If Your 18–25 Year-Old Is Home for Thanksgiving… Have This Conversation Before They Leave Again

Thanksgiving break is a whirlwind—family gatherings, comfort food, late-night catch-ups, and a house that suddenly feels full again. For many parents, having their college-age or young adult child back under their roof is a gift they don’t take for granted.

But in between the turkey, traditions, and togetherness, there’s one loving, quietly important conversation worth having before they head back to campus, work, or their own apartment:

How can we make sure you’re protected—and we can support you—if something unexpected happens?

This isn’t a lecture or a “scary talk.”
It’s a life conversation that strengthens trust, support, and peace of mind.

Why Thanksgiving Is the Perfect Time for This Conversation

When your child turned 18, the law shifted—whether they felt “fully adult” or not.

As much as you will always be mom or dad, once they turn 18, you no longer have automatic access to:

• Medical updates or the ability to speak with doctors
  
• School or academic records
  
• Financial or housing information
  
• Digital accounts, passwords, or device access
  

Even in an emergency, parents can be legally shut out without the proper documents.

Thanksgiving offers a rare opportunity to talk face-to-face, at a calm moment, before life gets busy again.

Start with Heart, Not Fear

Young adults often tune out when conversations feel controlling or negative. Instead, try something like:

“You’re building your own life now, and we are so proud of you. As you gain independence, we just want to make sure that if you ever needed help—especially in an emergency—you’ve got support. Can we talk about a few things that will give all of us peace of mind?”

This frames the discussion around care, respect, and partnership—not rules.

The Loving Truth They Don’t Know

Most young adults assume their parents can automatically help if they’re in trouble.
Most parents assume the same.

But legally, the opposite is true.

Without proper legal authorizations in place, parents may face:

• Delayed notification if a child is hospitalized
  
• Inability to speak with doctors or make medical decisions
  
• No access to help manage finances, school, or housing
  
• Potential need to go to court to help their own child
  

This isn’t about control—it’s about making sure someone they trust can step in if needed.

What to Share With Your Young Adult

A caring conversation might include:

“If something happened, who would you want making decisions if you couldn’t speak for yourself?”

“Would you want us to have access to your phone or digital info in an emergency?”

“If we couldn’t be reached, who else would you trust to be a backup?”

These questions help them take ownership of their independence while ensuring they’re not alone in a crisis.

A Simple Way to Put Protection in Place

If your child sees the value, the next step is easy: Set up a set of legal documents that give your young adult the support system they’d want—including permission for you to help if needed.

A comprehensive Young Adult Emergency Plan® provides:

• Legal documents that allow parents (or chosen adults) to help in emergencies
  
• An emergency card for instant hospital access
  
• Clear instructions, contacts, and stored information
  
• Guidance from a law firm so your child isn’t left guessing
  

It’s not a “legal project”—it’s a gift of protection.

A Thanksgiving Tradition Worth Starting

Families talk about gratitude at Thanksgiving.
What better expression of gratitude than saying:

“I love you enough to make sure you’re protected—even when I’m not there.”

Before your young adult packs their bags, gets in the car, or boards the plane back to school or work, take 20–30 minutes to have this conversation.

It may become one of the most meaningful talks of the holiday.