The goal of every parent is to see their child grow up to be a self-sufficient, confident, and productive member of society. From the time they are born, we nurture our kids and give them everything we can to help them thrive. We try to fill their minds with positive messages and encourage them to have a strong moral compass, be genuine, and value an honest day’s work. We do all those things even though their young minds may not yet fully grasp the practical applications of our lessons.

While we spend a lot of time teaching our offspring about life, it’s simply impossible to cover everything they’ll need to know before they need to know it. Our days are so absorbed by constant distractions and competing priorities that we are often surprised by the fact that our toddlers are suddenly teens on the cusp of Adulthood. Where did the time go? We ask ourselves that question, as we also wonder if they are ready to handle the challenges associated with being a grown-up.

For many young people, the initial answer is a resounding “no”. What else can 17-year-old kids say when they are about to turn 18 and will … Continue reading..