The Myth of Maturity: What Teenagers Need from Parents to Become Adults - Hardcover

[A]n insightful and compelling view of how parents can provide what the emerging adult needs to bloom.--Ruthellen Josselson, author of Reviving Herself: The Story of Women's Identity from College to Midlife [Apter] offers important guidelines for mothers and fathers, indicating the pitfalls and pleasures of this crucial transition.--Lynn Ponton, M.D., author of The Romance of Risk: Why Teenagers Do the Things They Do [E]xtremely sensible advice to parents and young adults about what they can do to temper often problematic transitions to adulthood.--Yorick Blumenfeld, author of 2099 and Scanning the Future I wish I'd had this book when I was bringing up my own youngsters--and when I was a teen.--Judith Michael, author of Deceptions

While parents, teachers and employers want to help young people move from adolescence to adulthood, they are hampered by out-dated and misguided ideas about maturity. They expect young people to reach adulthood at the same age previous generations did, unaware that they need longer to gain the skills required by an increasingly complex and changeable society. Unrealistic expectations crush young people's confidence and prevent those who care for them from providing the support necessary to allow a smooth crossing from adolescence to adulthood. Acting in the name of love, many parents of young adults withdraw emotional or practical support, thinking it best for a son or daughter to solve his or her own problems, even suffer through their own mistakes. Terri Apter show us that young adults need guidance and support, while also requiring respect and independence. Based on carefully observed case studies and current research, this book describes how young people can be supported through a crucial stage in their development.