Welcome To The Real World: 8 Reasons To Stop Living Off Your Parents

Mom and Dad have been good to you, but now, it’s time to be your own parent. Experience independence because it’s for your own good.

Maybe it was Peter Pan, but someone sure gave growing up a bad reputation. Being an adult doesn’t mean you’re throwing in the towel on your youth.

Rather, It’s more like a reward for getting through adolescence. Taking care of yourself is sexy — here's why:

Earning your own money teaches you the value of it.

Day in and day out, we all go to work. The value of our time and effort translates to paychecks. We then use that money to buy the fruits of someone else’s labor to meet our wants and needs.

Without the reimbursement from your parents, you're forced to think twice before buying frivolously. Money doesn’t just reappear after you spend it; you must get back out there and earn it.

In addition to humbling you, this onslaught of responsibility will highlight another reason why you should thank your parents.

Entering adulthood means a chance to advance.

All that coddling probably conditioned you to think that someone will step in when something is wrong. But in the real world, there are battles that mommy and daddy can’t fight for you.

And, they shouldn’t! These are opportunities that allow you to. They advance you both emotionally and psychologically.

Becoming the master of your own emotions, tricky situations and your own fears will train you toward independence. If you learn how to calm yourself down in crises and pull through, you'll certainly be able to take on greater challenges.

You get to be your own boss.

It’s the freedom to do what you want without someone’s say influencing your choices. Much like any financial backer, your parents will want input on their investment. And, who can blame them?

Shifting accountability from your parents to yourself means greater responsibility. It’s not an easy process, but it tastes like sweet, sweet freedom.

Your significant other will thank you.

Nothing is more of a mood killer than stopping by your mom’s house to do some laundry. Cutting the umbilical cord is not only for financial benefit, after all.

Being a momma’s boy or daddy’s girl can sometimes get in the way of developing your relationships with new people. If someone requires approval from their parents before making a decision, it's likely drive the person's S.O. insane.

It’s important to be respectful and grateful toward the people who raised you, but balance is key.

You will develop a new relationship with your parents.

This is the next stage of your relationship with your parents. Once they see you as a full-fledged adult, you'll have the chance to gain real respect, which also must be earned.

Your parents are your parents and they will always care for you as such, but there’s a chance to also be friends. Weird friends, sure. But friends, nonetheless.

It establishes a new sense of self.

Becoming independent is a surefire way to improve your self-worth, self-esteem and self-respect. Take pride in what you do. See the tangible fruition of your efforts and know that you did it.

This may be something as small as moving out and paying your own rent, which is actually a pretty big deal. You worked hard, made money and paid for the place where you live. You’ve provided yourself with one of three basic human needs: food, clothing and shelter.

It raises your standards for yourself and other people.

Self-sufficiency will make you seek the same in others. This leads to more mature relationships, friendships and connections with other people.

Because you value your time and your parents' time, you will not be able to go back to taking handouts without thinking twice about what exactly they mean.

You have the satisfaction of knowing that you’re succeeding as a human being.

Look at you — walking through evolution, punching Darwinism in the face and ignoring warnings of the real world. Most of the time, I’m pretty sure that I’m failing at life, but then, I remember my independence means I’m not.

Our parents have done so much for us. Then, they release us into the wild. They let go and we either fail or fly.

I want to make my parents proud. I want to make myself proud, too.