3 Tips For Successful Living At Twenty-Something

Being a twenty-something adult is not the easiest part of life. After all, you are no longer a child but are far from being a mature, experienced adult. Frequently, twenty-somethings get thrown into a career, are given huge responsibilities and left to fend for themselves before they have the skills to do so. This happens when they live on the shirt tails of their parent’s professional dream for them, disregarding what they really want. The other thing that I see happening in our society is young people are less motivated and are even afraid to step out into the world. I believe this has something to do with the cold digital reality that has taken our youth away from successful living at twenty-something. Here are some tips to get things moving in a positive direction for you or your young adult children.

Successful Living at Twenty-Something #1: Embrace Basic Life Skills Early

When teens get to their twenties, they may feel empowered or even freer than they ever have. However, life might smack them in the face when they realize that they don’t have a clue about how to take care of themselves. I’m talking about basic life skills here. Things like changing a tire, cleaning a house, paying bills or silly things like how to poach an egg might as well be rocket science. It truly makes them wish they’d paid attention to instructions from parents and other mentors. No worries, though. It’s never too late to learn the basics!

For Parents of Twenty-Somethings

1. Refresh their memory by asking them to help you with some basic chores.
2. Leave an open door for questions and communication.
3. Don’t try to control everything.

For Twenty-Somethings

1. Take a couple of life skills classes.
2. Listen to those who are trying to help.
3. Know that things will work out if you don’t give up.

Successful Living at Twenty-Something #2: Get Some Perspective

Parents and the twenty-somethings might benefit from a step back to look at any adverse situations that arise. Even if things don’t seem to ever go in a positive direction, doesn’t mean that they won’t in the future. Furthermore, understand that each one of us is unique and special and should not be compared to anyone else.

For Parents of Twenty-Somethings

1. Remember, your children are not you. They have their own life to live.
2. Take a trip down memory lane and try to revisit some of your rough patches.
3. Share your past struggles with your children. They will connect with you more.

For Twenty-Somethings

1. Focus on your own life and see where you can do things more efficiently.
2. Make clearer choices by gathering the facts before you decide what you want to do.
3. Reward yourself for a job well done.

Successful Living at Twenty-Something #3: Have a Solid Support System In Place

We all know that mistakes and failure can turn life upside down for a long time. Relationship breakups, job losses, failed classes, and financial loss can all feel like a drowning pool. This is even truer when it happens to young adults. They may not want to reach out to parents because they don’t want to seem immature or needy. However, if the problems are serious like addiction or health-related, isolation can become life-threatening. The twenty-something may need medical advice or to attend a drug alcohol rehabilitation center.

For Parents of Twenty-Somethings

We got a little serious up in the previous paragraph, but most of the support twenty-somethings need does not require an intervention. It’s more like letting them know that you are there for them no matter what. And, if you’re there for them when they want to “poach an egg, ” they will more likely open up about the harder stuff.  

For Twenty-Somethings

If you want a better life, keep your support system close. Don’t feel like asking for help makes you weak, immature, or needy. In fact, reaching out for advice and support shows maturity and a willingness to learn and grow. I’ll let you in on a secret…we parents love to be needed by our kids at any age!