Positive Parenting your Horizons Student for Independence
Vol. 2, Issue 1, 2019

The theme for this issue of Positive Parenting is changing expectations and roles when parenting a young adult with learning disabilities. Parents aim to develop life skills that will sustain community independence, yet best intentions may hinder growth and adaptation!

Attempts to minimize challenges and avoid frustration lead some parents to act like a lawnmower or helicopter. A recent nationally representative poll of parents and young adults ages 18-28 was conducted by the New York Times and Morning Consult. Results from 1,136 parents and 1,508 young adults revealed intrusive parenting practices that impede their child’s developing maturity.

Nearly one-fourth of parents help their child study for a college exam. Three fourths of respondents remind their adult child of deadlines to meet and schedule their appointments, including for clinical care. Sixteen percent helped write all or part of applications for an internship or paid job. Eleven percent contact their adult child’s employer to discuss issues at work. Twelve percent help their adult child to pay rent and other bills.

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