"Tengo una visión muy práctica de la crianza de los hijos. Pongo un cartel en cada una de sus habitaciones: La hora de salida es a los 18 años."

This quote is all about setting clear boundaries and preparing your children for independence. It’s like saying, “Hey, you've got 18 years under our roof to learn, grow, and get ready for the world.” This isn't about kicking them out the door on their 18th birthday, but rather about instilling a sense of responsibility and self-reliance.

Imagine this: You're a parent juggling work, home responsibilities, and making sure your kids are not just surviving but thriving. This quote is a reminder that your ultimate goal is to prepare them for life on their own. It emphasizes the importance of teaching kids life skills and giving them the tools they'll need to navigate adulthood successfully.

Think back to the post-WWII era, when the idea of reaching adulthood at 18 was much more prevalent. This context helps explain where this mindset comes from. Back then, 18-year-olds were often expected to either go to college, start a job, or join the military. The idea was to step into the world as responsible adults, ready to contribute to society. This historical backdrop reinforces the notion that raising independent children is a timeless goal.

Now, let’s look at a real-life example. Consider a friend of mine, Sarah. She’s a single mom with three kids. From an early age, she’s had her kids help with chores, manage their own homework schedules, and even cook simple meals. By the time her eldest was 18, she knew how to budget, how to fix minor things around the house, and was already working a part-time job. Sarah didn’t just tell her kids they needed to be independent—she showed them how to do it and let them practice.

So, how do you apply this wisdom in your life? Start small. Teach your kids the basics of handling money, doing laundry, and cooking. Give them responsibilities that match their age and abilities, and gradually increase these as they grow older. It’s about incremental independence. And don’t just preach—model the behavior. Show them how you manage your own responsibilities and let them see you problem-solve.

Picture this: It’s a busy Saturday morning. Your 10-year-old, Jamie, wants pancakes for breakfast. Instead of making them, you pull out the ingredients and guide Jamie through the process. You’re there to supervise, but Jamie does the work. It’s a small step, but he’s learning self-sufficiency. Fast forward to him being 18 and moving out—he won’t be surviving on instant noodles because he knows his way around the kitchen.

In essence, the quote is a nudge to parents to focus on the big picture. You’re not just raising kids—you’re raising future adults. The “checkout time” at 18 isn’t a hard deadline but a goalpost. It’s a reminder that your job is to prep them for a successful life on their own. So, think of each day as one more opportunity to teach them something valuable. It’s like adding tools to their life’s toolbox, one skill at a time. And when 18 comes around, they might still be a little nervous—but they’ll be ready.