“Long Road to Adulthood is Growing Even Longer” Cohen

“For many, by choice or circumstance, independence no longer begins at 21.”

This quote succinctly describes the society that we currently live in today and really put into focus the changing definition of what is “adulthood.” Back in the days, a person is considered an adult at the age of 18, and by age 21, one should already be independent financially. Many are already in the process of buying their first homes, creating their own family, and starting their own careers. However, now, that line is blurred. Even though in the eyes of the law, one is legally an adult at 18 and can legally drink by the age of 21, the reality is that for many “young adults,” “adulthood” is still a far away concept. For many, getting married and starting a family this early on into their lives is unthinkable. Some are in the process of finishing their undergraduate career and heading off into graduate school or their PhD program. Others are preparing to go into the workforce or taking a “gap year.” The 21^st century atmosphere we are in today is that for many “young adults” at this age, complete financial independence is unrealistic, especially with student loans and cost of living (e.g.: NYC). Yet, while financial independence may be difficult to achieve for some, I think that parents, educators, and society need to promote and nurture a sense of independence within “young adults;” we need to equip these “young adults” with the tools necessary to become independent and sometimes for parents, that means to let their child deal with the consequences of their mistakes.