Quote:
Originally Posted by secretgalaxy
Haha, I know in Europe, 18 is an adult too, but in America, 18 is a huge thing where you step away from your parents and be your own person. In Europe, especially where my mom is from, they hold a tighter leash :P .
I think I'll just tell her I don't wish to talk about it and if she pushes I'll restate that sentence. Like everyone said she can't force me.
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Yes, you are an adult, 18 (I have one myself), and it is hard to let him go. The new world desperately trying to hold on to the ways of the old world. That was some of the difficulty with me and my parents. Now, with my son I have to be careful not to be that helicopter parent. It ain't easy, but I catch myself. A lot. I no longer have the luxury of going in the exam room with him or calling up his doctors to discuss test results, or them even willing to give me the test results. When things go wrong for him at the university I cannot just pick up the phone and run interference. Now he's got to do it himself. And, I am glad.
We in America (no, not everyone) refuse to give our kids responsibility,. They turn 18, and we hover even at college job fairs. Mom hands out Johnny's exemplary resume with fresh baked homemade chocolate chip cookies that grandma baked in the old world. Then when we as parents have had enough because they "can't" take care of themselves. We refuse to let them fall flat on their face (think garage or basement at 26 and no consistent job history), so that they can pick themselves up, and start to live their life with meaning and purpose.
secretgalaxy, if not now — when? You need to practice.
Me: "Lecture over, secretgalaxy. Carry on."
*Forgive me for stepping in as a parent.