Eventually, facing an empty nest? Here’s a list of books to help your adult child when they leave home.
These days our adult children are leaving home much later than we did when we were their age. For various very worthy reasons. And while that may mean that you have more time to impart all the necessary wisdom to them before they go, it may also be nice to gift them books that they can reference when you’re not around.
Books to help your adult child when they leave home
When adult kids leave home for good, they may feel as if they’re leaving behind the guidance, inspiration, and practical advice they need as they navigate this new phase of their lives. But there are several handy books that can stand in as helpful references in times of uncertainty. Here are nine helpful books to consider gifting your adult children when they eventually do leave home:
1. Adulting: How to become a grown-up in 468 easy(ish) steps – Kelly Williams Brown
This fun, comprehensive handbook is the solution to many questions that aspiring adults may have as they leave their family home. A witty starter book filled with so many different scenarios and what to do in a diverse range of situations, this book has answers you didn’t know you needed. What kind of situations, you may ask? We’re talking about car maintenance, dating, and work life. In addition to that, there’s advice about living with roommates, what to do in emergencies and more.
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2. The leaving home survival guide – Nicola Morgan
Hailed as the ultimate guide to first-time home leavers, you may want to give this to your adult child. A more serious guide than the previous book, this one will arm them with the knowledge of what to do should their pipes burst or there’s a home fire. With sections about money, accommodation, food, health and reference guides for emergencies – this book will prepare them well. And that’ll provide you with peace of mind, at least.
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3. Why has nobody told me this before? – Dr Julie Smith
This book will help your adult children to take charge of their emotional and mental health because it’s full of lessons that equip them with the skills they’ll need to navigate common life challenges. Dr Julie Smith is a clinical psychologist who teaches coping techniques that’ll help them stay resilient and deal with anxiety, criticism and depression. Examining everyday issues, this book offers practical solutions in easy-to-understand snippets. These are great lessons that come at exactly the right time when our children need them most.
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4. If in doubt, wash your hair – Anya Hindmarch
This little handbook covers practical tips and lots of advice, in a comforting and friendly way. Grazia describes it as “A mix of memoir and manifesto”. This could be a good choice for our adult kids because it features inspiration from a global entrepreneur and businesswoman, Anya Hindmarch.
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5. It’s time for you to go – Susan Forester
Leaving home is part of life, and most of us go through it. Some children, however, may not be making plans to go to school or work and may need a gentle nudge to fledge and leave the nest, as it were. This may be the book for them. It offers solutions, not blame and may be just what is needed.
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You may also want to read: Some brilliant books about midlife that midlife women need to read
6. The little book of hygge – Meik Wiking
I’ve included this one as a feel-good option for how to make your adult children’s new home feel good and welcoming. Because it may be an interesting concept for them and also help them to make their move more positive.
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7. Edmonds Cookbook for Flatters
Moving away from the family home (and their parents’ cooking) doesn’t mean they have to miss out on great home-cooked meals. Because your adult child will be able to reference this cookbook all the time in their new flat/apartment. And they’ll learn how to make meals that’ll make them feel like a bonafide adult. I’ve bought this book as a gift on more than one occasion.
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8. How to do Grown Up Things – Liz Davis
Topics in this short little book include basic hygiene, money management, insurance, and again – information about car maintenance. This seems to be an important topic because it’s included in all of these guide books, it would seem. Information about these topics is all much needed because calling parents with every problem can stunt their growth of becoming competent adults. Helpful tips and advice are abundant in this guide and may prove to be a great gift for your high school student or university graduate.
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9. Practical House Plant Book – Zia Allaway
House plants are great gifts for your child when they’re moving into their new place because they’ll make it feel more homely right away. But pair those plant gifts with this book to help your adult child to keep those plants alive beyond a few weeks.
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