Every January, families share a familiar hope: “This year has to be different. They need more independence. They need to grow up.” Yet, a fresh calendar rarely brings fresh habits, especially for teens and young adults facing challenges with executive functioning, anxiety, or motivation. The excitement of “new year, new me” often fades quickly without clear systems, structure, or support. If your household has already started 2026 feeling stuck, you are not alone. You are not

The recent tragedy involving Rob Reiner’s family has struck a nerve for many of us—especially those who work closely with families behind closed doors. It’s a reminder of how quiet suffering can be, even in homes filled with love. As someone who’s worked as a behavior teacher for teens navigating trauma, addiction, and undiagnosed mental illness, I’ve seen what most people will never see in a classroom. I’ve witnessed spirals, psychotic breaks, emotional warfare—and I’ve sat

If You Want Them to Have a Clue at 22, Start at 12. One of the biggest things I say (over and over) is this: Exposure and experience are the greatest teachers. We often talk about preparing kids and teens for adulthood—but preparation doesn’t happen through lectures or checklists. It happens through living alongside them.  It happens when they tag along to the grocery store, when they overhear you on a phone call, when they sit next to you at the bank, the dealership, or your

“Why can’t they just do it?” If you've ever asked yourself this about your teen or college-age child, you're not alone. Maybe they miss appointments, forget to text you back, or keep promising to do something but never follow through. They’re smart. Capable. Maybe even thriving in certain areas. But something’s not clicking—and it’s causing chaos at home, in school, or in life. This might not be defiance or immaturity. It might be executive dysfunction . What Is Executive Dys

Transitioning into adulthood can feel like stepping into uncharted territory—especially for neurodivergent teens and young adults. The path to independence isn’t one-size-fits-all, and finding the right kind of support can make all the difference. That’s why I’m passionate about helping families bridge that gap between school and adulthood with empathy, structure, and strategy. And the good news? North Texas is home to some incredible programs that are helping young adults gr

Breaking barriers as a Hispanic female entrepreneur: my journey of resilience, representation, and empowering the next generation of leaders

A guide for parents of neurodivergent young adults who need more than insight—they need action. “We’ve tried therapy. We’ve tried...

"My 21-year-old still doesn’t know how to manage money or show up to appointments on time. I feel like I failed somewhere along the way."...

At Emerging Adulthood Consulting, we talk a lot about Legacy in Progress—the idea that healing, growth, and parenting don’t follow a...

Is It Laziness—Or Something Else? If you’ve found yourself asking, “Why won’t they just get up and do something?” —you’re not alone....

When Driving Feels Like a Mountain, Not a Milestone Learning to drive is often considered a rite of passage into independence. But for...

Waiting for the "Right Time"? We often tell ourselves, "I’ll start when I’m ready." But what if readiness isn’t the golden key we think...

When the First Step Feels Like the Hardest One If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a mountain of things you want to change—but...

The Illusion of “On Time” From the moment we enter the world, there’s an unspoken timeline we’re expected to follow. Graduate high school...

A Photo, A Moment, A Message I took this photo in 2010, during a break from college, trying to figure out my next steps in life. At the...

Why Do We Feel Stuck? Growth is something we all crave, yet so many of us find ourselves trapped in cycles of sameness. We talk about...

The Silent Burden We Carry From the moment we are born, expectations are placed upon us. Some are spoken outright, while others are...

Finding your first job can be an exhilarating yet daunting experience. As a young adult entering the job market—whether you’re a recent...

Guiding young adults towards independence is both exciting and daunting. For parents, advocates, and counselors, the blend of hope and...

Learn the essential life skills every young adult needs to thrive - your guide to success and independence in adulthood.