The Challenges of Parenting a Young Adult as They Struggle With Failure to Launch

Have you ever found yourself worrying about your young adult children? Do they seem to be struggling to find their place in the world, while also lacking the drive and motivation needed to reach adulthood? If this sounds familiar, then you're not alone. In this article, we'll look at ways of helping your young adult when they struggle with failure to launch. Read on to find out more! 

Defining Failure To Launch 

While the specific definition of "failure to launch" can vary, it generally refers to young adults who have difficulty transitioning into independent adulthood. This can manifest in a variety of ways, including young adults who: 

-lived at home well into their 20s or 30s 

-constantly changed jobs or could not hold down a job 

-had difficulty maintaining healthy relationships 

-struggled with addiction or other mental health issues 

If you're worried that your young adult may be struggling with failure to launch, there are a few things you can do to support them. First, try to avoid enabling them by doing things for them that they should be doing for themselves. Instead, help them develop realistic goals and provide guidance and resources as they work towards those goals. Additionally, try to be understanding and patient as they navigate this difficult time in their life. 

The Challenges of Failure To Launch

It's hard to watch your child struggle, especially when it feels like they're not doing anything to help themselves. When your young adult is struggling with failure to launch, it can be tempting to try to take over and fix things for them. However, this can actually make the situation worse. 

Here are some challenges you may face when supporting a young adult with failure to launch: 

1. They may resist your help. Your child is an adult now, and they may not want you to interfering in their lives. They may see your help as a sign that they can't do it on their own, which can further damage their self-confidence. 

2. You may need to set boundaries. It's important that you respect your child's independence and allow them to learn from their mistakes. This means that you may need to set some boundaries in order to avoid enabling their behavior. For example, you might need to limit how much financial support you give them or how often you bail them out of difficult situations. 

3. It can be emotionally draining. Dealing with a child who is struggling can be very emotionally taxing. You might feel like you're constantly walking on eggshells or worrying about what will happen next. It's important to take care of yourself during this time so that you don't burn out or become too invested in the situation. 

Please reach out to Sanare Colorado to speak with a mental health professional who can help provide you with resources for your family. We are here to help!