Transitioning to adulthood is hard for some young adults. They struggle to achieve independence or integrate into adult life. Sometimes called “failure to launch”, this difficult time affects a young adult’s ability to get a job, complete education, or take care of personal duties. “Struggling to launch” structured programs, can help to provide support and guidance for young adults facing these challenges.

According to Pew Research Center, most American’s believe that parents are doing too much for their kids these days. Sometimes that’s not always the case and there are underlying emotional and mental health issues that can affect the young adult’s independence.  

What causes struggling to launch?  

Struggling to launch may be caused by lack of support, over-involvement or overprotection of parents. Other contributing factors are the young adult’s fear of failure, anxiety, depression or something else with mental health.  

An article on CHADD.org discusses how young adults who fail to gain independence are not lazy, of which is a common misconception. More often, they have a sense of hopelessness.  

This confusing time can affect the young adult’s quality of life and wellbeing. Parents and caregivers end up frustrated and unsure of what their role should be in the young adult’s coming of age.  

The rising cost of living, student loan debt and an uncertain job market make it harder for young adults to feel confident about leaving home and supporting themselves.  Some young adults may feel that the current job market doesn’t provide opportunities that match their skills or education, leading to a reluctance to pursue career paths or seek financial independence.  

Sometimes, us parents are the least influential in guiding and directing our young adults. Struggling to launch therapeutic programs can inspire our loved ones to overcome their confusions and fears of independence and learn to become the best version of themselves. 

Programs are designed specifically to address underlying problems that are keeping young people from gaining the skills and confidence needed to live independently. These programs are all individual and unique. With the help of someone like a therapeutic consultant, your loved one will find their best fit. 

Finding the best fit program is important. In addition, there are some programming to consider in struggling to launch programs:

1. Structured routines. Young adults who have had trouble with consistency will thrive in a structured environment; at the same time giving freedom to learn practical skills such as time management, budgeting and maintaining responsibilities.
2. Coaching and/or therapy. Therapy may be optional, however daily coaching and support is the fuel for feeling empowered.
3. Encouragement into independence.  Incremental steps along with exposure to life help young adults transition away from dependence on parents. They will have options for internships, job placements, college classes, or volunteer opportunities.
4. Practice on building healthy relationships and social skills – Group settings offer opportunities to form relationships, build social skills and overcome isolation. 
5. Offer a personalized treatment plan. With a combination of mental health support, life skills coaching, physical wellness activities and recreational therapy, young adults find their own intrinsic drive. 
6. Expectations for accountability and responsibility. Staff members use a combination of check-ins, goal setting and feedback to keep clients accountable.
7. Long-term support and aftercare – Alumni groups and mentorship will support your loved one as they transition to independent living.

Considerations for relocating.

The best thing for a young adult to grow is to change their environment. The exposure of learning a new city or town, making new friends, experiencing new cultures, getting out of a comfort zone and the inner challenges to adapt, is an excellent platform for growing up.   

Being gently “pushed” into independence alongside caring coaches, a supportive environment and a like-minded community is a recipe for building independence. With the right reinforcement and experiences, a young adult will gain the confidence, skills, and accountability necessary to start a mature life.   

At Therapeutic Educational Consulting, we help guide, support and recommend for all kinds of struggling to launch young adult programs. Schedule a no-cost discovery call with Rae Guyer, your therapeutic consultant to discuss options.

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Photo credit, Fizkes