Your 18 Year Old:

Your child is no longer a child. He or she is now 18 years old and nearly “emancipated” (18 years old and high school graduate). His or her adult life is about to begin. It is normal to always think of your near-adult child as the baby you once cradled. Along with this, you’re sure to continue to worry about career and relationship choices. Open and frequent communication is still an important way to maintain your relationship and involvement in his or her life. Position yourself as a “wise advisor” versus a “nosy parent”.

Health and Safety for the Young Adult:

Encourage the proper health and safety practices among your 18 year old. These include:

• Eat a balanced diet and maintain regular physical activity.
• Get enough rest. With high school and the beginning of college as well as work and extracurricular activities, he or she may burn out quickly.
• Discourage sexual activity until marriage.
• Discourage marriage at a young age – wait until both individuals are financially and emotionally ready.
• Encourage the practice of self examination of breasts or testes and for young women, a pelvic exam and Pap Smear.
• Encourage the use of a seat belt at all times while driving or riding in the car. Telling them not to ride with a driver who is unsafe, reckless, drunk or using drugs
• Advise him or her to enjoy life and living -- without drugs, alcohol or tobacco.
• Bike and skate with appropriate safety gear.

Future Appointments:

Your young adult child may be ready to make medical and health decisions on his or her own. Encourage a conversation with one of our family practice or internal medicine physicians about ongoing preventive care and health education.