Self-management, or the ability to recognize your emotions and control the behaviors sparked by those emotions, is a skill that makes a difference in all of our relationships – work, home, school, and community. It’s knowing how to manage stress, cope with adversity, and overcome obstacles to reach goals. For many families, using the term “self-management” may not be a regular thing. But many can recognize when it is – or isn’t—practiced.
Teens leaving high school for college, career, the military, or any other endeavor must take their self-management with them – not their parents’! In many cases, they face changes in rules, or situations where the rules are not so clear. The ability to overcome obstacles, reach their goals, and make wise, non-impulsive decisions are crucial to not only their personal growth, but their opportunities for a successful life. Even though you may no longer be living in the same household as your young adult, there are still ways you can support their self-management from afar.