In the United States, a person legally becomes an adult when he or she reaches age 18. This might be a shock to parents whose 18-year-olds are finishing high school and living under their roof. Parents need to be aware of certain things that change the minute their “baby” turns 18.
Your child will always be your “baby”, no matter how old they become. However, legally speaking, that “baby” turns into an adult on his or her 18th birthday. Parents need to prepare themselves to accept this fact. An adult is not legally obligated to check in with his or her parents on every little decision. Young adults are faced with responsibilities that they may have been shielded from when they were children.
Adult offspring that are between the ages of 18 and 26 can stay covered under their parent’s health insurance plans. Or, they can choose to get a plan of their own (if they have the financial means to do so). Your 18-year-old no longer has to get a parent’s permission to see a doctor. As an adult, she can decide to start using contraception, or terminate a pregnancy, without having to tell you about it. He or she can seek mental health care if they feel they need it.
An 18-year-old can choose to marry any adult who consents to being married to them. There are some exceptions, of course. A person is only allowed to be legally married to one individual at a time. Some states do not recognize same-sex marriage – but many do. If you are close with your 18-year-old he or she might talk to you before proposing marriage or eloping. Keep in mind that adults don’t have to ask for parental permission to get married.
Your little boy must register for the draft when he turns 18. Again, there are some exceptions to this rule. Men who have certain physical or mental health issues might be excused from it. Odds are your 18-year-old is unaware that he has to register – especially if he was not considering joining the military.
An 18-year-old is legally able to sign contracts. This means that he or she can sign a lease, fill out a credit card application, or apply for a student loan. Parents should make an effort to teach their newly minted young adult about percentage rates and the consequences of not paying back a loan.
Colleges and universities do not have to give parents academic information about their offspring. Many parents find that shocking, especially if they are paying for tuition. Parents also cannot select what their “child” will major in. As an adult, that choice is up to the student.
Image by Eldriva Flickr.
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