Factors to Consider When Selecting a Guardian: Age and Maturity

NB: This post is part of a series discussing factors you should consider when selecting a guardian for your minor children. You can read all these posts here.

When deciding who to select as your children’s guardian, it is important to consider not only that person’s age, but their maturity level.

Texas requires that guardians be at least 18 years of age. But just because a person is legally an adult does not mean that he or she is ready to take on the responsibilities of being a surrogate parent to a child.

Anyone who has raised children knows that parenting is not easy. It requires an enormous emotional and time commitment. Because of the commitment involved, a very young, single person with a carefree lifestyle may not provide your children with the stability they need or have the time to devote to raising them.

Conversely, while it is often tempting to name grandparent as your children’s guardian, an adult who is too old may not have the physical stamina or the life expectancy needed to raise them to adulthood.

The person you select should be someone who will be able to devote the time and energy necessary to raising your children, and will have the maturity to step into the role of a parent and comfort your children as they deal with a tremendously emotional and life-changing event.