College is as much about gaining independence as it is getting an education.

Plenty of 18-year-olds cannot wait to make the move to a dorm, purely because it is the first time they have experienced true freedom from being a part of the family unit. At the same time, a lot of parents relish the opportunity to finally have their home to themselves, or at least a little less busy. When both parties are in the same frame of mind, it is a win-win situation.

Still, just because a young adult child is living away from home doesn’t mean that they can be expected to be fully independent. While some do make it on their own, plenty of college students get by with the financial support of mom and dad. Many parents see this as a normal part of the transition to adulthood, but even they have their limits. Most do not agree with their money being used for anything and everything that their kid may want, especially when they have the ability to earn some cash themselves. If college is to be used as a preparation for adult life, then students cannot be completely coddled by their families the entire time.