An adult child is a person who has not fully transitioned into independence from their parents. This can occur when parents are overly protective or when adult children remain dependent. Examples given include adult children still living at home or parents insisting on excessive involvement in their adult child's personal life. While parents may fear empty nest syndrome or their child's independence, it is important to allow children to become self-reliant adults by establishing appropriate boundaries. Forcing dependence as an adult child can damage the parent-child relationship and foster issues like resentment. Both parents and adult children must make efforts to transition to a relationship of mutual respect and independence.

1. ADULT cHiLdReN
Denesia Paul

2. WhoareAdult
Children?
An Adult Child is: A person that has not gone
through the launching stage fully, thus they
remain dependent on their parents at some
extent.
This can occur on the parents’ behalf or on
the Child’s behalf.
For Instance:
1) Tristan still lives at his parents’ house,
despite his dad wanting him to move out,
because his mother thinks that the cost of
living is way to high. The problem here is that
Tristan does not see anything wrong with that
idea…

3. WhoareAdult
Children?
2) Cindee’s parent’s call her everyday, insisting
on knowing where she is, who she’s with, and
everything about her personal life. She lives in
the same city and has a good job. When she
tries to get space they get really mad, and
victimize themselves and accuse her for being
ungrateful.
ANOTHER GREAT EXAMPLE WOULD BE:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KZM3PRV0
NM

4. Parents of Adult Children
Typically fear launching of their children into the real world
especially when they have always been over protective of
their child.
We also find that parents may also have a fear of the empty
nest.
The importance of releasing children when they are legal
adults:
 Children learn to become independent and self-reliant
adults
 The ability for parents to learn to let go and trust God
that their child is ready to make good decisions based
on what they have been taught
 It is beginning a new phase of the relationship, not
ending it.

5. Parents of Adult Children:
There are some ramifications to Parents who force or encourage
their children to this:
 The Child still remains dependent of parent(s) for care and
support.
 It is not normative for children to live at home into their 30’s and
40’s, especially for the reason of not being married yet.
 Clinging to adult children fosters resentment, rebellion and can
destroy the parent-child relationship.
 Clinging to a child can also be an unhealthy way of dealing with
unresolved issues (marital etc)

6. But children can be Rebellious,
Abandoning their parents’
values…
Let’s View the Story of Ken and Mike:
The conclusion: It is import to show the child of adult age that you
release him or her and that you hope for him or her to learn the
proper freedoms and responsibilities in life in a Christ-like
perspective. Think Luke 15, the prodigal son.

7. My Child does not want to
leave
The same Applies to that Adult child who does not want to
leave the home at an appropriate age.
• The parents should lovingly get that child on track
• Encourage them to get a job and an apartment
• Don’t feel like you’re kicking your child out, but more that
this will help him or her with the rest of their life.
• 1 Tim 5:4 – Our relationship with our children is circular.
When they become adults, they should start taking care of
us

8. Advice for Parents
Release the child –
• grant your child the same respect as an adult would be
given. You are no longer the disciplinarian but you can still
be involved in his or her life.
Provide Godly support –
• If the child’s life is going out of control (drugs, violence,
depression) consider professional intervention. Pray with
love while considering the boundaries set.

9. For the Adult Child
Become Financially Independent –
• In order to become self-sufficient and to move out. If
needed, meet with a financial planner and set goals.
Find Steady employment –
• Research job openings, you may not love you job, but it will
pay the bills.
Find a place to live –
• This to can be researched, once you obtain a steady
income. The internet is a good source and a roommate will
cut costs.
• Pray for Wisdom and Direction

10. Another Clip of Similar
Content
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Vg76SLRCcU

11. Discuss:
1) Do you think that only-children are more predisposed to
being adult children? Why? Experiences?
2) When an adult child finally moves out, do you think that
their dependent tendencies can possibly be transferred to
their marriage partner?

12. Questions or comments?