The Healthy Transition from Adolescent to Adulthood. "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?"

Many adolescents struggle with the transition from teen-age years to adulthood. Questions are raised on careers, friends, school and family. "How do I know I made the right decision?" "What career do I wish to pursue?" "Why is this change so difficult?" Some, at times, even wish that they had an influence or guide to help them. For many, this is where the parents step in. Parents are meant to support and help an adolescent when needed, especially during this difficult transition. However, this is not always the case. Some parents allow the adolescent to make the move alone and endure the hard times. But, in the end, what are missing are the values and morals needed to survive on the real world. A good relationship with parents makes adolescents ' transition into adulthood easier and instills family morals and values that will prevent he or she from becoming blind to the real world and possible tragedies to follow.
A good relationship with parents is necessary to make the transition from adolescence to adulthood easier. Young adolescents have to make important decisions that affect the entire life course (Muuss 5). The decisions can be difficult, but with a parent 's help, things can run more smoothly. In Joyce Oates ' "Where are you going, Where have you been?" Connie experiences not having an active mother or father in her life. As a result, she takes her life into her own hands and makes decisions based on how she feels. For example, Connie has a different personality when she is at home than when she is with her friend(s) (Oates 496). This change can be a result of her parents not taking part in discipline or teaching her correct morals. It is suggested that children and adolescents learn their values from adults and/or their parents rather than being self-taught (Damon 170). With the correct parenting and also cooperation on the adolescents ' part, the difficult transition into adulthood can be enjoyable and easier. "Adolescents not only want parents, they

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