"adulting check" means: A periodic, often humbling inventory of how well you're actually functioning as an adult — bills paid, fridge stocked, doctor's appointment.... This is a fairly neutral word with no inherent risk attached. There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than something dangerous. If your child uses it, context will usually make the meaning clear. A brief, curious question about where they heard it is generally enough to know whether to follow up.