More factors send young adults into “Failure to Launch” than just a lack of motivation. It’s also having insufficient executive functioning skills, being unable to self-regulate when it comes to emotions, anxiety, and fear, lacking proper social skills and more. Young adults who fear or have no want to create their own lives can end up relying on their parents for months, or even years after college graduation. From there, they will become more comfortable with the idea of staying home, and less likely to becoming independent. Once this cycle happens, the idea of having to move out, or just having to get a job, can make them feel like they are drowning in anxiety. This, in part, is because they lack the proper social and executive functioning skills to put themselves out there, which can hinder their ability to start their lives after college. Some parents do not see these deficits which the young adult apparently did not grow out of. They want to see the best in them because as a parent, you always want your child to be happy and doing their best.

Admitting that your child is suffering from “Failure to Launch” can be hard for a parent and to some extent the young adult and even siblings. You don’t want your young adult to think they do not have your support or help, but sometimes it’s important to put your foot down. At times, the help they need from you is teaching them the proper skills they lack to succeed independently. They cannot become accustomed to the idea that you will always aid them financially, especially since it can take a toll on the parent’s finances, mental health and relationship as well. According to an AARP study, “…half of the midlife adults with children 25 or older have provided them with financial support in the past year. And 51% of the parents providing the support say it’s a financial strain.” (Eisenberg, 2020). This is because young adults become used to relying on their parents for money and may enjoy it more than having to get a job and create their own financial stability. Instead of working, they can stay at home and play games while you as a parent have to work even harder, which in return makes them only sink deeper and deeper into “Failure to Launch.” As young adults continue to repeat this cycle, the years they stay at home will become greater and greater as well. A survey conducted showed that “One-third of all adults ages 18 to 34 — about 24 million — still live at home…” (Newman, 2019). Such a large number of people still living at home shows that “Failure to Launch” happens to a greater extent when parents are not acting proactively during the high school and early college years. Young adults who suffer from anxiety or issues with self-regulation and social skills can find it hard to find a job. It may feel as if it is too much for them, and even if they end up finding one, keeping that job with minimal executive functioning skills can prove difficult. This can then put an emotional and financial strain on the parent, causing issues for both them and their child. Yet, it is not impossible to overcome these challenges when equipped with the proper skills to do so.

The College Life Skills Program provides those with life challenges such as ADHD, Autism, “Asperger’s”, Learning Disabilities etc. to develop realistic strategies and solutions to battle “Failure to Launch”. We can teach them how to properly control their emotions and anxiety in situations that can be stressful for them, how to make and maintain important relationships, proper decision-making skills, time management, task initiation and completion, problem-solving, and so much more. Don’t wait for them to grow out of these challenges because they may not, they will need the support we can offer. Before your child begins to spiral downhill, feel as if they are unable to move forward, overwhelmed and/or depressed, let our highly trained counselors and coaches help your child address these essential deficits. “Failure to Launch” is a real issue, so don’t let your child feel like they are drowning in life. Trust CollgeLSP to provide them with the proper tools to swim.

Dr. Eric J. Nach, Ph.D., M.Ed., A.S.D.C., is a Developmental and Behavioral Specialist who specializes in Autism, ADHD and related disorders. Dr. Nach is the founder of the College Life Skills Program where he and his team of professional’s help develop the Emotional Maturity, Executive Functioning, Life Skill and Social Abilities of college students and those high school students preparing for college. The CollegeLSP is a subsidiary program of the Support For Students Growth Center, located in Boca Raton, FL and providing services nationwide.

 

Newman, J. (2019, February 27). Failure to launch programs help adults who live at home. AARP. Retrieved July 24, 2022, from https://www.aarp.org/disrupt-aging/stories/info-2019/failure-to-launch.html

Eisenberg, R. (2020, March 10). If your child’s failure to launch becomes a money problem for you. Forbes. Retrieved July 24, 2022, from https://www.forbes.com/sites/nextavenue/2020/03/10/if-your-childs-failure-to-launch-becomes-a-money-problem-for-you/?sh=692f795b6b8b