‘Young adults’ is a term that refers to pupils between the ages of 18 and 25 years. In our society, young adults are treated with the same values and dignity as an adult. Independent living for young adults essentially means that these people acquire a sense of independent living solutions in this age frame.
Children grow up with their parents passing through different phases before transitioning into an adult. This transition to adulthood is accompanied by them moving out of their parent’s home and starting their own life. The perspective of society about the appropriate age to start living independently differs vastly.
For people to acquire an independent life, they should be instilled with some basic values and habits in their formative years. For example, young adults must be able to manage day-to-day tasks themselves. They must be taught about these from their childhood. While many people are born with the necessary independent living skills to get by in everyday life, no one is born with all of them. Most of us learn these skills as we grow older. We model ourselves after our parents and caregivers during our formative childhood years.
Another crucial skill that all young adults must possess, before moving out of their homes, is financial independence. Moreover, along with these tangible requirements, young adults must feel emotionally ready to start their journey of independent living. Some other living skills that a young adult must possess to facilitate ‘independent living’ are proper personal hygiene, health care, basic cooking skills, and critical thinking.
Independent living has not only become a social condition of the time, but also an important aspect at this age of a person’s life. One will encounter several challenges in the real world when one finally leaves the sheltered life of his or her parent’s home. The person must be resilient and quick on their toes to overcome challenges.
However, ‘independent living’ facilitates the fostering of important core values and beliefs. The core values are further important and fruitful in personality development.
• Development of a sense of critical thinking- When one person lives with their parents as ‘dependents’, there are certain rules and norms that one is bound to follow. The opinions of your parents or family also have a direct impact on a person’s opinions and thought processes. However, after moving out of their homes, young adults start to form an opinion and viewpoints about the world of their own. Solving problems and challenges whilst living on their own facilitate the development of their critical thinking and reasoning skills.
All of these critical thinking skills will further help in the overall development of young adults.
• Boosts self-confidence- Self-confidence is derived from a person’s trust in their values, opinions, judgments, and decisions. Only when a person makes decisions on their own without considering the opinions of others will they be able to trust their direction and judgment. This will only occur when the individual moves out of their parent’s home, where they are housed, and begins living independently.
• Communication- When young adults start living on their own, their interpersonal skills are developed. Their need to socially connect with other people for the fostering of job and life skills leads to the development of their communication and interpersonal skills.
• Basic Life Skills- Life skills range from social conventions, such as self-care, to those that support human life, such as preparing food. Being adept at life skills with minimal assistance improves a person’s daily living and overall quality of life. These life skills are important in different ways. Life skills are important for sustaining an independent and well-rounded life.
Every adult needs a specific skill set to manage their independent lives in all aspects such as the personal as well as the professional aspect. These specific skills are cultivated through acquired learning. This acquired learning is facilitated when the young adults start living on their own independently.
There is nothing more empowering for a person who has spent the majority of their life being cared for by others than being allowed to grasp how to assume responsibility for themselves. The self-confidence of the person stems from their ability to control the direction of their life. When adolescents start living on their own, they develop essential life skills ranging from taking care of themselves to being financially aware. Hence, independent living in the age frame from eighteen to twenty-five years is important for leading a quality life.
Take a look at EDQuals’ independent living skills course and what it can offer by watching the video below or clicking here. Alternatively, call EDClass or EDQuals on 01909 568 338 for more information.
EDQuals (by EDClass Ltd) offers individuals an easy route to essential qualifications and vocational learning. Schools, businesses and other organisations can use the platform to deliver their own in-house training for staff.
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