Is Your Child Ready to Leave Home?

Mature young adults:

• can set reasonable short-term goals and make plans to achieve them. (Can plan a social engagement or make a realistic list of chores for the day, for example.)
• can stick to their principles and stand up to peer pressure.
• have reasonable impulse control; can delay gratification when appropriate. (They can bal-ance “what I want to do” and “what I need to do” most of the time, for example.)
• understand their own strengths and limitations; can identify situation/setting/modifications that make it possible for them to do their best.
• can manage day-to-day personal finances (make deposits, write checks, pay bills, keep simple accounts, keep spending within budget guidelines).
• can stick to a schedule (get up and to get at reasonable hours; get to work/meals/class on time).
• have developed “memory methods” for keeping track of appointments, assignments, chores and other obligations.
• can shop for and prepare simple meals.
• have good health and grooming habits: dress appropriately for the weather, know how to keep selves, clothing, and living spaces clean; are reliable about following doctors’ orders (including taking medications on time); under-stand the consequences of drug and alcohol abuse and the important of practicing safe sex.
• can drive or use public transportation safely.
• can monitor their own behavior (are usually aware of the impact their behavior has on others; can identify when their behavior has been irresponsible, inappropriate or offensive).
• are accountable for their own actions; take pride in their successes and responsibility for their mistakes.
• can respond appropriately to emergencies (know what to do in case of injury or medical emergency, fire, power failure, etc.).
• can ask for help and locate appropriate sources of support when needed.
• can accept supervision and constructive criticism.
• can follow directions and work independently for reasonable periods of time (do not have an excessive need for praise, monitoring or other forms of attention).
• usually interact courteously with supervisors, teachers, co-workers, service providers.
• can initiate and maintain appropriate social relationships with peers.
• know and practice healthy methods of reduc-ing stress (such as exercise, talking problems over with others, meditation, hobbies, sports and other recreational activities).