“Failure to Launch” Syndrome

Do you have an adult child still living at home, long after you expected them to move out?

Are you having trouble getting your adult child to maintain employment or help out around the house?

Does your adult child spend a lot of time playing video games, or hanging out with friends instead of working or going to school?

Because of over-protective or enabling parenting, societal and economic changes, as well as technological advancements, today’s young adults, are struggling with a phenomenon known as “Failure to Launch” syndrome. While not an actual diagnosis, Failure to Launch syndrome refers to young adults who have struggled or failed to transition into adulthood.

Young adults with this syndrome may lag behind their peers in completing schooling or maintaining employment. They may still live at home and spend an inordinate amount of time on social media or exhibit little interest in future planning for adult responsibilities. If your adult child lacks confidence, has little to no work ethic, and lacks goals or motivation, they may be suffering from Failure to Launch syndrome. Other symptoms include entitlement, social anxiety, low tolerance for stress, and failure to assume adult responsibilities.

If any of this resonates with what’s going on in your life…

Your adult child fails to maintain employment or stay in school
Your adult child is anxious, depressed, or lacks motivation
You have arguments with your spouse or minor children because your adult child is still living at home
Your adult child acts hostile, entitled, and/or refuses to help out with basic chores
You want to help motivate your adult son or daughter to finish school or improve their grades
You need help enforcing structure and boundaries at home
You’d like your adult child to contribute with rent and chores while going to school or work

… then family and individual therapy with a licensed mental health professional can help.

Therapy and structure can help young adults successfully transition into adulthood. Group or individual therapy can help them identify underlying causes for the issues they struggle with and find new and positive ways to cope with and overcome these difficulties.

If your adult child is struggling with Failure to Launch syndrome, our office can help. Give us a call today and let’s schedule a time to talk.