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What you need to know when your teen is turning 18.
When teens turn 18, it is cause for celebration! Parents and teens alike can pat themselves on the back for having made it to this point!
This milestone brings about significant changes in the dynamics of your relationship with your child.
Here’s a guide on how to deal with these changes while considering parental rights, teen rights, and adjustments in your parenting style.
A Word on Parental Rights and Teen Rights
In most places, turning 18 marks the age of majority, where your teenager gains legal adulthood. This means they have the right to make decisions about their life, including education, healthcare, and finances.
Communication is key! Maintain open and honest communication with your teenager. Discuss the shift in responsibilities and decision-making, emphasizing the importance of responsible choices.
Three ways parental rights change when a teen turns 18.
- To see 18-year-old’s medical records, grades, bank statements, your child has to formally agree and give consent.
- You no longer automatically have the authority to make healthcare decisions for them. Even if they are still covered by your health insurance and you are paying the bill. This means that if your child has an accident or illness and is temporarily disabled, you may need court approval to act on their behalf or even to be informed of their medical status.
- FERPA also prevents you from seeing grades and getting transcripts, even if you are paying for school.
Especially if you have a high school student who turned 18, here are four forms that you might want to fill out so you can help your teen in an emergency:
- HIPAA Waiver
- Medical Power of Attorney (check if this form changes if they go to college out of state)
- Durable Power of Attorney (allows you to handle financial affairs)
- FERPA Waiver
Also in this episode:
- Sports betting, terms, and gambling resources.
- Dungeons and Dragons is becoming mainstream. Here’s what you need to know.
In this episode, we mentioned or used the following resources.
- Gambling Resources: 1-800-662-4357 – SAMHSA or 1-800-GAMBLER
- Gridiron Games: Super Bowl Bingo
- Dungeons and Dragons: dndbeyond.com | Movie
- Grown and Flown: 50 Things You Can Do When You Turn 18 (Who Knew?)
- Lawrence Financial Planning: What You Need To Know When Your Teen Turns 18
- Teen Life Podcast: Sports Betting | Talking About Violence with Teens
- Podcast music by Luke Cabrera & Tobin Hodges
Have a question?
If you have a question about something you heard or just want to give us some feedback, please leave us a comment below. We would love to hear from you!
About Us
Karlie Duke
Director of Communications
Tobin Hodges
Program Director
Caleb Hatchett
Podcast Host
Caleb Hatchett | Podcast Co-Host
Caleb loves helping teenagers take ownership of their faith and relationships. He graduated from Abilene Christian University with a degree in Youth and Family Ministry and is currently Student Ministry Director at Jenks Church in Oklahoma.
Karlie Duke | Director of Communications
Karlie has always had a heart for teenagers. Through her role at Teen Life, she loves to showcase the amazing stories coming out of Support Groups, but she is especially passionate about helping adults and teenagers find connection. Karlie has a BS in Communications with a minor in Family Studies from Abilene Christian University.
Tobin Hodges | Program Director
Tobin’s entire career has been centered around students and teens from all walks of life. He has a passion for helping teens be their best selves. As Program Director, he loves working directly with school staff and students through Teen Life Support Groups. Tobin has a Bachelor’s Degree in Music from Texas Tech University.