I just heard from an admissions staff member at Harvard University. He told me he interviewed a prospective student recently and had an unusual experience. During the interview the student would answer his questions, then look down after each one. The staff member assumed the student was just a bit shy. But, alas, it was something else. He was looking down at his phone. His mother was texting him the answers to each of the questions he was asked in the interview.
I have been musing for some time about a demographic group sociologists say has expanded worldwide. The years between 18-26 and even beyond have become a distinct life-stage — a strange, transitional never-never land between adolescence and adulthood — in which young people stall for a few extra years, putting off adult responsibility. They often stall after college. The percentage of 26-year-olds living with their parents has doubled since 1970.
Some demographers are worried. They fear that these young people won’t grow up because they can’t. They fear that whatever social machinery used to turn kids into adults has broken down. They also fear society no longer provides young people with the moral backbone and the financial wherewithal to take their rightful place in the adult world. Unwittingly, some parents won’t let their kid grow up.
So… What can we do to help?
Today and tomorrow, I plan to provide a handful of ideas that parents, employers, coaches, youth workers, or teachers can implement to help. Below is a list on how we can help these young adults get ready for life:
1. Help them identify their strengths and match their gifts with real-life work.
Use an assessment tool like “StrengthsQuest” or some other test to enable them to evaluate where they are strong. A clear sense of identity goes a long way in preparing a student for life. Once they know their strengths, personality, spiritual gifts, and style — give them assignments or responsibility that matches who they are.
2. Arrange interviews with CEOs who can field their questions and talk “turkey.”
Bring into your class or campus ministry to corporate leaders who can tell their story on how they got started, and field questions. Utilize local leaders in churches, businesses and counseling offices.
3. Encourage time limits on leisure activities.
Far too many young adults are addicted to PlayStation 3, Halo and other electronic games. Do I sound like a parent? These games are not horrible, but healthy accountability might help them stop wasting too much time on them.
