Have you ever known “that kid”? The one who can’t make a major choice with our first consulting dear old Mom and Dad. Or perhaps whenever they must speak to an adult, the parent will speak for the child.
According to a Boston Globe article, parents are becoming more controlling of their child’s college education.
After 18 years with mom and dad hovering inches away, she believes students fail to develop basic safety skills, study and sleeping habits, negotiation skills, sharing skills and self reliance.
But the question is why? Is the the “blame the parent” trend that has been sweeping the country for years? Or maybe one too many parents watch the nightly news and are stricken into a dictator-like parenting style out of fear.
Regardless, with the transition to college its time to begin the time honored practice of severing the parental ties. This applies both emotionally and financially. Although most parents contribute to tuition, will you continue to rely on Mom and Dad for spending money? Or will you get a job and own up to some responsibility? Will you make sure your parents approve of every class you take? Or will you take it upon yourself to handle your own affairs?
While I don’t think any kid should just kick the family to the wayside there is something to be said for responsibility and independence. As the our forefathers have said: we must “dissolve the bands which have connected [us] with another.”
Those forefather guys were pretty smart if you ask me…
[tags]Declaration of Independence, Boston Globe, parents, college[/tags]