To think an 18 year old doesn't need more support than a 21 year old?

[Zinksy]

My best friend seems to think the 21 year old should be much more independent? Is this really true?

[GeillisTheWitch]

I'd expect both of them to be reasonably independent at those ages, I was living away from home at 18.

[coconuttella]

I grew up a lot between 18 and 21.... Obviously as adults they should be pretty independent at nothing those ages... though I wasn’t really at 18.

[SasBel]

Depends, I left home at 16 so was very independent at an early age.
What sort of support?
Would have loved someone to do my washing for me as I did it all by hand

[Ttbb]

Yes, definitely. A lot if people will do a lot between the two, move out, get a first job, first relationship, first sex, first break up, university, the list goes on.

[spidey66]

I would think it was odd for an 18 year old at uni not to speak to their parents for 3 months while at uni. Even 30 years ago so pre mobile phones/Skype I think it would be the norm to speak to them at least weekly.

[spidey66]

My parents are dead now, but even in my 20s/30s I spoke to them roughly once a week. And at that stage I didn't need their support as much.

[Crumbs1]

I think a 21 year old should be more settled into adulthood. Eighteen has only just left school and may still be learning the ways of the world. We give our 19year old more practical and financial support than her siblings.