The Myth of Maturity

While parents, teachers and employers want to help young people move from adolescence to adulthood, they are hampered by out-dated and misguided ideas about maturity. They expect young people to reach adulthood at the same age previous generations did, unaware that they need longer to gain the skills required by an increasingly complex and changeable society. Unrealistic expectations crush young people's confidence and prevent those who care for them from providing the support necessary to allow a smooth crossing from adolescence to adulthood. Acting in the name of love, many parents of young adults withdraw emotional or practical support, thinking it best for a son or daughter to solve his or her own problems, even suffer through their own mistakes. Terri Apter show us that young adults need guidance and support, while also requiring respect and independence. Based on carefully observed case studies and current research, this book describes how young people can be supported through a crucial stage in their development.