Camila’s Advice Column: Cutting the Umbilical Cord

Q: My parents are overly attached to me. Everytime I mention going away for a vacation or for an internship opportunity, they freak out and say no. I’m an adult now. How can I make them see that?

Parents do have a hard time letting go of their kids, but nagging them about letting you do something won’t prove that you’re an adult either. First, you want to show them that you’re an adult instead of simply stating it over and over. You know what they say; actions speak louder than words! Therefore, the easiest way to make them see you as an adult is to start at home. Do you part by making sure your room is clean, helping out around the house, and by doing other tasks independently such as your laundry. These small tasks add up! If you have a job, try balancing your budget and pay some of your bills. Not depending on your parents financially is a huge deal, and something that they’ll definitely take notice of. By doing this, you’ll also be proving to yourself that you’re ready to enter adulthood by becoming more responsible and organized.

If your parents are overly attached, do some things that set you apart from them and show that you’re growing up. Aside from school, ask for more hours from your job, join the gym and take some classes, or spend more time with your friends throughout the week. By filling up your schedule, you’ll be proving that you have your life on track.

Lastly, the most important thing you should do to show your parents that you’re an adult is to change your attitude around them. A bad attitude can ruin all of the steps you’ve taken above, and just shows how immature you still are. Your parents are still your parents, so you should always show a certain level of respect around them, and take all of their responses into consideration. Some of the problems you have with them may come from you giving them a hard time about something, so make sure you always think before you speak!

When you show that you’re responsible, respectful, and organized, you’ll be well on your way to doing the major things that you want to do. If your parents are still apprehensive, calmly explain to them all of the reasons why you should be able to do something, and give examples. They’ll have every reason to say yes!