So when they turn 18??
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So when they turn 18??
| Sun, 12-30-2007 - 10:55am |
Can someone please clarify me on what suddenly happens when your kids turn 18? It seems from different threads I've read over the past few months that the kids then have rights that their parents have no control over. I never went through that rebellious stage unfortunately, so I continued to defer to my parents at least until I was through college (and I started college well before I turned 18). I know kids can't legally drink until they're 21. Are they legally allowed to do everything else when they're 18? Even if they're still in high school and financially dependent on their parents?
I'm not being argumentative--I just want to know because I have less than 2 years till my oldest turns 18!

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I think EJ that they can leave their parents and not be counted as runaways.
Awesome post, I agree totally. DS turns 17 in a few days (boo-hoo) and we've always told him that as long as he's living with and being supported by us, he must follow our rules. The caveat is that you have to be reasonable with the rules, and let them grow wings while still keeping them safe. But to me, 18 will really be no different than 17 - he will be given more and more freedom and responsibility as time goes on, so hopefully he will be able to survive and thrive away from home.
Lisa
Quote: "Can someone please clarify me on what suddenly happens when your kids turn 18?"
In the eyes of the law they become adults.
I think the legal entitlements at age 18 are different based on different jurisdictions.
Here in Canada, at 18, you may enter into legal contracts, serve in the military, marry without parental consent,
Technically candledance, at 18 they have all the same rights and *responsibilities* as you and I do.
There is one interesting exception involving 18 yr old high school seniors -
We went through this with DS2-he had all these grand plans for 18 that didnt transpire but there was plenty of talk and threats
I was fearful because I had no doubt that the parents of his best buddy would take him in should he leave this home. That was certainly preferable to the kid living on the streets but would be a big kick in the old parental self esteem, KWIM?
I suspect a lot of our kids have someplace else to go(DH lived in the basement of a friends family his senior year in high school-dont know the details-just know he did)
So, yes, I think it can be a frightening threat.
Parents parent differently and, in the case of the cruise, some mom who thinks the OP is being overprotective could take that girl in in a heartbeat.
Then, on a totally different note, I bring up 'she is 18' in my replies because I think it is a reminder to parents that there is a change in the air. We tend to go merrily along parenting in the same way because, heck, its working for the most part.
That first year away at college or on their own is a big step and I truly believe learning to let go a bit ahead of time is preferable to cold turkey for both parties.
Last different note, they can sign leases and they can drink and gamble on international waters at 18.
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