Removing the safety net

Generation Z has a very large safety net.  A net so large that is extending far beyond an 18th birthday.  Unless that safety net is removed, we will not know whether they can thrive, let alone survive, on there one.  Time to test the theory!

When a young person realizes that their safety net is no longer there, they learn quickly to either sink or swim.  Although I wish it were this dichotomous, it is not.  They may appear to be able to immediately swim presenting as doing well, and then start to sink over time.  Or they could immediately sink to the bottom, look around to lean on their resources, and promptly learn to swim.  Better yet, a combination of both examples. 

Another example could be of a baby bird.  No bird is flawless in their first flight out of the nest.  You must first learn to take the leap out of the nest, and once you are in the air you’ll figure it out quickly or find yourself bruised and laying on the ground, dazed.  It takes time to appear graceful.  It will take practice to fly with ease.  This is exactly how life is.  There are times when you want to learn to fly, and it will not be easy.  Once you get the hang of it though, you catch yourself in a mindful moment and realize that its effortless to thrive.

This is not the case for everyone.  Again, Generation Z is really struggling with thriving because they do not even know how to survive on their own.  It is time as a society, and family unit, we removed the safety net and opted to not rescue them as they hit a few branches along the way through life.  Until we remove that safety net, we will never know what they are truly capable of.  Isn’t it time we found out?

Lastly, if after removing the safety net your adult child is clinging to you for dear life and they will not let go, it is time you hired a professional to help.  Someone that will be gentle in peeling back one finger at a time from their grasp on you as their parent.  Once they find their people and feel supported, they will be comfortable letting go.  A lot of Generation Z is requiring this level of assistance.  It is not uncommon.  Reach out now!

For questions or comments contact Joanna.