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

“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

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...

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.