Not Quite Adults

Sociologists and psychologists are studying the transition from childhood to adulthood in a new light. The book, "Not Quite Adults Why 20-Somethings Are Choosing a Slower Path to Adulthood and Why That's Good for Everyone" by Richard Settersten, Ph. D. and Barbara E. Ray, details the reasons why our children no longer are taking the traditional path to adulthood. Their study has revealed much of what we see in our society and that is, education is one of the most important keys to a secure future. Gone are the manufacturing jobs that made Cleveland, in particular, a vibrant city and a great place to raise a family.

The authors describe this time from childhood to adulthood as a period when these children need to explore the possibilities that are available to achieve the same goals their parents attained at a much younger age. They write: "As a society, we pay too little attention to the fates of young people whose parents are unable or unwilling to provide guidance and support that they so desperately need" (pg 143). Living at home ensures a more positive future. It allows for saving for the future, exploring job options and honing of skills for career building.

When my parents married, my Mom stayed home and raised the children, cleaned the house and cooked for the family and my Dad worked to support us. I waited until I was 30 years old to get married and start a family.  I went to college, living with my parents rather than going away, and eventually moved out, 2 years after I found a full time job, in my mid-twenties. There was no pressure to leave. My parents and I got along well and I was able to have a more stable start to my future.

My children's father chooses not to support them emotionally, financially or in any other way. It is a loss for them because they could have had more opportunities had he chosen to remain involved in their lives. Seeing that I could not change his behavior and, once the children turned 18, the courts had no authority, I chose to propose the age of emancipation be changed to age 23. I would once again like to reiterate that if the child is employed full time, child support would cease. I still am trying to generate support for this change in the law and would appreciate anyone who is interested to contact me at ohioschildren@gmail.com. Our children deserve support from both of their parents. It was not their choice to be born and it is the parents responsibility to be there for them until they reach adulthood.