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It’s my sweetest memory in a long time with my kids.

It was about ten-thirty at night.

My husband and I had gotten settled in the bed to go to sleep. He took my hand to pray before we drifted off.

Do you have young adult children? Have you discovered the joys that come with this age? Here are 10 Unexpected JOYS of Young Adults. #youngadults #parenting #prayforyoungadults #prayforyourkids

10 Unexpected JOYS of Parenting Young Adults

About that time, a deep voice interrupts us as our 6 feet, 4-inch, 23-year old son comes into our room and plops down between us on our bed.

He starts to talk to us, and we begin to laugh together.

Not 10 minutes later, his sister (our 21-year old daughter) appears in our room and plops down beside me on the bed.

We are all on the bed, in the dark, talking and laughing.

It was a great moment with my young adult children…one that I treasure.

And, I began to think about how much I enjoy my young adult kids.

Sure, children, this age can be challenging. This is the age when our kids are making HUGE decisions about life, careers, marriage, having their own children, where to live, and where to worship.

Their decisions are not little anymore and they carry great repercussions.

Also, young adults can keep very late hours, they can eat you out of house and home, they can cost a whole lot of money, and sometimes they can wear you out.  

And they are also an incredible joy.

They are unexpectedly and unbelievably a JOY at this age.

They are unexpectedly and unbelievably a JOY at this age. Click To Tweet

In preparation for this post, I asked some of my dearest friends to share what they enjoy about their young adult children. Family members shared their thoughts as well.

From these interviews, I’ve compiled a list of 10 Unexpected Joys of Young Adults:

Joy #1They are FUN!

Life is full of humor, noise, videos, movies, memes, jokes, and laughter with young adult children.

We laugh with them, about them, and at them.

They are just plain fun.

“They make me laugh… a lot!” says Regina, mom to two young adults boys.

They are just plain fun. Click To Tweet

Joy #2They are great encouragers!

Young adult kids will compliment you, tell you what you are doing well, thank you, and offer all sorts of good words.

Young adults can be some of your best encouragers.

My friend Christi Gee shares, “They are some of my biggest supporters, encouraging my writing, sharing it with their friends, and then messaging me often to pass along a story of how something impacted someone else.”

My daughter will often look at me and say something that makes me feel good like, “Mom, you look good in that outfit.”

Young adults can be some of your best encouragers. Click To Tweet

Joy #3They are helpful!

They can do so much at this age, and they are willing to pitch in and help.

Not only do they assist us as parents, but they also help their grandparents, neighbors, and friends.

It is so much fun to watch them serve and use their gifts and talents for good.

Beth Reed shares, “They become the most unexpected and delightful ministry partners.”

“They tag team with me to plan family events. It’s no longer all up to me to brainstorm ideas and follow through on details. And they have great ideas,” shares Christi Gee.

It is so much fun to watch them serve and use their gifts and talents for good. Click To Tweet

Joy #4They amaze you with their wisdom!

Sometimes, they will amaze you with what they have contemplated and considering.

Ruthie Gray shares this insight, “Daily they bless me with their spiritual wisdom and growth. Sometimes I wonder who these kids are because I don’t know that I was that wise at that young of an age.”

“They help me see tried and true principles from a fresh perspective, “ shares Beth Reed.

Diane Smith says, “They teach me new things all the time.”

Young adult kids will surprise you with the depth of their insights, ideas, and questions. Click To Tweet

Do you have young adult children? Have you discovered the joys that come with this age? Here are 10 Unexpected JOYS of Young Adults. #youngadults #parenting #prayforyoungadults #prayforyourkids

Joy #5They are honest and help you to be more honest!

They are enjoyable to talk to and to hang out with. 

Kids this age are very real, open, and genuine, and they want you to be the same way.  

It is refreshing to interact with them.

Diane Smith says, “They are great company and conversationalists.”

Regina Green shares, “They have taught me to be brutally honest about myself and others. There are no shades of gray… at all… ever!”

Christie Gee remarked about her adult kids, “They challenge me to think. I used to ask the questions, knowing the answers. Now, I ask the questions, interested in their point of view.”

“They begin asking the most thought-provoking and penetrating questions,” shares Beth Reed.

They are enjoyable to talk to and to hang out with. Click To Tweet

Joy #6 – It is enjoyable to watch them grow up.

There is something so enjoyable about parenting this age of the child.

It is fun to talk to them and much fun to walk through life with them.

Lisa Allen says, “I think watching them walk through adulthood is interesting, exciting, and scary. It’s somewhat like when they were learning to walk, ride their bike, drive, the first day of school, etc., but it is much better because I have no responsibility.”

According to Kelly Rhodes, “It is joyful to see my kids begin to experience the adult life through fresh eyes, and I’m really getting to see them live out the life lessons we’ve discussed all along. There are more opportunities at this stage for them to put into action ideas and principles we’ve always tried to instill in them.”

It is fun to talk to them and much fun to walk through life with them. Click To Tweet

Joy #7It is so much fun to watch them make their own decisions!

This is a season in their lives where they are making huge decisions and having to be responsible for those decisions.

Becky Morris says, “They choose husbands for themselves. I could not have asked for or prayed for better spouses. They have chosen professions that they have worked hard for and are passionate about.”

It is so much fun to watch them make their own decisions! Click To Tweet

Joy #8It is so sweet to watch them get married and have their own kids!

Ruthie Gray shares, “My oldest turned out to be a fantastic parent… And the rest of them are terrific aunts and uncles, which lets me know that they are going to be great parents too!”

There is great joy in watching our adult kids launch out, get married, and start their own families. Click To Tweet

Joy #9Your prayer life will grow exponentially during this season!

I don’t believe I’ve ever prayed as much for my kids than I have at this particular stage of their lives.

There is more to pray for and more to pray about for these kids.

“I really enjoy moving into the role of talking to God about them, instead of talking to them all about God,” shares Lisa Allen.

There is more to pray for and more to pray about for these kids. Click To Tweet

Joy #10It is awesome to enjoy the fruit of your labors!

What you have invested in your children will begin to produce returns at this stage.

You will begin to enjoy all of your time, hard work, and prayer.

Ruthie Gray shares, “The older they get, the more they appreciate us. They like to pick our brains and hear stories of how we struggled through the early years of parenting.”

Kelly Rhodes says, “I really enjoy watching my daughter mature and begin to appreciate all that she’s had at home.”

“They are beginning to reproduce what has been invested in them… And it is so rewarding to see. They are giving the same advice to friends that we have given to them,” remarks Beth Reed.

Dawn Guyton shares, “They are deep thinkers, and they come to us for advice.”

“They joyfully serve the Lord, and that is the greatest joy of all,” expresses Ruthie Gray.

What you have invested in your children will begin to produce returns at this stage. Click To Tweet

Parenting young adults

It is not without its challenges.

But, there are some wonderful and unexpected joys during this season of life.

So, what about you?

~ What about your kids?

~ Do you have young adults?

~ What are some unexpected joys you’ve experienced with them?


*Special thanks to my amazing friends for sharing their parenting insights. I’m blessed by you, Kelly Rhodes, Ruthie Gray, Dawn Guyton, Lisa Allen, Diane Smith, Beth Reed, Becky Parrish, Regina Green, Becky Morris, Christi Gee, and Randy Redd.



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Live In Light is every girl's guide to tackling their teenage years with the wisdom and comfort of the Bible. From navigating the pressure to be "perfect" on social media to dating and dealing with frenemies, these 5-minute devotionals help you to become the woman that both you and God want you to be. #teengirls #teendevotions #liveinlight #lighttheway



Could you use more Parenting Advice?

5 FABULOUS WAYS TO PRAY FOR YOUNG ADULTS

HOW TO GET ALONG WITH YOUR SISTER (AND BROTHER)

 


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© Melanie Redd and Ministry of Hope, 2019. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner are strictly prohibited. Further, excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Melanie Redd and Ministry of Hope with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Do you have young adult children? Have you discovered the joys that come with this age? Learn the truths about these children and some positive tips for better parenting your young adult kids.

Do you have young adult children? Have you discovered the joys that come with this age? Here are 10 Unexpected JOYS of Young Adults. #youngadults #parenting #prayforyoungadults #prayforyourkids

Do you have young adult children? Have you discovered the joys that come with this age? Here are 10 Unexpected JOYS of Young Adults. #youngadults #parenting #prayforyoungadults #prayforyourkids


helloredds@gmail.com

Best-Selling Author | Speaker | Blogger| Podcaster | When the world is falling apart, we can ALWAYS trust in God’s goodness!

28 Comments

Diana | Diana’s Diaries · 04/07/2019 at 4:50 PM

I enjoy having little conversations with my triplets but I was just picturing them as adults God willing someday 🙂

What a joy it will be to see them all grown and fun. To see answers to the prayers . To play with their children as well

    helloredds@gmail.com · 04/18/2019 at 7:36 AM

    Diana,
    They will be grown before you know it.
    It all passes really quickly.
    So, enjoy them now while they are little!
    And, give them a big hug for me today!
    Love you,
    Melanie

sydell alford · 04/07/2019 at 12:48 PM

What a wonderful sweet and encouraging post.I love this. I have two adult children and they have brought so much Joy to me.It amazes me how they teach me so much when I think Im teaching them. They bless me with in watching them spead love,kindness and being humble to others. Im so grateful God chose me to be their mom. Thank you for this lovely post Melanie! Sweet Blessings to you!

    helloredds@gmail.com · 04/18/2019 at 7:35 AM

    Thank you, Sydell!
    Sounds like you have some wonderful adult kids.
    It is much fun on this side, isn’t it!
    Hope you and your family have a blessed Easter.
    Sure do appreciate you!
    Melanie

Chris L’Heureux · 04/07/2019 at 10:04 AM

Melanie, what a great post! I don’t have children, but I have two adult nieces that are like my daughters. They are my very good friends and so supportive. They are such a delight. I love how you wrote this post with interviews with friends and family. Love to you!

    helloredds@gmail.com · 04/18/2019 at 7:33 AM

    Thank you, Chris!
    I’ll bet your nieces love you!
    They are blessed to have an aunt like you!
    Blessings to you,
    Melanie

Raising Samuels · 02/15/2016 at 3:13 PM

What a special treasure to share, Melanie! Oh my goodness, I can’t imagine my sons being that big but my oldest is already past half my height! I am so glad you shared this encouraging post with #SocialButterflySunday! Hope to see you link up again this week! Blessings 🙂

    helloredds@gmail.com · 02/15/2016 at 3:36 PM

    Oh, Kelly, they will be there before you know it!
    I am counting backwards. I’ll eventually get to the age of your guys!
    Enjoying the link up and meeting lots of new folks!
    Hope you have a great week~
    Blessings,
    Melanie

Michelle · 02/13/2016 at 7:01 AM

My three girls continually amaze me with their wisdom as they go through figuring out their paths for their lives. I enjoy watching my oldest daughter go through the parenthood storms and of course, when they come to us for advice, it makes me smile. There is nothing more satisfying as a parent then watching your children become responsible, loving and contributing adults. Fun post to hear others’ takes on this topic Mel. I’m not sure if you know, but I’m hosting another party on Thursdays I would love for you to link up your posts on. My readers are from all stages of life so what you offer would be a blessing to them. Tuesdays is Tuesday Talk and Thursdays beginning at 7:00 a.m. Is Party at My Place. Would love to see you there.

    helloredds@gmail.com · 02/13/2016 at 12:57 PM

    Hey Michelle,
    Thanks for the invitation to join you on Thursdays! I’m going to come over and check it out this next week!
    Always enjoy connecting with you!
    Hope you have a very Happy Valentine’s!
    You bless me,
    Melanie

elizabeth959803 · 02/10/2016 at 7:24 AM

What a fabulous post, Melanie! I’m the mom of one tween and one teen daughter, and I am already experiencing (and seeing future glimpses of) the joys you have described here. I appreciate your perspective that the delights of parenting do not end when our babies get older. 🙂 Stopping by from The Alder Collective party!

    helloredds@gmail.com · 02/10/2016 at 8:36 PM

    Hey Elizabeth,
    Thanks so much for stopping by to leave a kind word! I really do appreciate your thoughtful comments.
    It sounds like you are entering the fun days with your kids and moving toward maturity.
    And, I’m grateful that you were encouraged.
    You sound like a wonderful mom!
    Loving the link up~
    Melanie

Joy Thacker · 02/09/2016 at 8:18 PM

I LOVE this post! It’s so refreshing! My adult sons 23 and 20 ,(and my almost adult son 15), give me thoughtful gifts and have so many amazing insights. My 20 yr old calls us from college and talks to us for an hour or more. They have amazing friendships with each other. And they keep my husband and me young!:)

    helloredds@gmail.com · 02/10/2016 at 8:33 PM

    Hey Joy,
    Thanks for your kind words and for stopping by to visit!
    Isn’t it fun to watch your sons grow up and relate well with everyone.
    I love that your 20 year old calls you from college to talk!
    What a gift, and what blessing!
    Melanie

Kay · 02/09/2016 at 1:56 PM

My husband and I talk often about how proud we are of our 19 year old and 21 year old. They make decisions that astound us (in a good way) and make us to proud to be their parents. Not that there haven’t been bumps along the way at times, but by God’s grace they have overcome the obstacles and are continuing to grow more interesting, mature, loving, and just plain fun to be around, everyday!

    helloredds@gmail.com · 02/10/2016 at 8:32 PM

    Hey Kay,
    It sounds like you have some amazing kids! And, it is fun to watch them grow and mature, isn’t it!
    They can be so much fun!
    Grateful for the joys of young adults kids!
    Thanks for stopping by to leave a good word~
    Blessings,
    Melanie

Mary Flaherty · 02/09/2016 at 9:24 AM

I love my adult children! I work for my 31 year old son. And I’ve noticed that now–when my 28 year old daughter asks if I want to see a movie or get a bite to eat, and I’m busy or tired or whatever, she says, “Okay,” and I say, “I’m sorry,” feeling guilty for not spending enough time with her, and she’ll say, “You don’t need to be sorry.” I know she’s an adult when she says that. I chuckled when I read about your grown children in your bed–all I could see were these long bodies strewn about on the bed—not like when they were small, was it? I loved this post. Refreshing.

    helloredds@gmail.com · 02/09/2016 at 9:59 AM

    That is so fun, Mary!
    Don’t you love seeing and hearing them act so mature! It’s a joy!
    And, it was quite the site, I’m sure, with all four of us on the bed! I loved it!
    Thanks for stopping by and leaving a kind word today.
    You have blessed me~
    Melanie

Michele Morin · 02/08/2016 at 11:24 AM

Smiling big as I read. I’ve got two in this category and two still at home, so I guess I’m doubly blessed. So thankful for all the great benefits of knowing the two young men God has given our family. This is a very encouraging post, Melanie.

    helloredds@gmail.com · 02/09/2016 at 9:20 AM

    You are doubly blessed, Michele!
    And, do keep smiling! It’s much better than some of the alternatives!
    You have encouraged me with your kind words!

Randy Redd · 02/08/2016 at 9:16 AM

I love that our kids have grown to love and encourage one another. Great post!

Valerie · 02/08/2016 at 9:12 AM

What a sweet post! It’s encouraging to know the blessings that lie ahead. There are always moments to rejoice in the stages of motherhood (and as I write this my 5 year old is belting out Ba Ba Black Sheep at 7:15 in the am).

    helloredds@gmail.com · 02/08/2016 at 10:30 AM

    Don’t worry… I’ll get to the 5 year old stage soon enough! It’s really noisy, isn’t it!
    Hope you have a blessed day today~

dawnklinge · 02/08/2016 at 8:10 AM

I loved reading this and it was encouraging to read something so positive about the stage of parenting that’s next for me. I’m finding the prayer thing to be true already. I don’t think I’ve ever prayed so much before, now that I have a teen. Thank you for sharing this, Melanie.

    helloredds@gmail.com · 02/08/2016 at 10:29 AM

    Thanks, Dawn!
    And, there is always something to enjoy about our kids- not matter what the stage or the age.
    Your prayer life is just going to keep getting better and better and better!
    Hope you have a blessed day~
    Melanie

Leah Adams (@LeahCAdams) · 02/08/2016 at 6:19 AM

Although I never had children of my own, I am now, in my current season, “Mom” to two adults children. One is from my husband’s first marriage and one is our daughter-from-another-continent. I can identify with so much of what you wrote. I have been stretched, humbled, and blessed by them. Great post, Melanie!

    helloredds@gmail.com · 02/08/2016 at 10:28 AM

    Isn’t it fun, Leah, how God sends us kids!
    I have some kids I’ve adopted that are not my own, but they sure feel like it. I love them like I love my own kids.
    And, they do stretch, humble, and bless – don’t they!
    Thanks for stopping by to leave a good word today.
    You have encouraged my heart~
    Melanie

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