Healthy relationships Children leaving home for the first time have much more freedom. This includes freedom to choose whom they hang out with or date and what time they come home. “The post-high school setting is full of potential for peer pressure,” said Dr. Novak. “When you add in most young people’s desire to be cool and fit in, they can find themselves in some uncomfortable situations. Encourage them to trust their gut—if something is making them uncomfortable, it’s OK to speak up or walk away.” You might consider having your child download a ride-hailing app such as Uber or Lyft on their smartphone. Encourage them to use it once or twice to become familiar with it. Then, if he or she is ever in a situation they need to leave, they can use the app to get home safely. Healthy relationships should include a friend, or group of friends, who can talk honestly and offer social and emotional support. Your child may no longer want to share everything with you as their parent, so having another caring option will be an important resource for helping him or her process feelings. Remember, parents—even when they aren’t talking to you, they are still listening. “If you have concerns as a parent, it’s important for you to talk plainly,” said Dr. Novak. “If you are wondering about something, even when it’s hard, you should ask the question. It’s often more productive to wait until everyone is calm and feeling relaxed, but when the time is right, it’s OK to just say what’s on your mind with kindness. You want your child to know you are a safe resource and it’s OK for them to talk with you about anything.” This is an exciting time in your child’s life as he or she leaves home and takes the first steps as an independent adult. Remember to celebrate and enjoy this milestone together. For young adults leaving home for the first time, independence will include taking greater responsibility for their health and well-being.
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