Whilst you may not live with your parents anymore, can you really say that you are an independent, real adult? As a college student at a prestigious university, I am going to guess that you are relying on your parents for money. Coming home can be frustrating because even though you feel grown-up, you are still treated like a child. Yet, you can’t rebel without losing Mom’s and Dad’s help with money. There is something that you can do to gain the respect of your parents: act like an adult (and not a 20-something college student). So I’ve compiled some tips of what you can do.
1. Do things alone
This may sound silly but you need to learn to do things alone. Even though your parents may not be holding your hand anymore, you are still constantly surrounded by others and you may not take the time to think for yourself. By doing your favourite things alone, whether it’s hiking, going to concerts or travelling, you will become less reliant on others, think for yourself and not let your life choices get dictated by what’s convenient or preferable for someone else.
2. Take the blame
One of my biggest flaws has been to always assume it’s the other person’s fault. That was, until one day when I got annoyed at a friend for not replying to me about meeting up that day. Turns out that my phone wasn’t working, not his. After that, I resolved to start looking at situations in a more frank manner and being honest when it was my fault. Don’t beat yourself up over trivial stuff, but think about what you can do better next time, forgive the other person and move one. Everyone makes mistakes.
3. Get your finances over
When I first moved away from my parents, they made me send monthly summaries of what I was spending the money they were giving me for food on. Whilst I don’t think any freshman wants to tell their parents how much they spend on alcohol (that’s a food right?), it gave me an idea of how much I was spending and on what. Now, I know generally how much I can spend on things without looking at my bank statement to see how much money I have and I can buy those non-necessities for those Treat-Yourself-Days without starving at the end of the month.
4. Do something that scares you
Terrify yourself. Accept a challenge. Whatever it is, push yourself. The confidence that you will gain from it will lead you to more challenges and adventures in the future, leading to a life of not relying on others. And you will be more willing to take the plunge when it comes to scary decisions about your future.
Whilst you may not live with your parents anymore, can you really say that you are an independent, real adult? As a college student at a prestigious university, I am going to guess that you are relying on your parents for money. Coming home can be frustrating because even though you feel grown-up, you are still treated like a child. Yet, you can’t rebel without losing Mom’s and Dad’s help with money. There is something that you can do to gain the respect of your parents: act like an adult (and not a 20-something college student). So I’ve compiled some tips of what you can do.
