"A Milestone That Matters: The Conversation Every Parent Should Have at 18" - Regarding end of life plan

"A Milestone That Matters: The Conversation Every Parent Should Have at 18"

Sometimes, we don't have all the answers; often, as parents, we don't know how to start the conversation.

We are thinking of them going off to college or university, we talk to them about the importance of staying safe, use good judgement, we give them all the tools they need, a cell phone plan, tools to help guide this transition from living to home to away, we help them plan, set goals, and even call us if they need to. We are preparing them for the future! They are now 18, young adults venturing out into the world, carving out their place. Yep, it is our job to help prepare them for the future! That also includes advance care planning, empowering them to understand that it is not just about tomorrow, but the importance of today. Did you know that in Ontario, when your teenager turns 18, life shifts; they are now legally an adult and responsible for their healthcare decisions. I know, scary. I remember the days when they could hardly decide whose house they were going to after the hockey game, now you're telling me they are to be adulting in their healthcare wishes?

Parents, guess what, this means you no longer have the right to make decisions on their behalf. My question is this? Would you not want to play a crucial role in helping them understand and walk them through advanced care planning? If this is not a comfort for you, there are great resources available to support and help you talk to your child or children about advanced care planning. EXIT Life Ready is not just an app; it's an excellent tool for accessing resources and information when you need them most, it is a end of life planning app. Scenario: Why your teenager in Ontario may want the EXIT Life Ready App.

Emma just turned 18 and is starting her first year of university in Toronto. Like many teenagers, she's excited, independent, and not overly concerned with legal forms or medical decisions.

But here's the reality most don't know:

Once Emma turned 18, her parents were no longer her automatic substitute decision-makers. In Ontario, she is now legally responsible for her own healthcare choices. Without formal documentation, her loved ones may be unable to act on her behalf in a medical crisis. Yes, we do have a Substitute Decision Maker Hierarchy in Ontario. This is designed to prompt you to consider how quickly things can change.

Imagine Emma is in a serious car accident and becomes unconscious. Her parents rush to the hospital, only to find out that they can't make immediate decisions or access medical information because there's no advance care plan or named power of attorney. This is also known as healthcare proxy. (Again, just a point of discussion.)

Now imagine a different outcome:

With the EXIT Life Ready app, Emma had uploaded her emergency contacts, documented her healthcare wishes, and appointed her mom as her medical power of attorney — all stored securely in her digital vault and accessible from her phone. Her medical team receives the information instantly, and her family can focus on her recovery, not legal red tape.

Emma opened a bank account when starting college and has bills to pay. Her mom is also her Power of Attorney in Ontario for Financial matters and can easily go to the bank to ensure things stay status quo until Emma gets back on her feet.

✅ Why This Matters:

EXIT Life Ready empowers young adults to take simple steps that protect their autonomy and give their families peace of mind, especially in a province like Ontario, where health decisions are governed by strict consent laws from age 18 onward.

It's not just for older people.

It's for anyone who wants to be prepared, because life is unpredictable, but being ready doesn't have to be complicated.

In the eyes of EXIT Life Ready, this works two ways: we remind ourselves, in an aging demographic, of the importance of advance care planning and respecting our wishes, while also educating our children and the younger generation about the significance of this for all of us.

Here are a couple of key questions:

At what age do we transition to adulthood in Ontario?

What is the importance of Advance Care Planning?

What is our role as parents?

Who is our healthcare proxy?

Do we have an end of life planning?

Who is our power of attorney in Ontario?

When should we start this conversation?

Typically, before they are 18 years old, during their senior year in high school.

Please encourage them to think, talk, learn, plan, and share their wishes with you.

🗣️ How to Start the Conversation as a Parent

1. Start With a Life Milestone, Not a Crisis

"Now that you're 18, you're legally responsible for a lot more things like health decisions, finances, and even what would happen in an emergency. We thought it might be a good time to talk about a few important things."

This makes it feel like a natural next step in growing up, not a scary topic.

2. Lead With Empowerment, Not Fear

"This isn't about something going wrong. It's about making sure your wishes are clear and that someone you trust can speak for you — even if you're just in the hospital for a day."

Let them know this is about independence and self-advocacy, not doom and gloom.

3. Make It Easy and Relatable

"There's an app we found called EXIT Life Ready that walks you through these decisions in a straightforward, private way. You can choose what you want to share and with whom."

Showing a tech-based solution can make the conversation feel modern, approachable, and in their control.

"You don't have to decide everything today. We want you to know your options, and we're here if you want to talk through anything."

You're planting a seed, and the EXIT Life Ready app helps them take action when they're ready.

❤️ Why This Matters:

Being 18 in Ontario means legal adulthood, but not necessarily emotional readiness. EXIT bridges that gap, helping families protect each other with clarity, not confusion, in life's unexpected moments.

As Canadians, we can do better. Statistics show that we still have a long way to go; maybe our next generation can do better.

Click to learn more about Advance Care Planning in Ontario.

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