At what age are they adults?

Your opinion is true, friend ... maturity should not be pegged on the number of age. Maturity of a child can be directed since an early age by his parents with teaching the principles of independent living to them.

You have to put that whole age limit thing in perspective...it doesn't necessarily mean their ready to move out but rather that they are legally responsible for their actions. Since I have a little insider information since we're family, I know the problem you are facing. Personally, I think that if a young adult is working, paying their own bills and finished with school then they should be fine on their own. I don't think that teenagers in school need to be living on their own...I think that's too much for them. Also most girls who move out quickly do it to move in with a b/f which then leads to a too-soon pregnancy...and God forbid if the relationship doesn't work out and the girl is left with no partner and a baby to support. The only thing you can do is sit down and talk to your teenager and explain your concerns and make sure that she understands that you are there to help her no matter what and that she can always come home if need be. I wish you lots of love and luck cuz. [b]**AT PEACE WITHIN** ~~STAND STRONG IN YOUR BELIEFS~~[/b]

The age labels do not necessarily represent adult hood, but do represent when they can be allowed certain adult privileges and be expected to be accountable for miss steps. No, they are not ready, for the most part to be launched on their own, and I have felt sad when I have heard people say that "As soon as they are 18 they are out the door." Kids do want to grow up fast, but they need us as loving safety nets to help them get there.

Hi Carpathian, I don't think anyone should distinguish between the sexes here, it depends on the individual. In most countries the government sets the law but that is simply considered for the average person. I once knew a boy who was more of an adult at twelve than many are at twenty. Also a girl comes to mind who was grown up at fourteen. There were many others of course but two pop into my head at the moment. Some are not adults at 25 or even 30 as I'm sure we've all seen. Blessings.

i think all kids want to grow up too fast & think that has been going on forever. Alot of parents push them into doing things instead of letting them be kids for as long as they can. Children don't realize when they are in a good place because they want to be grown-up.I admire your daughter for working . So many young people don't see the necessity of ever working. They think parents are going to hand out to tehm forever. Both my sons are grown & i'm thankful for that altho i miss those little boys they were.

For me, girls meet their adult stage when they have reached the age of 24, why? because 24 for me is the right age to marry and to have a family, you're an certified adult if you don't have fixations..

Yeah you're right not all kids are grown up already at the age of 17-18. There are some people that thinks younger than their age and the opposite way. I also agree with your measurement on how you can called a person adult, if and only if they could stand on their feet alone without relying to someone. My son is two years old but his development is fast. Many people say that he looks like 5 years old because of his motorskills and the way he comprehends. When he's months old he didn't get through with crawling stage instead sit and walk directly.

Every one in those middle age is called adult and they were able to do work by them self .They were growing fast because they working and have the idea of working and have the way of dealing with different people.They were worried about the job and their life.