Tips for Parenting Adult {Or “Emerging Adult”} Children

I appreciate the advice on how to develop an evolving relationship with our young adult children. It does seem true that while they may be ‘grown up’ they still have a way to go. Looking back at myself at that age, I realize how little I knew, how I still needed to really work on myself so that I could become more integrated. This helps me be a little more patient and give them space to keep discovering. We are lucky that in this country , most children do get good health care and vaccines so that they can concentrate on growing up!

thanks for sharing. Very good tips.

I find that parenting my adult children is a bit tricky. They both are still in school and live at home. It is very hard to allow them their freedoms while they are still living with us. Any advice? Thanks for your blog!

I love this post Jillee! I have an 18 yr old just going off to college, so I really needed this advice! I subscribe to your emails and religiously read every one. Your ideas are just FAB and are so great for today’s busy families! Keep up the good work Jillee!

Hey, I know that girl! Jill, it was so nice to see you at BlogHer and to meet your daughter!

So glad you’re supporting Shot@Life!

Jen :)

My children are 23and 25, and one difference between now and when they were younger is that they actually allow us to parent now! They speak to us, ask for advice, and listen–and most amazingly, appreciate our help!

Please don’t neglect immunizations for your little ones. We have to keep on top of it to prevent the recurrence of the most devastating diseases!

Thank you for participating in the vaccination program. I love your site. It’s bookmarked and combed through often.

I got married at 19 and now have been married for 12 years now. If it wasn’t for my mom being there for me to talk to, yell at, vent on, etc. I think my marriage wouldn’t have gone very smoothly those first few years. That’s one thing that I’m so very appreciative of.

As a recent ’emerging adult’, these seem like great tips. I think my mother tried very hard during that time to employ a lot of them and find a balance between being a friend and parent at the same time,and it wasn’t always easy for either of us.

Also, your daughter is a lovely bride!

My eldest is 20 and lives and works on the other side of Europe. Parenting an almost adult from a distance is a challenge but has its many rewards. The idea that they are not fully adult until 25 resonates with me…and scares me slightly when I think I had two children by age 25!

I truly appreciate your blog, as I, also, have a 21 year old daughter. Her path has not been as smooth as your daughter’s, but we. too, are navigating our evolving relationship. I find she has a keen mind and excellent insights into our lives. I too, have found your key points to be essential. Blessings to you and yours.

I have a daughter that just got married last week at 24 and your advice work will work. Thank you for sharing with us and for helping this great cause.

One more vaccine! And thanks for the good advice…

A very moving post – as the mum of adult children I empathise entirely – and will second your advice – I feel blessed that my 34yr old still rings mum when she needs to, and am thankful that we got through our “hiccups” to the other side of the teens!! J x

Happy to help any child in need receive a vaccine to keep them healthy!

Your post reflects the natural progression of my relationship with my mother. Every step of my life has gone through my mom’s gradual stages of giving me more freedom and letting go: letting me be free to make my own way yet she has ALWAYS been there for advice or support, no matter my successes or failures. The key is always be there for your child/children with an open heart and open mind. Your post is very insightful, Jillee. Thank you.

Such a wonderful post, your daughter sounds like a lovely “emerging adult.” Thanks for sharing!

A close friend told me that a child is lent to us by God. Sooner or later, we have to let them go so that they can spread their wings and go out into the world. This won’t be easy for many parents because they have cared for their children for a long time and are hesitant about letting them go. You have found true courage with all the wonderful things that happened to your daughter throughout summer. Congratulations to you and to your daughter!

That was a lovely post

Sounds like you are a terrific mom and I would bet that your daughter won’t mind the extra “mothering” as a young adult!

Beautifully written and so honest and true. Best wishes to ALL of you!

That was a beautiful post about your daughter and how to be a good parent. Somehow, I wished my parents did all the things that you have listed. But at the same time because they did not do majority of those things, I became the person I am today. I am respectful, truthful, dedicated, and loved. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and advice.

As a 23 year old myself, I know I still need my mom to “mother” me! Sometimes I feel guilty that I still need so much help. Thanks for this reminder that it is normal for my mom to still have such a significant role in my life.

It’s been only a few years since I left this stage, but I can only hope when I’m at the other end (in about 15 years), I do it with as much grace as you described.

Good advice!

Today the baby of my four living children turned 17, so it was the perfect day for this post! I really liked your list, but I also believe that at times we do have to stand our ground over issues. Maybe I will have no actual power behind it, if the child in question is over 18, but there are times you still have to make your beliefs known. Those are also the Times it seems that my one son in particular would come back to me and say, “you were right, guess I just had to prove it.” Thank God those earlier times helped later issues when he decided maybe he could take my word for it! LOL! I would tell him to please, let me make the mistake that you can learn from, and now he does.
As a parent I would much rather my child be smart and learn from my mistakes rather than prove them over again. Sometimes they do. Other times I just hope that the lesson learned isn’t too painful, although at times it has to be. And then I hope I can help them heal from it without too big of a scar. :)
Yes, you have to give them room to grow, but I never want them to ask me why in the world I didn’t warn them that something was stupid!!

Love those tips! They’re perfect!

Thank you so much for all your ideas & hints.

Very inspirational I must say!

Good advice for parenting at all stages! Thanks for sharing them and your personal story.

I love my Mother and all good Mothers!

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and the pictures. Glad to have an opportunity to help children receive vaccinations too!

Lots of milestones for that young lady. I’m glad someone else is enjoying 2013 as much as I am! Thank you for bringing in the ideas of health care and global vaccination directly into your blog post. It’s why we’re all here right? Excellent post, both for your advice on parenting adult children (be positive) and for reminding us that others in the global community are not so fortunate.

I am going to have to print this out and keep it for when I’m ready! Great post, thanks!

What a beautiful girl! Must have a special mom!

She sounds like an amazing young woman. Congratulations to all her recent life event/changes. Must be an incredible feeling to watch your daughter blossom into such a lovely young person.

great post, helpful advice, let’s help shotatlife :)

Congratulations Britta!! :) And as the mother of a 19 year old son, this emerging adult relationship can be very hard. Here’s to “mothering” just a little while longer :)

TY Jillee…as always, your content, style, TRANSPARENCY, wisdom, and candor have made a terrific presentation! By your example, you demonstrate how to celebrate your gifts, while acknowledging your weaknesses and how you move through them, or even “use them for the forces of good”…you are a rare woman Jillee, and we appreciate you!!

I had three philosophies in raising my children…
1) I love & will be devoted to YOU…not as an extension of my myself, but as YOU and all that YOU are–strengths and weaknesses both. I will forgive you (as He forgave us), and I will stand next to you as YOU accept responsibility/held accountable for what you do.

2) I am raising YOU to be a “successful” adult…this means a law abiding good citizen who can keep a job, & have successful relationships in your personal life & work life; these are the foundation of a “good life”.

3) and finally…”If God had intended you to raise yourself then you would have been HATCHED FROM A EGG, and not entrusted to ME. Your not gonna make me look bad.”

Yes…I live my life with a sense of humor (and irony too, LOL!).

Lastly…like you I was transparent with my children about mistakes (and how I made them) and successes (and how I pulled that off)…not because I LOVE to talk about myself, but to share how I came about knowing what I know. Neither of them repeated my mistakes, but managed to make their own (LOL!)…yes, they accepted responsibility & the consequences and learned by it all…I call that success :-)

Today…I am more of myself then I ever was when I was actively being their “24/7” Mom–I have activities and interests and successes of my own (Yea Mom!). They are my adult children, who are my favorite friends, who share their lives, and we root for each-other always…they for me (and my new husband), and us for them. One of those children announced they were having a baby at the beginning of Senior year (not a highlight)…and that little girl (adore HER!) & her Mommy are now part of this “2013 Walton’s Family”.

“Lather, rinse, repeat”…

Thanks Jillee. Very timely advice as both my children are emerging adults. I have always said that parenting gets harder the older the children are. All excellent points to keep in mind.

My 30 year old daughter lost her precious dog this morning, the first one she calledat 5:30am ? MOM. My 26 year old has 2 babies 2, and 14 months, who she calls for advice? MOM
My 21 year old just received her LVN license after a one year program, who got her her first job? MOM

No matter their age, they still need their mama’s. Great advise Jillee…..Wait till the grand kids start arriving,, it’s really awesome!!!!!

Like that I don’t have to cook and clean as much, but all three still bring me their tough laundry jobs. My nickname? The Laundry Fairy! LOL!

What a great reminder, beautifully written and thank you for sharing. Just and add on though this is a great reminder that your list doesn’t end after 25. It’s a great reminder for all the continuing years because mothering never ends it just gets better when you remember these tips.

What a beautiful daughter and story.

Thanks for sharing! What a fun summer for you, too!

Thank you for this beautiful reminder. I appreciate being able to provide help for those not able to get it otherwise. Best wishes to the newlyweds!

Our princess ballerina just turned 21 and moved out to be closer to work and friends. I know she’s a beautiful capable young woman and I am so proud of all oh her accomplishments. I know she will make wise decisions and ask for help and advise when she needs it. But her daddy is having a hard time. I think I will have him read this post. The leash and chock collar are keeping him under control for now, but oi vey, he’s such a jewish mother.

as always great post………….Britta and Neil make a beautiful couple…………..wishing many years of wedded bliss…………….

Wonderful blog! Advice we sometimes forget with our own kids/jr adults:)

As a very proud mother of 3 adult, and a 9 yr old girls, and one 7 yr old grandson… Any information any one can pass on to help others out during the trials and tribulations of all life’s stages is more than welcome into my days! Learning disabilities have plagued all three of the older girls and they have all become successful anyhow with hard work and determination. It is definitely difficult not to be opinionated when you see something happening you don’t feel is right– and I personally have a knee jerk reaction at most times– however I am learning to shut my mouth as they are proving all the time that they are mature and are indeed adults now…. they simply tell me “I just need you to listen”… so I shut my mouth with that casual reminder… ..I’ve been learning something new from my kids since the day they were born– and still learning.. :-)

This is spot-on for relating to adult children. Thank you for sharing!

Thank you for sharing. Your tips for parenting adult children are just what I needed to read. I have a son that is 20 years old, and I am really trying to be more patient, and positive, to listen more, to stay connected with him….all of what you put on your list. Congratulations to your daughter for all of her wonderful accomplishments this summer and I am wishing her a long healthy, happy marriage!!!

Great advice and a great cause!

I like the balance of your list. Congrats to Britta!

Thank you for your advice and counsel on this and many other subject. I thin it is fabulous that by making one comment I can make a difference in some many children’s lives. Thank you.

Congratulations on your daughters marriage! Your relationship with her will be stronger than ever!!!!

Thank you for sharing! I wish you and Britta all the best…

Great story – thanks for supporting Shot@Life!

This blog is timed with exactly my daughter and our lives. My beautiful daughter Anna just turned 21 and also just got married. I knew that some of what I was able to share with her growing up had taken root when she asked that her birthday present be a special sale for men’s suits – 4 for one – for her husband. She shows much kindness, sharing and understanding and has a tender heart. As she has had many challenges with learning disabilities, I am grateful that despite those frustrations she is growing into a woman I admire and like. What a gift!

It all happens so very fast – this journey from childhood to adult. Lovely post.

Some of the best days! Incredible jumping off point to so much more. Great advice, thanks!

You never stop being a mother, ever. Now you get the joy of being more of a friend than a teacher, although the teaching role never ends.
Yay for vaccines!!

Thanks for sharing great parenting tips.

What a beautiful post and one I think any daughter would be proud to have their mother write of them.

Great advice for moms with “emerging adults”!

Great tips! Here’s to vaccines for all.

Wonderful post! There is nothing like having a close relationship with your children. You really hit the nail on the head with this one :)

great cause!

Thanks for sharing your insights!

What great tips for parenting adults. I think I will forward this info to my mother… ;)

Such wonderful advice so well and lovingly delivered. As my son approaches 21 (in a couple of days) I have been reflecting on how similar the relationship is evolving to the one I have with my mother. At 51 I still go to my mother for advice and venting and she does the same with me. I am enjoying this evolving relationship with my son and cherish it just as I have each stage of his life, even the more challenging ones. There will always be bumps along the way because that’s life and relationships but the growth and change happen naturally in the rite time if you let them and I have decided that despite my personal regrets (for lack of a better word) the way our relationship is evolving is an indication that we did a good job with the fundamentals, my husband and I have always been a good balance. Obviously you and your DH have done the same and will continue to reap the benefits. I so enjoy experiencing life with my son and thankful he shares it.What a wonderful opportunity you and shot@life have given me to celebrate that joy!

Thank you for sharing so honestly from your heart, and thanks for your support of Shot@Life!

Beautiful post! Keep up the good work!

Thanks for the advice.

Appreciate your column. Keep up the good work.

Thank you for sharing your story

As what I guess is defined as an “emerging adult” myself (although I have been married for 3 years and have a little one of my own!), I appreciate these down-to-earth parenting tips. I think part of growing up is realizing our parents may not have been “perfect” and neither are we — we are all here to love and support each other the best we know how to, and I hope my Babygirl grows up feeling secure and confident in the advice I have to give when she is my age :)

Thank you—with 2 children (20 & 22) it is a very timely reminder!

I struggle with this everyday…having 2 daughters 21 and 23 I was a awesome mom
(i think) but not so sure about a awesome mom to adult children. Thank You for this post its nice to know I’m not the only one.

Great advice!

Commenting for vaccinations.

I appreciate this blog today – I still love being a parent, even during this time. Hoping to make many more positive memories!

thnak you for sharing !

Thanks for sharing. And thanks for bringing light to this wonderful organization that helps children.

I have always referred to my children as junior adults…I would like to add that the relationship you have with your parents is an additional lesson.

I cleaned out my subscriptions yesterday but left yours and two or three others. You always have such a wonderful outlook on life. Thank you for teaching me. I have an teenage granddaughter and you insight will help guide me.

From the mother of a 19 year old, this was a very timely post, thank you!

I have a way to go before all of this but I’m tucking this away for that time!

Congrats! I have a 21 year old taking a break from school and trying to figure out what she might want to do next.

Jillee, I think your list is perfect – my DD is now 30 and DS is 26, and it is still good advice !! I will forward to friends getting into this phase of parenting.

Thanks for all your help and advice, Laura

Well, this sure is timely. I have 18 year old twins who are heading to college this week. We are getting on a plane today to take one to Univ of Colorado in Boulder then flying home to take the other to Lake Forest College a wonderful small school closer to home. So, as I said, very timely advice.
Thank you for getting involved with shot@life.

Congratulations to Britta!

Congratulations! I love getting your daily blogposts, and today’s is a perfect example of why: full of wisdom and the practical. Thank you!

I need to cut this out and paste it on my fridge just as a ‘gentle’reminder!

I appreciate the advice on how to develop an evolving relationship with our young adult children. It does seem true that while they may be ‘grown up’ they still have a way to go. Looking back at myself at that age, I realize how little I knew, how I still needed to really work on myself so that I could become more integrated. This helps me be a little more patient and give them space to keep discovering. We are lucky that in this country , most children do get good health care and vaccines so that they can concentrate on growing up!

thanks for sharing. Very good tips.

I find that parenting my adult children is a bit tricky. They both are still in school and live at home. It is very hard to allow them their freedoms while they are still living with us. Any advice? Thanks for your blog!

I love this post Jillee! I have an 18 yr old just going off to college, so I really needed this advice! I subscribe to your emails and religiously read every one. Your ideas are just FAB and are so great for today’s busy families! Keep up the good work Jillee!

Hey, I know that girl! Jill, it was so nice to see you at BlogHer and to meet your daughter!

So glad you’re supporting Shot@Life!

Jen :)

My children are 23and 25, and one difference between now and when they were younger is that they actually allow us to parent now! They speak to us, ask for advice, and listen–and most amazingly, appreciate our help!

Please don’t neglect immunizations for your little ones. We have to keep on top of it to prevent the recurrence of the most devastating diseases!

Thank you for participating in the vaccination program. I love your site. It’s bookmarked and combed through often.

I got married at 19 and now have been married for 12 years now. If it wasn’t for my mom being there for me to talk to, yell at, vent on, etc. I think my marriage wouldn’t have gone very smoothly those first few years. That’s one thing that I’m so very appreciative of.

As a recent ’emerging adult’, these seem like great tips. I think my mother tried very hard during that time to employ a lot of them and find a balance between being a friend and parent at the same time,and it wasn’t always easy for either of us.

Also, your daughter is a lovely bride!

My eldest is 20 and lives and works on the other side of Europe. Parenting an almost adult from a distance is a challenge but has its many rewards. The idea that they are not fully adult until 25 resonates with me…and scares me slightly when I think I had two children by age 25!

I truly appreciate your blog, as I, also, have a 21 year old daughter. Her path has not been as smooth as your daughter’s, but we. too, are navigating our evolving relationship. I find she has a keen mind and excellent insights into our lives. I too, have found your key points to be essential. Blessings to you and yours.

I have a daughter that just got married last week at 24 and your advice work will work. Thank you for sharing with us and for helping this great cause.

One more vaccine! And thanks for the good advice…

A very moving post – as the mum of adult children I empathise entirely – and will second your advice – I feel blessed that my 34yr old still rings mum when she needs to, and am thankful that we got through our “hiccups” to the other side of the teens!! J x

Happy to help any child in need receive a vaccine to keep them healthy!

Your post reflects the natural progression of my relationship with my mother. Every step of my life has gone through my mom’s gradual stages of giving me more freedom and letting go: letting me be free to make my own way yet she has ALWAYS been there for advice or support, no matter my successes or failures. The key is always be there for your child/children with an open heart and open mind. Your post is very insightful, Jillee. Thank you.

Such a wonderful post, your daughter sounds like a lovely “emerging adult.” Thanks for sharing!

A close friend told me that a child is lent to us by God. Sooner or later, we have to let them go so that they can spread their wings and go out into the world. This won’t be easy for many parents because they have cared for their children for a long time and are hesitant about letting them go. You have found true courage with all the wonderful things that happened to your daughter throughout summer. Congratulations to you and to your daughter!

That was a lovely post

Sounds like you are a terrific mom and I would bet that your daughter won’t mind the extra “mothering” as a young adult!

Beautifully written and so honest and true. Best wishes to ALL of you!

That was a beautiful post about your daughter and how to be a good parent. Somehow, I wished my parents did all the things that you have listed. But at the same time because they did not do majority of those things, I became the person I am today. I am respectful, truthful, dedicated, and loved. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and advice.

As a 23 year old myself, I know I still need my mom to “mother” me! Sometimes I feel guilty that I still need so much help. Thanks for this reminder that it is normal for my mom to still have such a significant role in my life.

It’s been only a few years since I left this stage, but I can only hope when I’m at the other end (in about 15 years), I do it with as much grace as you described.

Good advice!

Today the baby of my four living children turned 17, so it was the perfect day for this post! I really liked your list, but I also believe that at times we do have to stand our ground over issues. Maybe I will have no actual power behind it, if the child in question is over 18, but there are times you still have to make your beliefs known. Those are also the Times it seems that my one son in particular would come back to me and say, “you were right, guess I just had to prove it.” Thank God those earlier times helped later issues when he decided maybe he could take my word for it! LOL! I would tell him to please, let me make the mistake that you can learn from, and now he does.
As a parent I would much rather my child be smart and learn from my mistakes rather than prove them over again. Sometimes they do. Other times I just hope that the lesson learned isn’t too painful, although at times it has to be. And then I hope I can help them heal from it without too big of a scar. :)
Yes, you have to give them room to grow, but I never want them to ask me why in the world I didn’t warn them that something was stupid!!

Love those tips! They’re perfect!

Thank you so much for all your ideas & hints.

Very inspirational I must say!

Good advice for parenting at all stages! Thanks for sharing them and your personal story.

I love my Mother and all good Mothers!

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and the pictures. Glad to have an opportunity to help children receive vaccinations too!

Lots of milestones for that young lady. I’m glad someone else is enjoying 2013 as much as I am! Thank you for bringing in the ideas of health care and global vaccination directly into your blog post. It’s why we’re all here right? Excellent post, both for your advice on parenting adult children (be positive) and for reminding us that others in the global community are not so fortunate.

I am going to have to print this out and keep it for when I’m ready! Great post, thanks!

What a beautiful girl! Must have a special mom!

She sounds like an amazing young woman. Congratulations to all her recent life event/changes. Must be an incredible feeling to watch your daughter blossom into such a lovely young person.

great post, helpful advice, let’s help shotatlife :)

Congratulations Britta!! :) And as the mother of a 19 year old son, this emerging adult relationship can be very hard. Here’s to “mothering” just a little while longer :)

TY Jillee…as always, your content, style, TRANSPARENCY, wisdom, and candor have made a terrific presentation! By your example, you demonstrate how to celebrate your gifts, while acknowledging your weaknesses and how you move through them, or even “use them for the forces of good”…you are a rare woman Jillee, and we appreciate you!!

I had three philosophies in raising my children…
1) I love & will be devoted to YOU…not as an extension of my myself, but as YOU and all that YOU are–strengths and weaknesses both. I will forgive you (as He forgave us), and I will stand next to you as YOU accept responsibility/held accountable for what you do.

2) I am raising YOU to be a “successful” adult…this means a law abiding good citizen who can keep a job, & have successful relationships in your personal life & work life; these are the foundation of a “good life”.

3) and finally…”If God had intended you to raise yourself then you would have been HATCHED FROM A EGG, and not entrusted to ME. Your not gonna make me look bad.”

Yes…I live my life with a sense of humor (and irony too, LOL!).

Lastly…like you I was transparent with my children about mistakes (and how I made them) and successes (and how I pulled that off)…not because I LOVE to talk about myself, but to share how I came about knowing what I know. Neither of them repeated my mistakes, but managed to make their own (LOL!)…yes, they accepted responsibility & the consequences and learned by it all…I call that success :-)

Today…I am more of myself then I ever was when I was actively being their “24/7” Mom–I have activities and interests and successes of my own (Yea Mom!). They are my adult children, who are my favorite friends, who share their lives, and we root for each-other always…they for me (and my new husband), and us for them. One of those children announced they were having a baby at the beginning of Senior year (not a highlight)…and that little girl (adore HER!) & her Mommy are now part of this “2013 Walton’s Family”.

“Lather, rinse, repeat”…

Thanks Jillee. Very timely advice as both my children are emerging adults. I have always said that parenting gets harder the older the children are. All excellent points to keep in mind.

My 30 year old daughter lost her precious dog this morning, the first one she calledat 5:30am ? MOM. My 26 year old has 2 babies 2, and 14 months, who she calls for advice? MOM
My 21 year old just received her LVN license after a one year program, who got her her first job? MOM

No matter their age, they still need their mama’s. Great advise Jillee…..Wait till the grand kids start arriving,, it’s really awesome!!!!!

Like that I don’t have to cook and clean as much, but all three still bring me their tough laundry jobs. My nickname? The Laundry Fairy! LOL!

What a great reminder, beautifully written and thank you for sharing. Just and add on though this is a great reminder that your list doesn’t end after 25. It’s a great reminder for all the continuing years because mothering never ends it just gets better when you remember these tips.

What a beautiful daughter and story.

Thanks for sharing! What a fun summer for you, too!

Thank you for this beautiful reminder. I appreciate being able to provide help for those not able to get it otherwise. Best wishes to the newlyweds!

Our princess ballerina just turned 21 and moved out to be closer to work and friends. I know she’s a beautiful capable young woman and I am so proud of all oh her accomplishments. I know she will make wise decisions and ask for help and advise when she needs it. But her daddy is having a hard time. I think I will have him read this post. The leash and chock collar are keeping him under control for now, but oi vey, he’s such a jewish mother.

as always great post………….Britta and Neil make a beautiful couple…………..wishing many years of wedded bliss…………….

Wonderful blog! Advice we sometimes forget with our own kids/jr adults:)

As a very proud mother of 3 adult, and a 9 yr old girls, and one 7 yr old grandson… Any information any one can pass on to help others out during the trials and tribulations of all life’s stages is more than welcome into my days! Learning disabilities have plagued all three of the older girls and they have all become successful anyhow with hard work and determination. It is definitely difficult not to be opinionated when you see something happening you don’t feel is right– and I personally have a knee jerk reaction at most times– however I am learning to shut my mouth as they are proving all the time that they are mature and are indeed adults now…. they simply tell me “I just need you to listen”… so I shut my mouth with that casual reminder… ..I’ve been learning something new from my kids since the day they were born– and still learning.. :-)

This is spot-on for relating to adult children. Thank you for sharing!

Thank you for sharing. Your tips for parenting adult children are just what I needed to read. I have a son that is 20 years old, and I am really trying to be more patient, and positive, to listen more, to stay connected with him….all of what you put on your list. Congratulations to your daughter for all of her wonderful accomplishments this summer and I am wishing her a long healthy, happy marriage!!!

Great advice and a great cause!

I like the balance of your list. Congrats to Britta!

Thank you for your advice and counsel on this and many other subject. I thin it is fabulous that by making one comment I can make a difference in some many children’s lives. Thank you.

Congratulations on your daughters marriage! Your relationship with her will be stronger than ever!!!!

Thank you for sharing! I wish you and Britta all the best…

Great story – thanks for supporting Shot@Life!

This blog is timed with exactly my daughter and our lives. My beautiful daughter Anna just turned 21 and also just got married. I knew that some of what I was able to share with her growing up had taken root when she asked that her birthday present be a special sale for men’s suits – 4 for one – for her husband. She shows much kindness, sharing and understanding and has a tender heart. As she has had many challenges with learning disabilities, I am grateful that despite those frustrations she is growing into a woman I admire and like. What a gift!

It all happens so very fast – this journey from childhood to adult. Lovely post.

Some of the best days! Incredible jumping off point to so much more. Great advice, thanks!

You never stop being a mother, ever. Now you get the joy of being more of a friend than a teacher, although the teaching role never ends.
Yay for vaccines!!

Thanks for sharing great parenting tips.

What a beautiful post and one I think any daughter would be proud to have their mother write of them.

Great advice for moms with “emerging adults”!

Great tips! Here’s to vaccines for all.

Wonderful post! There is nothing like having a close relationship with your children. You really hit the nail on the head with this one :)

great cause!

Thanks for sharing your insights!

What great tips for parenting adults. I think I will forward this info to my mother… ;)

Such wonderful advice so well and lovingly delivered. As my son approaches 21 (in a couple of days) I have been reflecting on how similar the relationship is evolving to the one I have with my mother. At 51 I still go to my mother for advice and venting and she does the same with me. I am enjoying this evolving relationship with my son and cherish it just as I have each stage of his life, even the more challenging ones. There will always be bumps along the way because that’s life and relationships but the growth and change happen naturally in the rite time if you let them and I have decided that despite my personal regrets (for lack of a better word) the way our relationship is evolving is an indication that we did a good job with the fundamentals, my husband and I have always been a good balance. Obviously you and your DH have done the same and will continue to reap the benefits. I so enjoy experiencing life with my son and thankful he shares it.What a wonderful opportunity you and shot@life have given me to celebrate that joy!

Thank you for sharing so honestly from your heart, and thanks for your support of Shot@Life!

Beautiful post! Keep up the good work!

Thanks for the advice.

Appreciate your column. Keep up the good work.

Thank you for sharing your story

As what I guess is defined as an “emerging adult” myself (although I have been married for 3 years and have a little one of my own!), I appreciate these down-to-earth parenting tips. I think part of growing up is realizing our parents may not have been “perfect” and neither are we — we are all here to love and support each other the best we know how to, and I hope my Babygirl grows up feeling secure and confident in the advice I have to give when she is my age :)

Thank you—with 2 children (20 & 22) it is a very timely reminder!

I struggle with this everyday…having 2 daughters 21 and 23 I was a awesome mom
(i think) but not so sure about a awesome mom to adult children. Thank You for this post its nice to know I’m not the only one.

Great advice!

Commenting for vaccinations.

I appreciate this blog today – I still love being a parent, even during this time. Hoping to make many more positive memories!

thnak you for sharing !

Thanks for sharing. And thanks for bringing light to this wonderful organization that helps children.

I have always referred to my children as junior adults…I would like to add that the relationship you have with your parents is an additional lesson.

I cleaned out my subscriptions yesterday but left yours and two or three others. You always have such a wonderful outlook on life. Thank you for teaching me. I have an teenage granddaughter and you insight will help guide me.

From the mother of a 19 year old, this was a very timely post, thank you!

I have a way to go before all of this but I’m tucking this away for that time!

Congrats! I have a 21 year old taking a break from school and trying to figure out what she might want to do next.

Jillee, I think your list is perfect – my DD is now 30 and DS is 26, and it is still good advice !! I will forward to friends getting into this phase of parenting.

Thanks for all your help and advice, Laura

Well, this sure is timely. I have 18 year old twins who are heading to college this week. We are getting on a plane today to take one to Univ of Colorado in Boulder then flying home to take the other to Lake Forest College a wonderful small school closer to home. So, as I said, very timely advice.
Thank you for getting involved with shot@life.

Congratulations to Britta!

Congratulations! I love getting your daily blogposts, and today’s is a perfect example of why: full of wisdom and the practical. Thank you!

I need to cut this out and paste it on my fridge just as a ‘gentle’reminder!