can require them to take on more tasks around the house. For example, you can request your teen to prepare (or help prepare) dinner a few nights a week. This not only increases his or her obligations but additionally offers the invaluable lesson of how to fix a meal.A Listening EarAs your teen becomes an adult, there will be times you want to fix all of his or her problems. However, at this point in your teen’s life, it might be more helpful to offer advice so your teen can make his or her own informed decisions. Most importantly listen to what they have to say. If your child won’t let you be their sounding board, find a family friend or relative you trust who can be that person for your teen.Enjoy Your Changing RelationshipOnce your teen becomes an adult, your relationship will change in many ways. Although your baby might be all grown up, you can start to enjoy a new time in your relationship. Instead of thinking of your teen as a child, begin to realize that he or she is becoming an adult with opinions, ideas, and plans for the future. Be sure to inquire about the dreams and hopes of your teenager. By viewing your teen as an adult, you will allow yourself to see and accept the changes your teen is experiencing.